INTERVIEW TIPS

Interview Tips

Knowing what to say and how to say it is always difficult when attending interview with someone you do not know.



Below are some pointers you can use to feel more confident and

  • Alleviate your nerves by thinking of it as a discussion or conversation, not an interview:
    • Give & take 50/50 in the discussion, but take the interviewer’s lead. Do not barge in and force the conversation.
    • Show energy and interest in everything the interviewer says.
    • Show enthusiasm – people hire people they like.
    • Use eye contact, particularly to reinforce an important point. Give a firm handshake and a warm smile.
    • Think about how you look. Generally a business suit is the accepted norm.
  • Don’t allow minor objections to colour your excitement:
    • Not everything you see and hear will excite you about the job. Maintain your positive attitude and rethink the minor things AFTER the interview.
  • Strengths: talk about your skill base, technical skills and competencies, NOT your personal traits. Focus on:
    • Planning, organisation and coordination skills.
    • Motivation and willingness to do the job.
    • Specific skills you bring the specific job.
    • DON’T say communication skills or people skills – everyone else says that!
  • Be prepared to give practical examples to back up the things you say about yourself:
    • What, why, and how. You must be able to prove your comments.
  • If asked a broad question such as “tell me about yourself”:
    • This is a horrible question and can be difficult to answer – you have no idea what they are looking for, so ask the interviewer to explain. For example, say “what specific areas are you interested in?” This will help you formulate your answer more appropriately.
  • Reasons for leaving your current or last position:
    • Interviewers are looking for reasons NOT to hire when asking this question.
    • Always compliment your current or last organisation. If you criticise them, the interviewer will assume that you will put down their organisation when you leave.
    • Frame your answer positively eg “I’ve gained great experience and what I am looking for now is…(skill growth; specialised experience etc).
    • DON’T say “I’ve learnt all I can” as this can sound arrogant.
  • Towards the end of the interview if asked if you have any questions:
    • Avoid saying “you’ve answered everything I was going to ask”. No one can cover every aspect of your potential job in one brief discussion.
    • Have some questions prepared.
    • If you can’t think of any, expand on some aspect already covered in the interview.
    • If really stumped, you could say “I’m sure I will think of many questions as soon as I walk out of here, but can I take this opportunity to say I’m very interested in the job.”
  • Salary:
    • Don’t initiate salary discussion.
    • If asked, give a general range of expectations and say, for example that you are looking for a reasonable offer based on the responsibilities and seniority of the role.
  • Closing:
    • Express genuine interest and enthusiasm for the role.
    • Give reasons you want the job and why you feel you would be successful in the role eg “the reasons I’m really interested are…”
    • Option questions at this stage are “Is there anything about my background that you would like me to elaborate on in terms of my ability to perform this role” or “What is the process from here?”
  • Have fun – relax and enjoy the discussion:
    • You only made it to the interview because there is already interest in your background, experience and/or qualifications.
    • Do your homework on yourself before the interview. Really think about all you have to offer, what you are good at, what others have complimented you on, positive comments you have received in performance appraisals.
    • If you are well prepared, you will be your best.
    • The above ideas will give you an edge over the competition.
  • Second interviews:
    • Treat like a first interview. If being interviewed by a different person do not assume that they have been fully briefed on you. Chances are, they have not and you will need to follow the same process with the same positive attitude.
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