If you are in the market for a new job, make sure you polish up your interview skills. During my career, I have had the opportunity to attend job interviews and also conduct many. There are some fundamental your job interview is successful :
- Be prepared : Make sure you know where you interview is being held, the scheduled time, name of the interviewer and how to pronounce it correctly.
- Know the style of interview : Ask whether it will be a one-on-one interview, a panel interview with other people or a group assessment activity. Ask if there will be any testing involved. Knowing the style will help you prepare better for the event.
- Allow for delays – If you are taking public transport, allow extra time for delays. If you are driving, allow time to find a parking space, so you do not feel rushed and stressed before the interview.
- Arrive 5 to 10 minutes early – It is never acceptable to be late. The benefit of arriving early for the interview if it is being held in the company’s headquarters is that you can check out of office and get a feel of its image and how people are dressed.
- Dress appropriately – Adopt a conservative approach. Choose formal colours, such as navy, grey or black. Do not wear too much jewellery and avoid string perfume or overbearing aftershave.
- Shake hands when you meet – Have a firm handshake and maintain eye contact while you do this. If you do not know how to shake hands properly – learn.
- Smile – Look your interviewers in the eye and they will smile back at you. Keep smiling through the whole interview.
- Watch your body language – Do not fidget, keep your hands folded in your lap and do not shake your legs.
- Use the STAR technique – Most interviewers use a competency based interview technique. They ask questions to help them gain an understating of you. STAR means : Situation, Task, Action, Result. When the interviewer asks you a question always try to respond with a specific answer, such as “The situation or task was….”, “The action I took was….” or “and the result was….”.
- Take notes – Let the interviewer know you will be writing down points as your discuss the role. This will help you remember details and also give you something to do with your hands.
- Use a nice pen – Do not use a cheap pen for your Jon interviews. If you cannot afford a nice one, borrow it from someone. These small details can help you create a good impression.
- Do you research – Review the details on the Internet, get a copy of an annual company report or ask others what they know about the organisation. This will help you ask some intelligent questions about the business.
- Know your resume well – Be confident when talking about each section of your resume and focus on your achievements.
- Keep a spree – Always carry a copy of your resume with you to hand it to the interviewer should he require it.
- Avoid coloured or plastic folders – Your resume should be on white paper and the sheets should be stapled. The interviewer may find plastic folders annoying.
- Use positive language – Use phrases like “When I am in the role”, “When I start the job” and “When I begin working with you” to make it look as if you have already been offered the job.
- Interview the interviewer too – This is not just about them checking you out. You need to ask questions and get a feel of the company to determine if you would like to work there.
- Prepare questions – You could ask questions like : When will I be notified I am successful for the job? How many people will I be working with? What floor will I be located on? What is the dress code here?
- Send a thank-you note – After you leave the office, write your interviewer a note to thank him for his time and post it the same day. This will leave a good impression and make an impact on your interviewer.
- Make an impression – Be cool, calm and collected. You can count on a successful interview when you are well prepared, confident and act appropriately. Good luck.
Reference : https://nategibson.net/20-ways-to-impress-your-interviewer/
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