After coming through all the hurdles of the selection process, you will
\neventually arrive at an interview. This is of course, a major obstacle
\nfor many job applicants. Although they may have the qualifications,
\nexperience and a proven track record, they may lose out to a candidate
\nwho ‘interviews better.’
So what does ‘interviewing better’ actually mean? It comes down to
\nthe candidate being well prepared and confident. A candidate who can
\nanswer questions in a way which is acceptable (but not necessarily
\nright) to the interviewer, someone who knows something about their
\npotential employers business and the post they hope to fill. These are
\nreally the basic components of any candidate who ‘interviews well’.
\nThere are undoubtedly other aspects employers may look for in relation
\nto specific posts – having their own ideas, articulate, thinking on
\ntheir feet, aspects which will be related to the job and to the
\ncompany’s preference in employees.<\/p>
The employer will also be looking to fill a post, which has a
\nparticular job specification – in other words personal aspects besides
\nthe experience, and qualifications that can be put down on paper. The
\ninterviewer will set out to ascertain that the candidate has these
\npersonal qualities, skills and abilities the company requires.<\/p>
These two essential ingredients are interlinked. Good preparation instils confidence.<\/p>
So the basic approach to an interview is to be well prepared. This
\nmeans two things – preparing yourself practically for the interview,
\nand gathering knowledge and information you can draw on during the
\ninterview.<\/p>
* Be sure you know the time, date and location of the interview and name of interviewee where appropriate.<\/p>
* Check out how you will get to the location, and when you need to
\nset off to be there in good time – do a dummy run if necessary. Plan to
\nget there no earlier than half an hour before the interview time,
\nanticipate delays.<\/p>
* Have what you are going to wear ready in advance – everything down to your underwear.<\/p>
* Do not go to the interview laden down with baggage – psychological as well as physical.<\/p>
* Take the bare minimum of belongings necessary.<\/p>
* Concentrate on the interview at the interview – nothing else.<\/p>
* If you are asked to bring certificates, references etc, get them ready before the day.<\/p>
* Take your interview letter.<\/p>
* On arrival ensure the receptionist knows you are there, visit the toilets to tidy up etc.<\/p>
If you are well organised and have planned for the day your confidence will increase.<\/p>
The interview is a chance for you and the employer to get to know
\none another. It is NOT the time to get to know about the post or the
\nemployers business.<\/p>
Do gather information about your employer before you are
\ninterviewed – what do they do, what are their current projects, what
\nother interests do they have? Ask staff – many companies will offer you
\nthe chance to talk about the vacancy with someone, use the opportunity
\nto find out more about the company.<\/p>
Bigger companies will have PR departments, smaller ones will
\nprovide you with some information – libraries can provide information
\non local business and keep directories of national business. Use the
\ninternet – many companies have a presence here now.<\/p>
Make sure you know what the job entails – get a job description,
\nask someone in a similar post; ring the company to clarify if unsure.<\/p>
Remember the employer is interested in you as a person, your
\nexperiences and your opinions (in most cases). Do take the time to sit
\ndown and think about you, who you are and what you’ve achieved. It can
\nbe highly embarrassing to know more about the employer than yourself.<\/p>
Sit down with your CV and make notes, about your work record, what
\nyou’ve achieved. Look at yourself as a person in employment – how do
\nyou see yourself, what have you done, what ambitions do you have. Make
\nnotes and prepare and rehearse sound bites about yourself. Remember
\nthat one of the most common of interview questions is ‘Tell me about
\nyourself’ prepare a sound bite for this in particular, but not a life
\nhistory. Usually interviewers want to know about personal qualities not
\nachievements – though examples can be included to support your
\nstatement.<\/p>
Interviews vary tremendously, from very informal to formal.
\nHowever, some questions can be anticipated, as can the subject matter.
\nIf you are well prepared, then the majority of problem questions should
\nnot arise. You will know about the company, you will know about
\nyourself and you will have a good idea of the demands of the job –
\nthese questions will not be a problem to the well prepared interviewee.<\/p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
After coming through all the hurdles of the selection process, you will eventually arrive at an interview. This is of course, a major obstacle for many job applicants. Although they may have the qualifications, experience and a proven track record, they may lose out to a candidate who ‘interviews better.’So what does ‘interviewing better’ actually … Continue reading Coping with Interviews<\/span>