Key elements to a successful interview

A good interview consists of many things; a candidate being well prepared and confident, a candidate who can answer questions in a way which is acceptable (but not necessarily right) to the interviewer, and someone who knows something about their potential employers business and the post they hope to fill. These are really the basic requirements for any candidate to have a good interview.

Obviously there are aspects of a persons personality and experience that an employer may be looking for in a potential employee ie. the relevant skills, the ability to work as part of a team or on their own initiative, reliability, confidence and pro-activeness to name just a few.

The employer will also be looking to fill a post which has a particular job specification - in other words, personal aspects in addition to the experience and qualifications which can be placed on paper. The interviewer will set out to ascertain that the candidate has these personal qualities, skills and abilities that the company requires.

Research Gives You Confidence

It is essential to prepare for an interview – ensure you have researched the company you are to attend an interview with as well as any other information relevant to the position. Find out everything that the company does, an overview of the industry they are in, what projects they are working on at present and the size of the company as this will give you things to draw on during the interview. This can be found from a variety of sources including the internet, the company’s web site (if they have one), the companies PR Department or the local business directory. Show the employer you are keen, proactive, and most importantly, confident.

Ensure that you know what the position you have applied for entails prior to the interview – if the company has not provided a detailed job description, request one.

Preparation

Organisation is paramount when attending an interview – rushing around at the last minute will show during the meeting as you will be flustered and unprepared and this may have an impact on your personal appearance and presentation.

If you don't look and feel good, it will show - get the practicalities sorted first! Plan and be organised!

Checklist

• Check the date, time, address and contact prior to the day.
• Ensure you know the route to the location of the interview and the travel time (do a dummy run before hand if necessary).
• Plan to get there 10 minutes prior to the interview as punctuality is very important, but ensure you are not too early (not more than 20 minutes).
• Have ready what you are going to wear the day before.
• Ensure you have all the relevant information you will require the day before – a copy of your CV, any relevant certificates or references they have requested in addition to the job description and the letter inviting you to the interview.

Being well organised will show during the interview and make you more relaxed and confident!

Presentation

Wear what is appropriate for the post and the company. While a formal dress is the norm for most positions (suit with tie for the men etc.), it may vary from smart formal wear in some instances to very formal dress in others. Try to gain an insight into what the company would expect appropriate work wear to consist of - a painting and decorating company may vary drastically to a public relations company.

It’s the simple things like being well groomed, clean and presentable that can make the difference.

You and the Employer

The interview is the best time to get to know your potential employer as a person, the aspirations of the company for the future and their view of the position you have applied for. It is not however the time to ask about what the company does and the requirements of the role you have applied for – you should have researched this information before-hand!

You as a Person

Do not forget that the employer is interested in you as a person, your experiences, and in most cases, your opinions. Before the interview, remind yourself of what personal experiences and achievements you have that might be relevant to the company or to your personality as it would not look good if you know all about their company but stumbled when it came to questions regarding you.

Sit down with your CV and make notes about your work record ie. what you've achieved and what ambitions you have. How do you see yourself professionally?

Remember that one of the most common interview questions is 'Tell me about yourself'. By this an employer usually wants to know about you and your personal qualities, not just a list of achievements (although examples can be used), but make sure it is an overview not a history lesson (prepare for this question before-hand).

Questions You May Have

An interview is a two way process, the interviewer wants to know about you but also you need to know about them as you need to decide if you would want to work with them.

Try to firstly (and mainly) cover questions about the position and the company – find out all you need to about the job, their expectations and aspirations, leaving any questions regarding personal terms and conditions to the last because while they are important, if your only questions are regarding remuneration and holidays for example, they will feel that you have no real interest or enthusiasm towards the position, them or their company.

Body Language

When you enter the interview, there will be the usual pleasantries and formalities. This is meant to put the interviewee at ease with the interviewers and their surroundings. Try to be natural and yourself as this is the person they will want to see (not over confident or a petrified bundle of nerves).

There are some simple rules on interview body language that are frequently ignored.

• Sit comfortably, if even slightly forward towards the interviewer, with both feet on the floor – don’t slouch or lean back.
• Try not to fidget and shuffle - don't play with your hair or your hands and keep them out of your pockets!
• Try not to sit defensively with your briefcase on your knee or your arms and legs crossed – they won’t bite!
• Maintain natural eye contact with the interviewer, look at whoever is talking rather than stare at the floor as it shows you are interested - don't stare at them as if you are about to leap over the table and hit them with your chair!
• If there's more than one interviewer, shift your glance from one to the other when you talk.
• Do not be afraid to nod or “Mmm” to show you're listening to them.

Above all, try to be you, try to be natural!

Follow this and the interviewer will be concentrating on you and what you are saying, not what you are doing with your feet! It will show you to be confident and sure (even if you do not feel it at that time).

Answering the Questions

Interviews obviously vary tremendously and can go from a very informal ten minute chat to a 2 hour formal meeting with multiple interviewers, but whatever the situation, if you have prepared properly for the interview, then although the odd question may be unexpected and seemingly difficult, some of the questions can be anticipated, as can the subject matter, and they should not be a major problem. You will know about the company, yourself, your strengths and the demands of the position.

A few general pointers:

• Speak clearly and confidently when answering.
• Answer briefly and to the point - try to avoid “yes” or “no” answers as well as waffling.
• Don't worry about pausing before you answer, it shows you can think and are not spitting out the first thing in your head.
• Don't worry about admitting you don't know if you have to as this is better than lying or waffling around the question.
• Be as honest as possible.
• Be prepared for hypothetical situations / questions and take your time answering them, be confident of your convictions.
• Be prepared for the unexpected question, they are designed to see how you cope with the unexpected.
• When you ask your questions try to keep them brief and to the point, remember you're the interviewee.
• Ask your own questions in a manner that requires them to explain, not just say “yes” or “no”.
• Thank the interviewers for their time and smile, even if you don’t feel like it.

GOOD LUCK