The Perfect Interview
Whether you are taking your first few steps up the career ladder as a graduate or planning for a really important job change, your interview skills will always be needed. These days it is more important than ever to have strong interview skills because of the amount of competition there is out there. Regardless of the position you are in, it is important to be prepared for the interview.
Types of Interviews
There are several types of interview, which you may be invited to after applying for a job. A telephone interview is often used before a face-to-face interview as it gives the interviewer the chance to find out what type of candidate you are. You can prepare for these types of interview by having notes and your CV in front of you. Make sure that you speak confidently and try and apply your skills to the questions asked.
Another type of interview is the group interview. This is when several candidates applying for the same job are asked to come together for an interview. It could consist of a number of team building activities so that the interviewer can see how you interact with one another. This gives you the chance to speak up and show your opinions and how well you work within a group or team.
At a face-to-face interview, first impressions are everything. Making sure you look approachable by smiling, making eye contact and just being enthusiastic about everything will always go down well.
The interviewer is looking for someone that will be easy to work with, while also fitting in well within the team. So it is important to come across as friendly and sociable as possible.
Wearing the right attire is also very important for first impressions. In most cases, unless told otherwise it is really important to dress professionally for a job interview. A suit is often the prepared choice of clothing for an interview.
Professional Manner at an Interview
Having a professional manner will always make you come across a lot more serious about the position you are being interviewed for. Little things like having a good posture and showing other basic traits of professionalism will show confidence. Always make sure you are on time as some places may rule you out straight away for being late or for failing to show basic etiquette in the workplace. Arriving late suggests that you do not respect the interviewer enough to arrive slightly earlier to the interview.
When in the interview make sure that you ask lots of questions to show that you are truly interested. Never start off by saying how much you want the job, as it could come across as slightly false. Instead ask questions as it also gives you the chance to find out more about the job itself, such as the responsibilities and whom you will be working with. Dont be afraid to ask questions, as it will only show how eager you are to the interviewer.
Preparation for an Interview
A good thing to do in preparation for an interview is to thoroughly research the company. Make sure you know a bit about their ethos and background so you can show the interviewer how you will fit into the company.
Show how the skills you possess will help you fit in to the team and even benefit the company. If the interviewer brings up something you have never done before, such as lead a team, never respond by saying, I cant or I havent. Instead share the experience you do have and find a positive from that.
There are frequently asked question at interviews so get to know them in advance.
Follow Up Process after an Interview
After the interview it is good to follow it up with an email or handwritten note. This should thank them for their time and include some additional information where relevant such as a link you discussed during the interview. This will show them that you are really interested in the job and it is also a polite gesture, which the interviewer may appreciate.
Source: The Telegraph
