Interviewing should be approached with preparation and good technique!
Below, you will find five suggestions on how to improve your technique – We would also suggest that you tailor these techniques to fit your interviewing strategy…
- Make sure you demonstrate your interest in the role.
Believe it or not, there are candidates that turn up to interviews that are not necessarily interested in the position because it will make them happier or advance their career! They are more interested in the fact that they just need a job and any job will do. So, of course the initial interview is a great time for you to express your genuine interest in the role. If you are to be likely to accept the job offer, the more it helps towards getting the job offer! - Take care when answering questions.
9/10 you will be asked questions that start with ‘Can you tell me about a time when…’ These questions are designed to demonstrate how you react in certain situations, how you handle issues and solve problems. Obviously, the interview is a stressful situation but don’t get drawn in to thinking you have to answer straight away! Take your time and decide the best way to answer to show your capabilities.
- Present your skills.
The interviewer will want to know about what skillset you can bring to the advertised role. Although they will already have either read through your CV or have it in front of them, they will still want you to talk through it.
Make sure you highlight skills that are relevant to the role first and then briefly touch on your other skills as they will all contribute to a well-rounded representation of your abilities.
- Always present your ‘Work You’.
This initial meeting is to talk business, not to make a new friend. While it is ok to present yourself as friendly and easy to get along with, it is most important to let them see your ‘Work Self’ not your regular self! Be professional and polite! - Have your questions prepared.
As noted in previous blogs – You must always as a question or questions at the end of your interview! Asking questions demonstrates that you understand the requirements of the role and your ability to be able to perform them.