Career Tools - Interview Preparation from Jobmax
The interview is still the most commonly used selection tool. Sometimes it is the only selection tool. This timeslot is your window of opportunity - a chance to make a good impression, outshine your competition, and to gain all the information you need about the company to assist you in deciding whether the company and its job is right for you.
Preparation is the key to achieving your desired outcome.
KNOW WHAT YOU WANT AND WHY YOU WANT IT
Before you make that first approach to anyone, directly to companies or through recruiters, you should be clear in your own mind what you want and why you want it. Having a clear view of your objective will allow you to focus with more energy and improve your chances of making your application and presentation convincingly. It sets up a positive mindset which will drive your mental attitude, self confidence, and physical bearing all improving your chances of securing that job.
This is is a time for you to showcase yourself - don't be tempted to skimp on the time needed to prepare. You only have one chance to make a first impression - make sure it has the desired result. Make the most of your self and your CV. Invest time and effort in yourself. Unless you do you will have an uphill struggle to convince anyone that you are willing to spend time and effort on the work you will do for them. For tips, methods and strategies to drive your job search or career change why not take a look at "What Colour is Your Parachute" by Richards Nelson Bolles.
STEREOTYPES - Go with the flow....
Like it or not we are all guilty of making assumptions about people, making judgements, applying labels within moments of a first meeting. Maybe up to 90 per cent of that first impression is concluded within the first four minutes, mostly gathered from behaviour and appearance rather than anything that might have been said, however eloquent. In an interview situation this effect can be compounded by the fact that it takes place in a small time window without subsequent opportunity to redeem any false impressions that may have been gathered.
So, when deciding how to present yourself for that all important first meeting with a potential employer, take into account the expectations that your chosen career option has of the people that work in it, and where possible, specific to that company. "Go with the flow" - there will be plenty of time to be an individual after you get the job and people have had time to get to know you!
Some top tips:
•Always dress for the job you want rather than the one you have already got. Ensure your chosen attire is appropriate for the role.
•Clothing should be clean and well pressed.
•Choose styles and colours that flatter you. Colour co-ordinate accessories. White socks are best avoided-unless you are applying for a job as a tennis coach!
•Ladies beware the short skirt-always try the sit-down test before deciding on your outfit.
•Shoes should be cleaned, polished so they shine, and well heeled
•It goes without saying that you should be fresh...wear some subtle perfume or aftershave but nothing overpowering that will leave your interviewer gasping for breath! It will affect how you are perceived.
•Make up, nails polish and jewellery should be appropriate-not too over the top.
So, you look good, and you know it. You are waiting to be called in, You look around.... and already you look like you belong. So far so good.
That takes care of the appearance factor-now to the behaviours....
•Stand tall, smile and greet the interviewer in a friendly manner with a firm (hopefully not too clammy) handshake (avoid wet lettuce limp or bone-crunching firm).
•Give the interviewer space-don't get too close. Our personal bubble needs to be around 4 feet in Western Europe to remain comfortable
•Take a seat where indicated and when invited to do so
•Sit comfortably, hands relaxed in your lap when you are not using them to talk! Arms and legs should remain uncrossed. Crossed arms convey a defensive, negative attitude and may reveal uncertainty and insecurity. It sends out messages of "I need protection", and "I don't believe you"
•Don't stare but make sure you hold eye contact.
•Mirror the interviewers' movements and gestures. Mirroring comes natural to people who know one another well. When used correctly it is one of the most rapid and reliable ways of developing rapport. So if the interviewer leans back in their chair, you do, raises a hand to their face, you do. Make sure your movements are natural or it will appear like mimicking.
•Watch for and read the other persons body language.
•Speak clearly. Pause before responding to a question to gather your thoughts.
•Above all be confident.
PREPARATION:
Don't Be Late! Make sure you know where you are going. Maps available at GoogleMaps. If possible practice the route, find the company, and check for potential parking problems. If you are using public transport check the timetable and leave yourself plenty of time allowing for traffic or other reasonable disruptions. You don't want to rush and arrive flustered. Have the name of the person you are seeing memorised or if you think your memory might let you down, on a piece of paper easily accessible without having to empty the contents of briefcase or handbag all over the reception desk.
Do Your Homework! Most employers will want to see that you know something of the company. The internet will provide most of the information you need - typically that will primarily include:
•What the company do - product or service
•Who owns them
•How many people are employed on that site and companywide.
•Details of major news stories - mergers, acquisitions, change programmes
•Turnover and profit, shareholder information, board members (Chairman, MD, CEO) for senior positions
If you have enough time before the interview you may be able to obtain a company prospectus directly from the company (the cheapest way), and will ensure that the information you are arming yourself with is bang up to date.
Details of a company's accounts and key personnel can be obtained through Companies House for UK companies, although there is usually a fee involved. Other company information can be obtained through on line business directories such as Kompass (Information for overseas companies can also be obtained on that site) or Applegate. In general the internet is a great resource for company information, as is Linked -In (if you have an account and some contacts)
You should be fully briefed on the job role, duties, expectations and where the role fits in to the overall structure of the company. If you are applying directly to a company they will usually send out a job specification and person profile. If you are applying through a recruiter make sure they give you all the information you need.
TRICKY QUESTIONS!
Once you are in the hot seat its too late to wish that you had spent time looking at those "How to answer tough interview questions" books that were sitting on the coffee table at home for you to look at when you had a moment. It goes without saying you should have all your key skills, attributes and major contributions you have made to previous employers on the tip of your tongue relative to each of the jobs on your CV. Include in your preparation answers as to why you left each job. Spending a little time thinking through answers to questions that always come up mean your answers are well considered and should therefore present you in the best possible way.
There are many inexpensive books aimed at interview preparation on the shelves of most bookshops, or go to Amazon Have a look at "Great Answers to Tough Interview Questions" by Martin John Yate (Kogan Page)
An Interview is a two way thing....
Interviews are not just for employers to see if they like the look of you - it's also for you to assess whether this is the type of employer that you feel will offer you the support, environment, challenges and direction that you are looking for. Take time before the interview to identify what you want from your next job - you probably will be asked anyway - and list the questions you would need to ask to uncover that information.
Finally.... Preparation, Practice, Perform
Why wait until the interview and try and wing it - prepare yourself, practice your answers and perform on the day.
Good Luck!
