Interview

Improve Your Interview Performance

The interview has for a long time, and probably will continue to be, the primary method of selection for a job position. No matter how impressive your resume is, a poor performance at the interview will threaten your chances of eventual success. Since interviews are different from each other, it is good to practice on your presentation skills.

Understanding the Purpose of the Interview

In every interview and no matter what kind of position, the interviewer will be asking for the answers to three basic questions. 1. Can you do the job? (Your skills, qualifications, experience). 2. Will you do the job? (Your motivation, attitudes, career goals) 3. Will you fit into the team? (Your cultural match)

The interviewer will be asking questions about your previous work, to find out how you most likely will perform if you get the job position. For most positions the interviewer will be drawn towards positive, likable persons, so you should do your best to act like one.

The interviewer has a general idea on which characteristics the company is looking for. Try to match as many of you skills to the key qualities mentioned in the job advertisement. The interviewer should easily be able to summarize three of your main qualities, and why you are the right candidate for the position.

Do your Homework on the Company

The more information you have about your market value and the company you want to work for, the greater chances you have of success. This is one of the most important things to prepare before going on an interview. There is plenty of information available on the internet, at the public library, through professional associations and networking groups.

Research on the organisation so that you know about its size, market sector, products and services, locations, recent growth and any recent headline news concerning the organisation. Also, look for the specific information regarding your discipline. Prepare two or three questions that you can ask about the company, it gives you the opportunity to show your interest and to find out if this is the right company for you.

Never be Late for an Interview

Be clear about the exact time, date and place of the interview and the contact name and position. And make sure you know how to get there, check the time table and estimate your travel time to the location of the interview. Add a couple of extra minutes to your time plan, it is better to wait outside for a while than come running in last minute. Or even worse, to be there after schedule.

Be Prepared to Answer Questions about Yourself

Review your own resume before going to the interview so you are up to date with all the information you added in your CV. Have a clear understanding of your key responsibilities and achievements at your current and past employers. It can also be a good idea to make it a rule to always save the job advertisements you are applying for, if you apply for many jobs during a certain period. Read through your own resume and the job advertisement the evening before your interview, to make sure you haven’t mixed up the companies.

Think of your probable answers to likely questions at the interview. Your goal should be to provide answers that make you look like a positive person with potential. Have in mind the "can you, will you, culture" questions, and also other likely questions such as;

• Tell me about yourself? 

• What value have you added to your current employer? 

• Tell me about your greatest problem at work. How did you solve it?

Remember, interviews are a two-way process and you must be able to ask questions about the company to make an informed decision. Review the questions you wish to ask the interviewer, such as working conditions, holidays. But do not ask any questions about the salary on the first interview. This will be discussed later.

Good Presentation is Vital

First impressions count, so ensure you have a nice appearance, including the clothes you wear. Try to find out what kind of code your future colloegues have, and make sure you wear something similar. It is unpleasant to wear jeans and t-shirt if everybody else is wearing a suit, and vice versa.

Also make sure you make a good first impression by the way you act. Eye contact and a steady hand shake are very important. But you should not exaggerate in any of the cases. It is not necessary to stare at the interviewer during the whole interview, as well as a too hard hand shake is just as unpleasant as a too loose one.

Also remember to be aware of your body language. To be shifting your gaze every second, or keep playing with your hair or hands, gives a nervous impression. Look at the person you are talking too, sometimes there are more than one interviewer, and keep your hands on your knees. This will give an impression of calmness. It is also important to remember to smile one in a while. It will make you feel more confident and give the impression that you are more enthusiastic.

Improve your Technique

Never lie, but use the truth to your own advantage. If you lie during the interview, sooner or later you're likely to be caught. Once you are, even if you don't lose the job, you will be at a tremendous disadvantage, and your credibility will always be suspect. Besides, it is not pleasant to be in a situation when people expect something from you that you cannot handle. On the other hand, total openness won't be appreciated. Personal information, such as political or religious views, should not be discussed during a job interview. You can decide yourself what you want to say and how you want it to be said.

It is a bad choice to use words of which you do not know the meaning. Use a language that is comfortable for you. If you try to use word that you recently checked in the dictionary, and you use them in the wrong way, this will rather be negative than positive for your appearance. Be yourself, but be prepared.

Closing the Interview

To prepare a closing of the interview will give you a more relaxed feeling during the meeting. If skills not mentioned in your CV seem to be very important to the company, focus on these skills in your closing. If you during the interview get the feeling that you are no longer interested in this position, say so in your closing. Your honesty will be appreciated and you will have a greater chance to be considered for future positions within the company. If you are interested in the position, express your appreciation while thanking the interviewer. End the interview by asking the key question: What is the next step in your selection process?