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 Passing Interviews
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Interviews are sometimes a matter of chemistry and luck but in the main successful applicants are well prepared and enthusiastic. An employer is not looking for an automaton. He or she is looking for someone who is dependable, self-motivated and is self disciplined enough to arrive at work on time and give a fair day's work for a fair day's wage. Saints are hard to come by but human beings that give 100% will do just nicely.
NetJobs has partnered with CareerControl.co.uk and PeopleMaps to bring you valuable advice supplied by recognised experts in their respective fields on how to get the best out of your working life and how to win at interviews.
Simply click on the links to get more free information on a specific subject.
1. How to play down your weaknesses
Every person has an area of weakness, even the Managing Director. But the secret is not to deny the weakness but to recognise it and attempt to improve.
- This is not a time to be flippant about a problem. Instead, you should try to make the weakness look like a strength in disguise. For example, if asked to describe a weakness you could say; "perhaps I am a bit too focused and serious and need to relax a little more".
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2. The secrets of body language revealed
The interviewer learns a great deal about you before you even open your mouth. The unspoken signs are as important as your well prepared answers. Here are a few tips:
- Poor personal appearance - crumpled clothes, unpolished shoes let him or her know you don't really care.
- Garish colours and over the top fashions show that your are doing your own thing irrespective of convention. Is this wise?
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3. Controlling the interview
Positive body language helps. If you have prepared well and researched the company you should at least have two carefully prepared questions that you want to ask the interviewer.
- If you have a PeopleMaps report follow the consultant's advice on individual sections and bring the profile and your strengths to the attention of the interviewer at an appropriate point.
- Remember the old trick of half-and-half. Let the interviewer speak for half the time and you speak for the other half.
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4. Presentation and dress codes
This is often a difficult area and one where there is little room for indulging your personality. You must dress appropriately to suit the organisation.
- The wearing of jeans and casual clothes has no place in a formal interview. You should be clean, tidy and smart with clothes that do not crease too much.
- Employers tend to be on the conservative side so multi coloured hair and green nail varnish for either sex is usually out.
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5. How to survive interview questions
The quick answer is to come prepared. There are standard questions, which you know you will be asked and can, therefore, prepare well in advance remembering the 2-minute technique. Examples:
- Tell me about yourself.
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- Why do you want to work for this company?
- Why do you want this job?
- Why would you be good at this job?
The best way to prepare for interview questions is to know what they are in advance. There are many sites that offer example interview questions, or you can buy a book. PeopleMaps provides a list of interview questions that are specific to your personality. The theory being that there are certain questions that, because of your personality, you will find particularly difficult. You can try the mini report for FREE, click here.
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6. First impressions
These are very important both for the interviewer and the interviewee, that is why you must be punctual for an interview and give yourself a few minutes to relax before being called. A dishevelled, out of breath interviewee is hardly at his/her best.
- The benefits of a smile cannot be over emphasised, also a firm handshake. These show an open mind and sincerity.
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7. Preparing before the interview
Being prepared for interviews is a key factor. Often interviewees depend on their own experience and personality, being sufficient to enable them to "wing it" The cost of recruitment is too high and getting it wrong is very costly so no interviewer is prepared to take chances following their "gut feeling".
- They will generally have a structured interviewing technique that has to be followed to meet the requirements of their organisation.
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8. Psychometric Tests
These are becoming more and more commonplace and it is likely that you will have to complete one at some point. You cannot (and should not) cheat these tests, however it is worthwhile knowing how you may come across. Get your own report in advance of the interview and get a feel for what your next interviewer may be reading about you. You can try it here and the mini report is free.
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Good luck in your next interview!
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