Job Interview Skills
Get ready
Preparation is one of the most important parts of having a job interview. There are plenty of things that you need to do before the interview date itself. Here are some of those things.
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Find out about the company you are applying to join
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Brush up on the job description
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Plan your route to the venue. Check bus or train times if needed.
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Write a list of likely questions and think about your answers.
Get dressed
Knowing what to wear to an interview is actually pretty easy. For men you can't go wrong with a smart suit, a clean white shirt and a suitable tie (no cartoon characters or jokes). don't forget to make sure that your shoes are clean and polished. Make sure you don't go into the interview room in need of a shave or a haircut!
For women most of the same rules apply. A dress, trouser or skirt suit is fine. With skirts stick to a normal sensible length - never too short. Also your top or blouse should not be too revealing. Make sure that you wear comfortable shoes that you are happy to walk in. A good tip is not wear brand new shoes as they won't be broken in. Make sure your hair is clean and neat. Partial, tasteful make-up is also fine.
It may be that when you get there you see that the company has a casual dress rule. No matter, stick to smart attire for the interview. It's much better to be too smart than too casual. If you get the job you'll have plenty of time for the t-shirts and jeans.
There is a theory that you should wear something bright or memorable to an interview to make sure that you stand out. However, in truth, if you are relying on the colour of your clothes for a successful interview then maybe you should rethink your career strategy!! There are better ways to be remembered.
Get hands on
Never underestimate the importance of a firm, confident handshake and positive body language.
“I was once told by an employer that they turned down my candidate because he slouched in his chair. You have to look keen and engaged, so mirror the body language of the person interviewing you, lean in towards them at times and don’t cross your arms. Always accept a glass of water, it can create a useful barrier during an uncomfortable question and buy you a few crucial seconds while you take a sip. But never take a biscuit — they’ll often try to throw you with a difficult question the moment you take a big bite." Alice Stenhouse, City headhunter
Get positive
When it comes to answering the questions there is one main rule. Stay positive. This is not as easy as it sounds especially when the question is aimed at getting a negative answer. Here are some examples.
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Describe a time when you worked with someone you didn't like.
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How would you handle a boss who you suspected of behaving unethically?
And of course the classic
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What are your weaknesses?
The key is to focus on your aim in this interview - Getting the job. Remember the reasons why you want to work there and why they should want to give you the job. Always bring your answers back to these points.
To answer these questions the easy thing to do is to resort to blaming or insulting former employers and colleagues. They aren't there to defend themselves. It is much harder to answer the question while always showing how you have learnt and grown from your experiences. Stay Positive.
Get real
Always remember though that while you are staying positive and selling yourself, you are not superhuman or faultless. By accepting this in an interview you will :-
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Take pressure off yourself to appear perfect
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You will appear honest and humble
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You won't insult the interviewers intelligence
Avoid all temptation to lie or exaggerate. Tell the truth. Its the easiest thing to remember!
Get specific
Saying that you are a 'Great Team Player' or that you are 'Creative' is useless without providing specific examples of when you have worked well in a team or when you have been creative. Get ready for this during your preparation. List your qualities and think of those crucial examples - the more specific the better. Names of projects, dates and places will all back up what you are saying.
Get your own back!
Always, always take advantage of the opportunity to ask questions at the end. Once again, have questions prepared. Ask more about
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The company
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The job
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The Interviewer
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The Interview
An excellent final question to ask if they have any reservations about you - as perhaps you might be able to clarify any points troubling them.
By asking your own questions firstly you'll get some important answers but secondly you'll relax and appear in control which is an excellent image to leave with the Interviewer. Finally as the conversation goes on your chances improve of being seen as a friend or colleague. This is invaluable. If a company see's you as 'one of them' then you have a huge advantage over every other candidate.