Interview Hints and Tips
Prepare
Before your interview find out everything you can about the role. Re-read your CV, thinking through your own career and the interview questions they might ask you, based on the information you have provided. You should try and anticipate the interviewer’s questions and prepare suitable answers. You should also prepare some questions to ask the interviewer yourself. Preparation is the key to a successful interview.
To do well at any interview you will need to convince the interviewer that you are technically qualified to do the job. You will also need to show that you are sufficiently motivated to get the job done well and that you will fit in with the business area and the team in which you will work. Emphasise how your specific experience and extensive knowledge of the business area will make you an ideal person for the role. Show that you can be innovative and inventive and are full of fresh ideas. But provide details – don’t assume the interviewer knows all about your past accomplishments.
What to wear
You should dress smartly for the interview and ensure you have plenty of time to get to the interview.
Be positive about yourself and your abilities – but do not waffle.
Body Language
A key interview skill is making sure you give out the right signals. You should always look attentive, do not slouch in your chair. Be careful not to sound too casual or overly confident, especially if you and your interviewer know each other well. Sell yourself just as you would if interviewing for a different company. Take your time when answering the questions. Keep your answers focused on what you can do. Never lie to anyone in an interview, your body language and tone of voice will probably give you away.
Factors that can cost you the role:
q Being unprepared for the interview
q Criticising former employers or colleagues – interviewers may mark you down as a troublemaker or gossip
q Not being able to communicate clearly and effectively
q Being aggressive or acting in a superior way – nothing turns off interviewers more than someone who is disrespectful and over-confident
q Making excuses for failings.