3 min read
12th January 2022

Interview Techniques

interview

Being invited to an interview should give you belief and confidence. You have passed the first test and the potential employer obviously sees you as a potential employee.

Now what is important is that you are correctly prepared for the interview and give yourself the best possible chance of being successful at the interview.

Here are the top 10 tips on interview preparation:

  1. Refresh your memory, if you are a graduate, unemployed or looking for another job it is likely that you have been applying for a whole range of jobs. Therefore, re-read the job advert and look at what the job entails and what type of candidate the employer is looking for.
  2. Research the company and have background knowledge on them. For example, look at what the company does and who their target audience is, also look at how your skills and qualifications can fit into the job requirements.
  3. Find out relevant information about the interview and what you will be required to do. You may be required to present a presentation, also look at how long the interview will be, this may give you an insight as to how much detail the interviewer requires.
  4. The day before the interview consider doing a test run so you are aware of exactly where the destination is and if things like parking are available. Also plan other ways to get there in the unlikely case of your car breaking down or the train being cancelled.
  5. Put thought into image, if you were an employer you would expect to see a smart dressed individual who is clean shaven and looking the part. These little things can all further an employer’s opinion of you.
  6. Gather any information you may need for the interview. Take a copy of your CV and any requests the employer has like a copy of your passport or references or maybe even certificates of achievements.
  7. Arrive 10 minutes before the interview, make conversation with the receptionist or the person who greets you, this can help you feel relaxed and comfortable in the surroundings.
  8. When in the interview: Shake the employer's hand, be polite and friendly, always keep eye contact, keep smiling, tell the truth, answer questions with examples and remain sat up and give the impression you are taking all the information in.
  9. Remember at the interview being nervous is normal, if you have sweaty hands or butterflies in your stomach do not worry, overcome the nerves by remaining confident and professional.
  10. Be sure to ask questions about the job, ask about chances to develop, also ask about reviews of performance and ask about help in gaining more qualifications.

Interviews — Do’s And Don’ts

You should be aiming to set the best possible impression at the interview. You want to show the employer you are the strongest candidate.

Here are the top tips on the things you should and should not do at an interview.

The Do’s

  • Be confident at all times.
  • Shake hands firmly and introduce yourself.
  • Be polite and friendly and smile whenever necessary.
  • Try and keep eye contact and give your 100% attention to the interviewer.
  • Avoid answering with yes and no. Elaborate on questions, give examples and past experiences.
  • Tell the truth.
  • Speak calmly and clearly.
  • Sell yourself mention qualifications and experience, and when asked about strengths provide examples.
  • Look interested and ask the employer questions when necessary.

The Don’ts

  • Swear.
  • Draw attention to your weaknesses.
  • Lie, stick to the facts. You have got the interview the interviewer obviously sees something he or she likes.
  • Interrupt.
  • Criticise past employers or employer's styles and rules.
  • Fidget or slouch in the chair or fold your arms.
  • Sit until the interviewer asks you too.

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