Interviewing Techniques

Preparation

Job interviews don’t have to feel like a blind date.  Take control of the process.  View an interview as a sales call; know the needs and goals of the company.  Preparation, anticipation and confidence are the key skills to a successful interview.  It’s a known fact that an interviewer will have decided whether or not they are going to give you the job within a few minutes.  Remember prepare-practice-perform.  So be prepared!

 Do

• Get as much information as possible on the company - read all the latest news about the company, check out the web site and try to speak with someone who has worked there.
• Prepare answers to a range of job and skill-based questions that you can use.
• Put yourself in the interviews seat!  Try to think of questions that you might pose relating to your particular job.
• Arm yourself with a few questions for the interviewer showing that you have done your homework about the organisation and its business.
• Check the format of the interview - it could throw you off if you’re presented with a test of some sort that you were not expecting.
• Dress-wise - Keep it simple and respectable.  Dress for success!

 Don’t

·           Leave yourself short for time - always expect the unexpected.

At the interview

Do

• Be punctual, there’s nothing worse than arriving late and in a fluster.
  A good firm handshake and good eye contact are very important.
• Let the interviewer lead the interview - Listen for the concerns behind the interviewer’s questions.
• Be positive - Try not to sound like you’re bragging but describe your skills in a factual way.
• Look as though you are interested in what the interviewer is saying to you, answer questions as fully as you can.
• If there is a situation where a panel are interviewing you, direct your answers to all members.  It is important not to ignore anyone.
• Your attitude strongly contributes to the interviewers opinion of you, so have the right one!!
• Know what your interviewer is looking for.
• Be flexible - consider reasonable offers and give it your best shot.  Don’t give up, the search may not be a short one but don’t give up.

 Don’t

• Criticise yourself or past employers.
• Interrupt the interviewer.
• Answer the question with another question.
• Appear giddy or nervous by fidgeting.
• Ask lots of questions about salary and benefits.

Reproduced with kind permission from

Sigmar Recruitment

www.sigmar.ie

info@sigmar.ie