The first 30 seconds
of a job interview
are the most
important - so if
you want to be a cut
above the rest you
need to be on the
ball. An interview
is all about the
three Ps. You need
to prepare, you need
to practice, and
then, on the day,
you need to perform.
Here are 10 tips for
interview success.
Step #1:
First impressions
count.
Greet your
interviewer with a
smile and firm
handshake. Give eye
contact. Try to make
small talk during
the walk from the
reception area to
the interview room.
You have to sell
yourself before you
can sell anything
else and the first
30 seconds are when
the interviewer
subconsciously makes
decisions about
whether they like
you or not and
whether you will fit
into the team.
Step #2:
Be prepared!
Re-read your resume
and the job posting
just before the
interview. Do your
research thoroughly:
Look at the company
Web site or obtain
literature. You may
be asked about the
salary you are after
so make sure you
research that as
well.
Step #3:
Don’t waffle.
Answer questions
properly - even if
you need a few
moments of silence
to collect your
thoughts. It’s
better to say you
need a minute to
think about your
answer rather than
speak instantly and
regret it
afterwards.
Step #4:
Why should they hire
you?
Most job postings
will list qualities
they’re looking for
- a team worker, a
good communicator –
so it’s up to you to
think of examples of
how you can
demonstrate these
skills. Be ready to
talk about your
knowledge,
experience,
abilities and
skills. Have at
least three strong
points about
yourself that you
can relate to the
company and job on
offer.
Step #5:
Be positive!
Your interviewer
will be thinking
about what it would
be like to work with
you, so the last
thing they’ll want
to hear is you
talking about your
boss or current
colleagues behind
their back.
Interviewers like to
see someone who
enjoys a challenge
and is enthusiastic.
Step #6:
Remember your body
language.
It is not what you
say, but how you say
it. During the
interview, do not
fold your arms and
lean back or look to
the floor! Sit
upright and try to
maintain good eye
contact. Use your
hands and lean
forward when making
a point. Many people
cannot think and
control their body
language at the same
time, which is why
you need to prepare.
Step#7:
Expect the
unexpected!
Your interviewer may
try to catch you off
guard. 90% of
employers ask
'killer' questions
in interviews. It is
impossible to plan
for every difficult
question, such as
“How would your
colleagues describe
you?” but try to
appear relaxed and
in control. Ask the
interviewer to
repeat the question
if necessary but do
not evade it.
Step #8:
Develop rapport.
Show energy, a sense
of humor and smile.
It's infectious,
being positive and
enthusiastic. Ask
your interviewer
questions about
themselves and any
issues the business
is facing.
Step #9:
Clarify anything you
are unsure of.
If you are not
certain what is
meant by a
particular question,
ask for
clarification. At
the end, ask the
interviewer if there
is anything else he
or she needs to know
about. Do not be
afraid to ask when
you are likely to
hear if you have
been successful or
not.
Step #10:
Remember your
manners.
It is better to
choose than to be
chosen. Tell the
interviewer why you
are interested in
the company and job
opportunity. Ask
them for a business
card and follow it
up by sending a
"thank-you" e-mail
or letter, saying
how much you enjoyed
meeting them and how
interested you are.
Take the opportunity
to detail the key
advantages you
bring.
By
following the three
Ps - prepare,
practise and
perform, you can
turn yourself into a
candidate who would
not look out of
place.
