Interview Techniques
Once you’ve been called in for an interview, you should be well prepared in advance. The job market is often competitive, and you need to be able to stand out from your peers in order to be successful in your job search. This section covers the most important aspects of interviews, including advice to maximise your performance in interviews, some information about making yourself 'work ready' and the various types of testing which employers use, including psychometric tests and assessment centres.
Practice Interviews
Practice is the best preparation for interviews and some websites provide examples of typical interview questions, preparation strategies and hints on how to perform during interviews. For particular styles of interviewing e.g. behavioural interviewing and questions based on the use of case studies, applicants can access background information on why employers use these techniques. This is all good research and can give students a competitive edge.
Interactive interview training is something being considered for broader application in both a ‘chat-room’ format and where standard answers are suggested in response to practice questions. While there is no substitute for practical experience in an interview situation, it is true to say that being able to articulate your skills, experience and achievements, and having a solid understanding of the job on offer and the employer offering it, will hold you in good stead
Getting 'the Edge' with Energy
You're one of several other candidates with similar relevant experience and excellent résumés. Each of you dresses appropriately for the meeting, shakes hands firmly and maintains eye contact with interviewer, then answers the questions articulately. Who'll get the job? While a great resume and interview demeanor can help land an offer, the deciding factor often is the amount of energy or enthusiasm you project during the meeting.
Demonstrating this "energy edge" isn't easy. It's hard to strike the right balance, wondering how to sound enthusiastic without sounding insincere and "over the top".
Interviewing skills are learned, not innate, so you can teach yourself how to project confidence and enthusiasm during meetings with hiring managers. Remember that in addition to being able to handle the actual task responsibilities, managers are looking for someone who will work tirelessly, achieve goals and connect well with others. Even if you don't have a naturally enthusiastic personality, you can verbally and visually relate how you'll attack assigned projects.
To exhibit confidence and vitality during interviews, start by having the right mind-set. To project enthusiasm, think about a cause you're passionate about or an especially enjoyable experience or adventure. When you describe this cause or experience to others your enthusiasm and resulting energy are always apparent. Certain verbal and visual cues take over. For example, your voice level may rise or fall as you describe an exciting event. You also may gesture to convey a strong feeling or action.
Having an alert, active body posture is an important start. Sitting up straight or on the edge of a chair and leaning slightly forward shows that you're interested in and excited about what you're discussing. It's hard to be enthusiastic about another person's experience if he or she doesn't seem interested in it. In other words, if you don't show enthusiasm about your background, interviewers won't be interested, either. They'll have trouble seeing you as a vital achiever who takes pride in reaching job and career goals.
Enthusiastic, confident people usually demonstrate an interest in others. Make sure you ask the interviewer questions and take the initiative in the discussion. Lead the interviewer towards favoured topics and make sure you show a willingness to meet a challenge.
By describing an accomplishment or work project with the same tones and gestures you'd use for an exciting adventure will convey your commitment to interviewers. Your energy, interest and passion for your job will emerge, separating you from candidates who depend on their resumes to speak for them.
First Impressions - The Interview
So you have finally landed an interview, now what? Once the initial excitement begins to subside, you will probably find yourself thinking of all the possible things that could go wrong in the interview. You might start to have doubts about yourself and wonder how you are going to convince a panel of strangers that you are the person for the job!
Remember that it’s entirely natural to feel nervous and anxious. Interviews can be daunting experiences and most people find them challenging. But there are things you can do to prepare yourself for the challenge. Read on…
- What is an interview?
The interview is basically about selling one thing – YOU. It’s all about convincing the employer you are the right person for the job. Through the interaction you have with the employer he/she will be assessing you on your skills, strengths and weaknesses and qualifications, not to mention your attitude, aptitudes, motivation and maturity. - The right approach
A positive way of approaching the interview is to see it not as a contest but more a marketing exercise – a ‘performance’. By concentrating on the performance rather than the outcome, your focus will stay on those factors under your influence. View the interview as a conversation with a purpose. - Logistics
Many job-hunters get so wrapped up in their in-depth preparation they forget to pay close attention to the basics, like the interview time and location. Make sure you are clear about the interview logistics: you should know the exact time and place of the interview; the interviewer’s full name (and correct pronunciation); means of transport and parking factors. Mistakes in this area are surprisingly common and can mean the difference between getting the job and not getting the job. - Interview format
Make sure you know the process, structure and type of interview you will be undertaking. Is it a first-round interview? How many rounds are there? How long will it go for? Who/how many people will be on the selection panel? Interview formats vary, with the most common types being one-on-one, panel and group interviews. - Your questions
Remember an interview is a ‘two-way street’. Asking the interview panel questions reinforces your interest in the position and organisation, and also provides you with an opportunity to find out more. Avoid asking questions that indicate ignorance or lack of preparation; that have already been answered; or that focus on benefits to you (eg. salary). Examples of questions to ask include: What induction program do you have? How are industry changes impacting on organisational direction? - Appearance
Careful planning of your appearance is essential. A well-presented appearance demonstrates that you care about the job and are willing to make the effort. It is generally advisable to dress conservatively. Avoid anything too ‘loud’ or ‘busy’ or that you feel uncomfortable in. Keep accessories simple (nothing that jangles or dangles). Remember to shine your shoes, clean and trim your nails and make sure your hair is neat and styled away from the face. Don’t overdo perfume, aftershave or makeup. - Post-performance
Treat every interview as a learning experience. If possible, seek feedback from the interviewer and incorporate their suggestions in your next performance.
GOOD LUCK!