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 Advice

Interview preparation

For some people, attending an interview can be a daunting prospect. The recruiter clearly thinks you are worthy of an interview and you should always keep this in mind as it will help to give you confidence.

What are the three main things the interviewer is looking for?

  • Are you able to do the job?
  • Will you want to do the job?
  • Will you fit into the organisation?

Have a think about your experience, skills, strengths, training, qualifications and any other relevant experience beforehand. Think about relevant examples to the position that you are applying for as this will Try and have an answer for such questions in your mind, to fire off when the opportunity arises.

Be prepared for questions such as ‘What are your strengths and weaknesses?' Try and have answers for strengths ready beforehand, and mould these to the requirements of the job. Weaknesses are more complex, endeavour to turn what could be described as strength in some cases, into a possible weakness. Such as, ‘I sometimes get frustrated with people who do not pull their weight'. However, be sure to think of a weakness, which won't jeopardise your suitability for a post in question.

Body Language at Interview - try to avoid these.

Your action

  • Arms folded
  • Shrugging your shoulders
  • Arched, drooping shoulders,
  • Sitting primly on edge of seat
  • Locked ankles alongside clenched hands

How you appear to the interviewer

  • Defensive, self-protective and withdrawn
  • Indifferent, indecisive, helpless
  • Inadequate, lacking in drive/energy
  • Anxious, nervous, humble, accommodating
  • Anxious, apprehensive, tense

Body Language at Interview - try to use these.

Your action

  • Sitting upright, whilst leaning forward
  • Firm, dry handshake with eye contact
  • Tilting head to one side whilst listening
  • Nodding your head gently
  • Crossing legs at knee, toes pointing down

How you appear to the interviewer

  • Seen as interested, motivated, involved, positive
  • Serious, confident
  • Interested
  • Enthusiastic and indicates agreement
  • Standard posture for interviews and shows confidence

High levels of eye contact at an interview will increase your credibility, whilst constantly looking away can indicate disinterest. A steady gaze is often viewed as a sign of honesty and sincerity. However, try not to stare, especially if you have not been introduced to a person yet, as this can be interpreted as hostile.

If seeking approval, try to smile more. This will convey you as trustworthy, dependable and will earn you respect.

Fail to prepare, prepare to fail...

What do you know about your prospective new employers? Where possible, find out as much as you can about the company and in plenty of time before the interview. This can be done in a number of ways.

  • Press coverage
  • The internet
  • Sales brochures or catalogues
  • Company reports or accounts
  • Details given in advertisements or by an agency
  • Phoning the receptionist or secretary and asking just a few well chosen questions
  • Asking personal contacts (they may know more than you think).

This will benefit you enormously. You will have ammunition to respond quickly if asked what you know about the company or it's business sector. It will show you are eager and enthusiastic about the opportunity. Maybe most importantly, it will give you confidence, and make you more certain about accepting the offer should you receive one.
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