The majority of people find interviews a daunting task. You really should not. The long and the short of it is that an interview board have asked you to come see them. Taken time out of their day because they believe from just your CV that you have something they need. They have a vacancy and it is within all companies' priorities to get the best candidate. Whether the position is for waiting tables or as a CEO always remember that the interview board want you to be there and it is them that are lucky you are. Once you start believing that and knowing it is true,it will certainly ground you. That said it is okay to be nervous.
The last thing you want to do is leave people thinking you are too "cocky" for the role The only thing worse is if your CV speaks volumes about you but your personality or confidence on the day doesn't live up to what they were expecting. Here are some tips that should help candidates.
- Sell Yourself:
Don't be afraid to say you were the youngest person to be promoted in your last job, or even that you received highest leaving cert marks in your year at school. You can't do anything wrong doing this. Just remember it is meant to be a conversation and not a fact sheet on you. - Answer Briefly:
When asked something, give direct answers, with minimal detail. Remember most interview boards will see many candidates for the same role. Don't leave them trying to remember the one good point in ten minutes of waffle. It is perfectly fine to ask things like "would you like me to give more detail on any of the responsibilities I undertook?" In an interview you should ideally be talking one third of the time, and never more than half the time. If you feel you are waffling then round it up and cut briefly back to main point to reiterate, then stop. Practise your own answers before hand it will help you focus on the points you want them to know. - The Why You Left Question:
If people did not leave jobs then people would never do interviews. Do not come across as defensive or false. Describe why you left or are leaving; give references to support your work performance in your current or previous employment.. Stick with the facts and make sure you don't slate your company. This always scores black marks, even if they are direct competitors nobody wants to hear somebody in an interview with no respect for last job or colleagues. It immediately says you are not a team player.
If it is the case that you are leaving because you are unhappy in your work place, don't be afraid to say this. The truth in most situations like that is that you know you won't be given the opportunity to progress, or possibly have been overlooked. Even if it is colleagues that are making you unhappy don't name names. Be diplomatic and simply and openly use something like "I have been doing my job for X amount of time, I have gotten to the stage now where I don't feel as challenged and (this could be a good place to put due to help of colleagues and team work I have got to this stage etc) I think I can do really well in a more challenging role with the experience I have gained". You can even say how there are things you would do differently in your next position or how you may be able to avoid an inevitable departure next time.
It is never any harm to bring up a weakness saying something like "The truth is, I really need to work on my leadership skills. I'm a good worker and totally competent, but sometimes I lack the confidence to stand up and take a leadership position." Nobody is good at everything, and no interviewer expects it. But don't sugar coat it and certainly don't say i'm leaving just because I want to! - Take Control:
It is ultimately you who takes control of the interview. Don't leave the interviewer have to ask you one question after another for an hour. That's when it going to feel like an interrogation. If you can't fit in a follow up to an answer question like "was I clear on that?" or "did I give enough detail?" then don't be afraid to ask generic questions like "how many employees are on this site?" or "will there be any further growth within this department in the coming months?" Even asking small things that aren't directly related to the job like "does the sports and social club run many events throughout the year?" will add a bit more filling to any interview. Most interviews end with "have you any questions for us?" Make sure you do, but don't ask about money or benefits at the first interview. - Be Prepared:
In this highly technological era most companies will have a website or at least articles on their business published. Have something to say that will show you have an interest in this job and this sort of work. Even something as small as knowing that the sister company recently hired 50 new production staff, make the interviewer feel good about you and your capabilities and initiative and the rest will fall into place. A good tool is Google-News,( news.google.com) for checking up to date news on a company. The Sunday business papers will always have up to date facts on any of the big rollers. And the stock market can even tell you how well a company is doing. - Look And Feel Your Best:
We have all worn that special something on a night out that made us feel great. Do the same at an interview but keep it professional. I would always recommend a suit and failing that at least long sleeves make you look more professional. If the budget is tight don't be afraid to wear the 5-year-old suit they won't have seen it before. All things are easily spruced up with a new top or even basic accessories. For longer hair if it is not tied back make sure it is looking well kept. Do not step out of the shower and tie up a wet ponytail either! Girls when it comes to make up stick with neutral colours that suit you best and neither guys nor girls should overdo it on the perfumery. You're going to be shaking hands with this person or persons don't have them get a mouthful of perfume and likewise they don't want to smell smoke either. If you smoke before an interview, it surely will be noticed. Take this from experience always have a mint or bottle of water with you. - Feedback:
Regardless of the result, if you are called for a second interview or told no thanks ask for feedback! Whether it is with the recruitment agency representative or the company itself. If you hear something you don't like then try to turn it into a positive, i.e next time you will know that this kind of job/company really wanted a team player so you will emphasis your involvement in the sports and social club in your last job etc. Not only does it help you for other interviews or jobs but it does allow the person giving the feedback a bit more insight into you. They will remember how professionally you took the let down or how disappointed you were or how open you were to suggestions and it will stand to you. Hiring a recruitment agency is an expensive undertaking and if they think you might be right for the job next time round you can be sure they will call you directly. Even when the interview is over and if the next time you see the person is in a social sense even just remember why they know you. - In Short:
Look good feel good. Approach with a smile, welcome all questions openly and know what you are talking about. The interview will be about you and who knows you better than yourself! Do not answer a question you don't understand simply ask them to repeat it or just say "im afraid I don't understand what you mean by ...." Make sure you make eye contact and ask the power questions that will make you stand out from other candidates. Do not give out too much information about your personal life, there will be plenty time for that later. Stay focused and listen. Mimic the interviewers' style and approach. Use your hands while talking to draw they're attention back if you start to waffle, then hush! Be enthusiastic!!! Remember, whatever you do, do not sound desperate, even if you have been unemployed for months let them be impressed with you and not depressed by your demeanour. And best of luck!!
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