What you should know before your interview
Interviews vary tremendously from very informal to formal. However some questions can be anticipated as can the subject matter. If you are well prepared, then the majority of problem questions should not arise. You will know about the company, you will know about yourself and you will have a good idea of the demands of the job. These questions will not be a problem to the well prepared interviewee
A few general rules for your interview:
Speak up when answering questions.
Answer briefly, but try to avoid yes or no answers. Explain what you mean and use examples.
Don’t worry about pausing before you answer, it shows you can think and are not spitting out sound bites you learned.
Don’t worry about admitting you don’t know – but keep this to a minimum.
Don’t embellish answers and don’t lie. Be as honest as possible.
Be prepared for hypothetical situation questions and take your time on these.
Be prepared for the unexpected question, that’s designed to see how you cope with the unexpected.
If you ask questions, then keep them brief during the interview. Remember you are the interviewee. At the end of the interview ask your questions in an open manner. There is always the opportunity to ask them questions at the end of the interview – remember the interview is a two way process, you need to be sure you want to join them too.
Thank the interviewers for their time, when you leave quietly and calmly. Smile.
Try to concentrate on issues which are both important to you and combine as apparent interest in the company, leave issues like terms and conditions until the very last, even though they may feel the most important to you.
Good topics to touch on include:
-the competitive environment in which the organisation operates
-executive management styles
-what obstacles the organisation anticipates in meeting its goals
-how the organisation’s goals have changed over the past three to five years
Generally, it is most unwise to ask about pay or benefits or similar areas. The reason is that it tends to make you seem more interested in what the organisation can do for you. It’s also not a good idea to have no questions at all. Doing so makes you appear passive rather than curious and interested. SHOW PROACTIVITY! You are interested in that company and what they do.
Suggested questions:
What are the main objectives and responsibilities of the position?
How does the company expect these objectives to be met?
What obstacles are commonly encountered in reaching these objectives?
What is the desired time frame for reaching the objectives?
What resources are available from the company and what must be found elsewhere to reach the objectives?
Wear what is appropriate for the post and the company. It may vary from smart, formal wear in some instances and informal in other. Better to wear a suit though if you are not sure. Be well groomed and clean. Try to look calm and confident. Once you have entered the interview room there will usually be a short exchange of pleasantries and ice breaking. Don’t be fooled by this time – it really is designed to put you at ease in most circumstances, but these initial moments are the most formative – don’t go over the top being exceptionally friendly or alternatively going rigid with fear. A pleasant natural smile, a firm handshake and a brief exchange of words in a natural manner of this greeting is sufficient.
Some simple but frequently broken rules:
Sit comfortably with both feet on the floor, lean slightly towards the interviewer.
Don’t play with your hair or your hands. Keep them out of pockets.
Try not to create defensive barriers between you and them, like a bag or folder on your knees, folded arms or crossed legs. This won’t give a good image of you.
Maintain natural eye contact with the interviewer but do not stare. If there’s more than one interviewer, then look at whoever is talking.
When you are talking, shift your glance from one to the other. This way you include them all.
Don’t over use your hands, if you are a natural gesticulator.
Don’t squirm or fidget. Do nod and Mmm, to show you are listening to them.
Above all try to be you, try to be natural.
Obeying these rules will allow the interviewers to concentrate on you and not on what you are doing in the interview. Body language conveys all sorts of messages, and the right body language will convey the message of a well-balanced and confident individual.
The short time you spend at a job interview could have a dramatic effect on your career prospects. It is therefore important that you perform well because no matter how good your career record is to date, the employment interview remains an important step towards fulfilment of your ambitions.
Negative factors to avoid
During the course of an interview, the employer will be evaluating your negative factors as well as your positive attributes.
Listed below are negative factors frequently evaluated during the course of an interview and those, which most often lead to rejection.
Poor personal appearance.
Overbearing - aggressive-conceited “superiority complex”, “know-it-all.”
Inability to express thoughts clearly, poor diction or grammar.
Lack of planning for career - no purpose or goals.
Lack of interest and enthusiasm - passive and indifferent.
Lack of confidence - nervousness.
Over-emphasis on money - interested only in remuneration.
Evasive - makes excuses for unfavourable factors in record.
Lack of tact / maturity / courtesy.
Condemnation of past employers.
Failure to look interviewer in the eye.
Limp handshake.
Lack of appreciation of the value of experience.
Persistent attitude of “what can you do for me?”
Lack of preparation for interview - failure to get information about the company, resulting in inability to ask intelligent questions. More preparation can be done at www.aptitudetestsonline.com/interview-preparation-assessment-day.htm
We will continue with interview preparation later with Part V
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