The offer of an interview is one foot in the door. You now need to convince them that you’re the right person for the job and better than everyone else. Your consultant will brief you fully before you go to interview. If you're unsure about anything, do give us a call.
Research:
Use the web, trade journals and the company’s own literature to gather as much information as possible. Pay close attention to their products and services, and read up on their history and recent press releases. Also, research the main competitors to show a genuine understanding of the marketplace.
First impressions:
It is said that an impression is made within three seconds of meeting someone. So use these seconds wisely. Smile, give a solid handshake and be confident but relaxed. And remember, it’s better to look too smart than not smart enough.
It’s all about me:
Employers want to know what about you and what you have done, so use ‘I’ rather than ‘we’. Have answers ready to typical questions and rehearse saying them out loud, remembering to add structure so you don’t sound like you’ve memorised a script.
Listen carefully:
Always think before you answer a question and don’t be afraid of silence – it’s better to think than to rush ahead. Avoid giving yes or no answers but focus on being concise.
Be positive:
Always remain positive about your reason for leaving your most recent position and/or being made redundant. Focus on external factors and never criticise previous organisations or employers. Remain positive about your weaknesses and quantify the confidence other employers have placed in you.
Proof:
If you are using past projects to illustrate your skills and strengths, take along evidence as proof. This takes talking a good game one step further.
Think smart:
You’ve done your research, so use it. Clever questions based on solid research will show you genuinely want the job. Remember, the interview is a two-way street; it’s your opportunity to find out about more about them and ask questions.
Parting shot:
At this stage, find out what the next step will be and when. End with a really positive statement about how much you’d love the job and why you would be perfect for it – but make sure it’s sincere. Ignore any negative thoughts about how the interview may have gone. |
