The Careers Guru's Guide to Interviews
Congratulations! Your CV and covering letter have done their job and you’ve got the interview. Now it’s time to show the employers that you’re the only one for the job
Invitation to interview
This is where the interview starts – a polite and professional phone call, email or letter to accept the interview will leave a good impression. It’s okay to mention another reason why you’re suited to the post, but don’t pester them. Also, remember to check over your profile on networking sites like MySpace and Facebook as your potential employer may be watching.
Most importantly, don’t forget to read the invitation carefully as it may ask you to send further information beforehand or produce paperwork on the interview day. Don’t fall at this first hurdle.
Do your research
Every company has a different interview policy. Your interview could be conducted by one person or by a panel of people; you could be asked to do an assessment exercise, role-play or give a presentation. Find out what you will be experiencing so you can prepare.
Know the job description inside and out and read up on current trends in the profession and the employer’s rivals. Have ideas ready. Think of questions you may be asked and begin working out snappy replies. Don’t forget to reread your original paperwork where you promised to bring certain qualities to the post.
If practical, a dummy run is essential to avoid the panic of trying to find a new location on the morning of the interview. If your interview is very early and miles away, seriously consider staying in a hotel nearby overnight.
On the night before, have everything packed and ready (including a portfolio, if required, and a copy of your CV), catch a good night’s rest and set an alarm (or two). If you’re going to deliver a presentation, make sure you have it backed-up on a disc or memory stick and bring it with you.
Dress to impress
Your image will help gain the trust of the interviewer, so leave a perfect impression by looking classy and stylish. If in doubt, dress up rather than down. Remember to suit the profession/employer – is there a company image? Wear something nice but comfortable – there’s no sense buying new shoes the day before and hobbling around with blisters halfway through the interview.
All employers will appreciate clean shoes, clean nails, immaculate ties, crisp shirts and tidy hair. However, no one will be impressed with too much cleavage or skin, too many piercings, bad breath, smelly armpits, tacky make-up, comedy ties, scruffy clothes and gaudy colours. In this case, less is usually more. Check your interview gear with your best mate days before.
The big day
Wake up feeling confident and believe in yourself. If you feel nervous, remember that the employers want you – after all, that’s why they invited you for an interview in the first place. Set out to arrive in good time because showing up late is unacceptable. But if something unavoidable happens, ring ahead – then switch your mobile to silent when you arrive.
Be on your very best behaviour from the moment you set out for the interview. When you arrive, remember that anyone you meet could be influential in the final decision. How you greet people in reception is often monitored and fed back to the decision-makers.
Body language
‘It ain’t what you do, it’s the way that you do it,’ goes the saying. Make that great first impression with a confident knock, poised entrance, and a firm handshake. Remember to smile! When you sit down, try to relax while keeping your head up and shoulders back. The way you deliver your answers is often as important as the actual content, so speak clearly and with animation. Maintain eye contact with your interviewers and remember their names.
Do your best to avoid fidgeting, hair twirling, nail biting, arm crossing, swaggering and gum chewing. If the interview procedure involves lunch or dinner, remember those table manners. And when it’s all over, don’t make a desperate dash for the door. Thank the interviewers for their time, shake their hand firmly again, smile and leave confidently.
The answers
There will be questions, but an interview is not a police interrogation. In fact, a good one is a rewarding conversation and exchange of ideas, so relax and you will flourish. Keep your answers tight and appealing but don’t rush it – you’re allowed to have thinking time. Ask for further detail if you’re unsure about a question. Interviewers are looking for potential and will be happy to guide you. Remember to answer positively, offering examples of actions to back up your claims and strengths. And if asked for weaknesses, offer negative strengths, such as over-diligence. Show you’ve done your research by referring to information found online, research into rival companies and attendance at relevant Open Days.
Avoid interrupting or offending your interviewer in any way. Never lie and trap yourself in a corner or promise to deliver goods you don’t have. Also, never diss a current or previous employer (no matter how awful they may be) and never ever swear.
Always have a few questions to ask the interviewers at the end, as this shows your interest. You could ask them what they enjoy most about their own jobs or inquire about training given. Where possible, ask questions that are not answered in a company brochure or on their website.
Aftermath
Email, telephone or write immediately to thank them for the interview. Ask if they would like you to offer further information or elaborate on any aspect of the interview.
If everything has gone to plan and you get the offer, celebrate your successful application. (Before accepting the post, consider carefully if the terms and conditions are right – and always trust your instincts.) For the first few weeks of your new post, make a particular effort to show the same positives as you did at interview – enthusiasm, professionalism and class.
If your talents have not been recognised, never burn bridges. React maturely and ask for feedback on your performance. Convince yourself inside that it’s their loss, not yours. Remain on good terms, though – another post may come up soon or you may be recommended in turn to another employer. It’s amazing how small some professional networks are. Use the experience to bounce back quickly and stronger than ever – don’t lose heart! Just keep searching and you’ll soon find the right job.
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