Providing you remember the basics of good interview technique, the meeting will not be as painful an experience as you may have been expecting. View the interview as a conversation, rather than a 45- minute grilling, which some people fear.
Several days prior to the interview date you should confirm the appointment and make sure you know who is interviewing you (name, job title), and what the interview process will involve. Confirm the logistics of when and where the interview will take place, how to get there and how long the journey will take. Minimise the number of belongings you have with you, but remember it’s a good idea to have pen and paper, a record of the interviewer’s full name and title and a copy of your CV/application form, plus any other documents you may require.
Meet and Greet
Upon arrival, let the first person who greets you know who you are and you are present for an interview. While you are waiting, gather your thoughts to verify the key points you need to get over during the course of the interview.
Don’t worry unduly about body language; concentrate on being yourself and making a good impression: shake hands firmly, look the interviewer in the eye and be sure to smile. Once in the interview room always wait until you are offered a seat before sitting down. In some instances you might have more than one interviewer so remember to address your answers to all of them. Don’t feel daunted; panels are supposed to be fairer to candidates as any personality clashes that may arise become diluted.
Frequently candidates come across an interviewer who attempts to put them under stress, using aggressive questioning. Don’t take this personally, as it is simply a means to see how you react to pressure. Answer each question calmly and assertively.
If you are asked a question you are unsure of, it is perfectly acceptable to seek clarification, as some questions may be deliberately ambiguous to test how confident you are. Similarly, don’t feel you have to give an immediate answer to a complicated hypothetical question.
The interviewer is as interested in how structured and logical your thought processes are, as they are in your proposed solution.
Instead of clichéd and evasive responses, express your answers honestly and frankly, without coming across as arrogant or aggressive. You are at liberty to disagree with a point made – indeed the interviewer may be deliberately trying to provoke a debate – so long as you are prepared to support your view with reasoned argument.
Positive Mental Attitude
Remain positive throughout an interview. Despite their worst fears, candidates rarely perform as poorly as they think. Interviewers want candidates to fare well; they are generally busy individuals so an hour spent interviewing an unsuitable individual is an hour wasted.
Interviewers need to be able to differentiate between candidates, so you must be careful not to raise any doubts or reservations as to why you may not be suitable. Questions relating to working hours, salary, holidays etc., however legitimate, are best left until after you have secured an offer.
Asking pertinent and informed questions demonstrates that you are a good listener and are interested in the subject matter. If you have gone into the interview armed with well-researched information, then you will be more confident discussing in detail, such matters as job role, the potential for career development and advancement, the company’s strategic plans etc.
The follow up
Rarely will an interview conclude with a job offer being given, as the interviewer will want to confer with colleagues and may still have more candidates to meet before making any decision. Always write a letter or email – whatever the outcome – to your interviewer, thanking them for their time.
If you do receive an offer... congratulations! If not, try not to be disheartened and look upon the interview as a learning experience, which hopefully means you will do better next time. With this in mind, you should always ask politely for feedback from the selection process although it is important to take any criticism constructively and not dispute the company’s decision.