Although interviews can be very daunting
they should be seen as an equal encounter between two parties -
the interviewer has a position or need to fill and the interviewee
wants to be considered to fill that position or need.
Remember the organisation that is
interviewing you is in need of your service, perhaps more than you
are of their job. Most candidates think they perform well during
an interview, but a recent survey of employment professionals indicated
that over 90% of people they interview perform poorly.
Here are a few tips and techniques
to help you perform better in interviews:
| • |
Prepare in advance - find out
about the company and what they do |
| • |
Prepare what to wear - make sure
you look smart, clean and tidy from head to toe. |
| • |
Prepare in advance some questions
to ask the interviewer. |
| • |
Arrive in plenty of time - at
least 10 minutes before your interview is scheduled to start. |
| • |
Be aware of your body language
during the interview - eye contact is one of the most powerful
forms of communication. |
| • |
Be confident and try to relax! |
Typical interview questions and how to answer them:
•
Why don't you tell me a little about yourself?
This question tests your composure and the ability to develop
a rapport with the interviewer. Prepare in advance a 60 second script
describing an overview of your achievements including recent professional
or academic accomplishments to enhance your candidacy.
•
Why are you leaving your current position?
The interviewer is probing for dissatisfaction or discontent and
wants to see if you will speak negatively of your employer. This
question tests your character and ambition, regardless of the reasons
you are seeking new employment, remain positive and don't complain.
•
Why do you want this position?
Desire, commitment and passion towards one's career goals are very
important to an interviewer. Confidence comes from knowing your
capabilities, your desires and goals. This self assurance comes
across in an interview in your voice and body language in addition
to your answers and questions.
•
What are your greatest strengths?
This is your opportunity to sell yourself by defining your key marketable
skills. Tailor your strengths towards the specific needs of the
organisation and the position you are applying for.
•
What is your greatest weakness?
Try and turn this question around and treat any weaknesses as areas
to improve on. You must demonstrate that you are doing something
currently to improve in that area. Avoid over used answer such as
'I work too hard' or 'I expect too much of others'. Give one or
two examples of something that will not effect your ability to do
this job.
•
What are you short and long term career objectives?
The interviewer wants to see how you see your future. Evidence supports
the fact that high-achievers are those people who have defined goals
for themselves. The interviewer also wants to see how realistic
your objectives are and how they fit together with the companies
goals.
•
How will our organisation benefit from employing you?
You will need to go into the interview with a clear knowledge of
your value to the company and the specific benefits they will receive
from having you join them. You will be hired if you can provide
benefits to the company.
At the end of the interview thank them for
their time and politely ask them when they will be making a decision.
If you don't get the job try and find out
why. It will help you modify your approach for the next interview.
Learn from your mistakes..............Good
Luck!
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