|
|
The Interview
A good interviewer will outline his
objectives at the beginning of the interview and may indicate
approximately how much time he/she intends to spend. This will be useful
to the Candidate who should pace themselves accordingly. You should get
into your stride quickly be getting across a few achievements at an
early stage in the interview thereby “scoring points”. It is imperative
though to create a good impression in the first few minutes. Whilst it
may be possible to “fail” or “blow” an interview at any stage, including
towards the end, perhaps by an unguarded comment, it is invariably
impossible to regain your position if the first impressions you make are
poor.
The following is a summary of various
actions and pitfalls to be noted for use or avoidance at Interviews:
General Approach
•
|
Arrive five minutes early. Any
earlier you risk being seen as over anxious or impatient, late and, of
course, you become unreliable. |
|
• |
Do not be over familiar with the
Receptionist (she may be a legitimate “spy”, although a friendly
question or two may show your interest, but be careful not to show up
your ignorance to somebody you feel more likely to be on your side). |
|
• |
Do not fidget or appear impatient
while waiting in the reception, however long it takes, since this too
may be reported. |
|
• |
When you meet the
Interviewer, give him a firm dry handshake and say that you have
been looking to meeting him. |
|
• |
Only sit down when you have been
asked. |
|
• |
Take out your
notes/notepad/CV/summary of achievements, perhaps have them in a
see-through file on your lap. |
|
• |
SMILE – even laugh once or twice
during the interview, but do not become hysterical. |
During the Interview
•
|
Do not criticise your past employers
although you should show constructive analysis of what they do and what you
achieved. |
|
• |
Do not be sarcastic. |
|
• |
Do not smoke, even if asked. |
|
• |
Do not swear. |
|
• |
Do not interrupt the Interviewer. |
|
• |
Do not “interview” the Interviewer
by leading his questioning, or imposing your own structure on the
Interview. |
|
• |
Do not argue, although you may wish
to discuss or debate issues raised to show that you have a point of
view. |
|
• |
Do not be personal or over familiar
with the Interviewer, friendly yes, but you should only really use
first name terms if asked. |
|
• |
Do not take alcoholic drink or other
drugs before the Interview, whilst they may relax you, they dull the
mind. |
|
• |
Do not draw attention to any of your
weaknesses, or make apologies for yourself. |
|
• |
Do not make sweeping statements or
generalisations – you might be asked to justify them such as – “what
makes you think that….?” |
|
• |
Do not show anxiety, or boredom, or
that you are pressed for time. |
|
• |
Do not look at your watch. |
|
• |
Do not be passive or submissive
during the interview, or, conversely, even superior, but be equal. |
|
• |
Do not ramble or lose the thread of
what you are saying. |
|
• |
Do not ask about salary etc. until
the subject is raised by the Interviewer. |
|
• |
Look at the Interviewer and use
his/her name from time to time. |
|
• |
Ask the Interviewer to explain if
you do not understand a particular question. Perhaps he can put it in
context for you. |
|
• |
Be truthful. |
|
• |
Try to establish a reasonable
rapport with the Interviewer. |
|
• |
Offer to leave the room if you are
interrupted by a telephone call (although the Interviewer should have
arranged not to be disturbed). |
|
• |
Show a subtle sense of humour. |
|
• |
Sit up. |
|
• |
Be yourself. |
|
• |
Look the Interviewer in the eye,
giving frequent positive eye contact, especially when answering
difficult questions or covering areas where the Interviewer may be
particularly wary or suspect candidates may be a little economical
with the truth (such as salaries) but do not lie. |
|
• |
Throughout the interview try to
remain calm and professional without over relaxing. |
|
• |
Be sensitive to time constraints.
The Interviewer is likely to be a busy person and will have other
things to do, possibly wish to fit in several other candidates in a
fixed period of time. So put your points across succinctly. |
At all times when being interviewed,
remain on your guard at whatever stage the Interview has reached and
however informal it becomes. A chance remark as you leave the
Interviewer’s office could spell doom!
If you really feel you are unsuited to
the position do not be afraid to say so, perhaps use it as an
opportunity to develop another line of contact or opportunity with the
Company if there is something in which you are particularly interested.
You are only being a fool to yourself if you grossly misrepresent your
skills and abilities. If you are asked whether you can perform a
particular function, do not avoid saying no. Better still, suggest that
it is likely to be within your capabilities given the opportunity to
become involved and a little training/guidance. You are thereby
indicating your willingness to learn. At the same time you should not be
afraid of taking on new responsibilities to stretch you a little.
At the end of the Interview, sum up
your understanding of what has taken place and what the next stage will
be in the process. Say that you have valued the discussion and that you
are definitely interested in the opening. Conversely, if you are not
interested say so. If you are interested conditionally, make your
conditions clear. If you have not been told already, ask when you might
expect to hear a decision, if you are not able to press for something at
that time. Thank the Interviewer for seeing you and give them a firm
handshake again. Do not then dither , but leave.
In the perhaps unlikely event that you
are offered something on the spot, be very positive about it (not
ecstatic) and accept it (you can always change your mind later,
particularly when it comes to putting something in writing).
[
Previous
Section | Return to Top | Next Section ] |
