Impressive Interviews
Presented by Kelly Services
An interview is a two way process. It is an opportunity for
the potential employer and employee to evaluate each other. Some job applicants
get nervous about interviews especially if it is a job they really want. Most
employers recognize that being nervous is not a bad thing, it only goes to
show that the interview is important to the job applicant. However, do not
get nervous to the point where you start stuttering, asking the interviewer
to repeat questions repeatedly, fidget about with your hands or keep moving
in your chair, etc. Understanding the stages in an interview may be useful
to job applicants. There are basically three stages.
Firstly, there is the opening or beginning. Then there is the information
gathering stage or the middle segment. Thirdly, the closing or ending. There
are Beginnings, Middles and Endings in most things we undertake. However,
each stage requires a slightly different approach. At the beginning of the
interview, you need to project enthusiasm.
In the middle, you need to build commitment (here is where you start using
action words) so that you can assure your prospective employer that you are
a suitable candidate.
Endings need to be hopeful, so you end in a positive light. Many people make
the mistake of moving from the initial enthusiasm to hope, bypassing commitment.
If you do not build commitment, your employer may get a sense that you are
not sincere.
Powerful Beginnings
Be alert when you walk into the interviewer's office. Walk smartly. Do not touch
anything on the interviewer's desk. Smile warmly at the interviewer and tell
him or her that you are happy to meet him/her. Sit comfortably but do not slouch
or rest your head on your hands. Some interviewers start by asking you questions
not related to the interview, this process is called an 'ice-breaker'. It is
intended to make you feel comfortable. Answer the questions with ease. A common
mistake that the job applicants make has to do with the question, "How are you?"
This is just intended as an opener. Sometimes interviewees answer too honestly.
Some job applicants tell their interviewer that they are not well. This only
prompts the interviewer to ask why they are not feeling well. It starts the
interview on a negative note. There is nothing more "off putting" than beginning
an interview with questions relating to the applicant's ailment. Also most interviewers
are more alert at the beginning of the interview. Just say "Fine, thank you"
or "Very well, thank you". Some interviewees are so nervous that they are not
even aware when the interviewer cracks a joke. Be aware of your handshake -
dead fish handshakes make you look weak.
Empty Spaces
Some interviewees get very nervous when there is a pause. Enjoy it, you do
not have to fill every gap. Let the interviewer lead you. It's okay to be
silent during pauses.
Be Honest
It's okay to admit that you do not have all the answers. Admit it if you do
not know how to answer a question. Answer each question concisely.
Any Questions?
Sometimes interviewers want to know if you have any questions. Do not
ask questions that are obvious, for example, about working hours unless you
are applying for a shift job or a position that requires you to work specific
hours. The first question some applicants ask relate to benefits and perks.
This tends to give the impression to the interviewer that the applicant is materialistic
and motivated by monetary rewards alone. Instead ask questions about the position
and the organization, for example, "What are the important qualities that you
require your employees to have?" "What do I need to do in order to hit my targets?"
What are your expectations of me?"
Stay Alert to your Facial Expressions
Although you cannot see your face, the interviewer will be looking at your face
for clues. For example, if you like what he or she is saying to you. Often interviewees
give themselves away by their facial reactions. Practice in front of a mirror
and watch your responses and the faces you make. Poker players know this trick,
they learn not to show their reactions to the cards they deal sp that the other
players do not know where they are at. Project a pleasant disposition and be
alert.
Speak with Conviction
You cannot fake this part of the interview, as most interviewers are able to
sense if an applicant is insincere. Say the things you mean, be congruent. Some
interviewees contradict themselves. They say they want to build a career with
the employer's company and then in the same breath say that the job they are
applying for is a stepping-stone. Prospective employers want to know what is
unique about you and why they should hire you over someone else but they may
not ask you this question in a direct manner. Therefore it is important for
you to think about what the interviewer wants to know before you answer the
question. For example, what are your strengths and weaknesses?
Endings
End with hope. Tell yourself that it does not matter if you do not get the job.
Be thankful for the opportunity to advertise yourself to another potential employer.
If you end an interview well, there is a greater chance that the interviewer
will remember you and may even recommend you to another employer if he or she
does not have a job for you. Keep an open mind. Thank the interviewer for his
or her time and that you enjoyed meeting them before you leave.
Take Note of Exits / Be Aware of your
Space
Every now and then, we meet interviewees who seem to lose their way and head
off in the wrong direction when they leave the office. Often they get embarrassed
when they realize that they are heading in the opposite direction of the door.
It is difficult when you are in a new space but learn to orientate yourself
to the environment quickly so that you do not look 'blur' or lost.
Impressive Interviews Checklist
Avoid wearing strong perfume/cologne or jewellery/accessories that may be distracting.
Dress conservatively.
If you wear a fringe, try not to hide behind it.
Do not fidget unnecessarily if you are seated on a chair that rotates. Try not to move too much.
Speak from the heart. Speak about what you want to do with conviction.
Do not criticize or bad mouth your previous employer or colleagues.
Be prepared to accept responsibility for a bad judgment you may have made with regard to a previous job.
Do not try to fill all pauses, it's okay to be silent sometimes.
Attempt to answer all questions, do not give up.
If you are asked to sit for a test, listen to instructions carefully. Do not hesitate to check again and follow all instructions.
Be honest. If you do not know something, say so.
Be aware of your facial expressions.
The Interview Process
BEGINNING - Show enthusiasm
MIDDLE - Build Commitment
ENDING - End with hope