The Good Interview

Many people love the idea of getting a job but hate the idea of that initial one-to-one interview. Some people can feel very shy or nervous, for others it can make them quite cranky and irritable. Not everyone has a problem with interviews; some people find them exciting and a better way of getting to know how the business works by asking questions they may not know.

Tips for controlling your nerves

Sometimes when you are nervous you can forget to do things as simple as to listen. This can make an employer think of you as unfriendly or inattentive. Some ideas for combating nerves include:

• Being aware of the interview's structure, and the fact that it often begins with easier questions such as 'What previous working experience do you have?;
• Exercising a few hours before your interview, if possible, will allow you to  burn off negative energy and feel more relaxed;
• Pausing before answering a difficult question to give yourself thinking time, or asking for clarification if, at first, you're unsure what the question means;
• Putting everything into perspective, reminding yourself that the worst thing that can happen is you not getting the job;
• Taking a toilet break before the interview;
• Taking deep breaths and not speaking too quickly, this will help you feel less anxious and easier to understand ;
• Taking notes with you, writing down cues to highlight examples that you want to draw upon, this will also show good organisational skills;
• Thinking about positive and happy experiences before the interview starts, and visualising yourself in complete control during the interview, this will also help you to remain pleasant and well mannered.

How to make a good impression

Making a good impression can sometimes be hard. To make sure an employer does not get a negative first impression of you generally, you should:

• Answer questions clearly and concisely;
• Ask relevant, thought-provoking questions at appropriate moments, as this can show that you're genuinely interested in the role and really listening to the interviewer;
• Avoid talking about any personal problems;
• Be as enthusiastic as possible (Not too much);
• Be well-mannered with any staff that you meet before the interview, how you respond to other employees will also affect you getting the job;
• Display positive body language, speaking clearly, smiling frequently and retaining eye-contact;
• Don't badmouth any previous employers, this could give the employer a bad impression of you;
• Give a firm handshake to your interviewer(s) before and after, this shows respect and confidence;
• Highlight your best attributes, experiences and achievements, based around the skills that you've identified as important to the organisation, and evidencing them with practical examples;
• Inform your interviewer(s) that you're available to answer any follow-up questions;
• Let your personality shine;
• Relax and sit naturally, but without slouching in your chair or leaning on the desk;
• Show your hands, as this is a sign of honesty;
• Wear smart business clothes with comfortable, polished shoes.

TOP 5 INTERVIEW TIPS;

1. Do your research

Fail to plan and you plan to fail. You are certain to be asked specific questions about the company, so make sure you've done your homework on things like their last year's profits and latest product launches. Also take a look at the latest developments in the industry so you can converse with confidence.

 2. Practice your answers
Although there is no set format that every job interview will follow, there are some questions that you can almost guarantee will come up. You should prepare answers to some of the most common interview questions about your personal strengths and weaknesses, as well as being able to explain why you would be the best person for the job.

 3. Look the part
Appearances shouldn't matter, but the plain fact is that you are often judged before you've even say a word. Make sure your shoes are polished, your clothes fit correctly and that your accessories are subtle.

 4. Stay calm
Good preparation is the key to staying in control. Plan your route, allowing extra time for any of those unexpected delays like road works or traffic and get everything you need to take with you ready the night before. Remember to speak clearly, smile and remember that your interviewers are just normal people, and the may be nervous too!

 5. Ask questions

You should always have some questions for your interviewer to show your interest in the position. Prepare a minimum of five questions; some of them will give you more information about the job others may give you a better understanding about the business as a whole.

Cedainne Hart

Centre for Leadership and Management Development

18-36 Wellington Street

Woolwich

SE18 6PF

02083177380

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