A job interview is a business meeting. From this meeting, each participant will make judgements and decisions about the other. It is an applicant's chance to sell them-selves and obtain first-hand knowledge of the position and the company.

The employer will be "selling" the position and the company to the applicants, as well as trying to establish their strengths and weaknesses.

Don't forget, however, that a job interview is a competitive situation, in which several other qualified candidates are vying for the same job.

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Interview Preparation

Being thoroughly prepared for an interview is the first step towards turning it into a successful one. It helps you to become more confident in selling yourself and your experience.

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Before your interview

Know the exact place and time of the interview, along with the interviewer's name and title.

Try and be informed about the company before the interview - use the internet, libraries, papers, people who work there etc (look for how many people work there, turnover, company structure, products etc)

Research the job - read the spec and make sure you are confident in how you can justify why you are the best candidate. Prepare the questions you will ask during the interview.

Remember: interviews are a two-way street, they are a chance for you to gather information on the company, and your questions will tell the interviewer that you are interested in their company.

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Questions to ask

Of course, only ask those questions which aren't answered during the course of the interview.

What career opportunities exist within the company?
Will I be working independently or as a team member?
What are the common characteristics of employees who excel in this position?
When and how is an employee's performance evaluated?
When will the hiring decision be made?

Also consider thinking about typical questions you will be asked, such as:

Explain your current role to me?
Why are you leaving?
What skills do you feel you can bring to our company?
What motivates you?
What are your key strengths and weaknesses?
Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

Know your CV!

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The Interview

The interview itself can be described as many things.

It is a sales situation. A big part of being successful depends on your ability to sell yourself as a potential employee. Be prepared to market your skills and experiences as they relate to the position described. Work at describing your qualifications in terms of the particular set of skills and attributes the employer is looking for.
It is also an opportunity for the interviewer to search out your strengths and weaknesses. They will evaluate you on your qualifications, skills and aptitudes, ability and motivation. To do all this successfully, it is important to communicate effectively and remember the first 20 seconds are vital.
Speak clearly and enthusiastically about your experience and skills. Be professional, bright and personable - don't be afraid to let your personality shine through.
Listen carefully - you certainly want to be able to answer the question that was just asked of you.
Be positive... avoid being critical of your past position or employer, even if it is warranted. If you are asked about a demotion or sudden change in job, don't be defensive: briefly state the facts and what you learned from the experience.

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Be aware of non-verbal communication.

Smile as you are greeted. Make eye contact during the course of the interview. Sit up straight and control nervous habits.

There is a school of thought that believes only half the interview's decision is based on what you say - the rest is down to behaviour.

Don't be afraid of short pauses. If you need a few seconds to formulate an answer - take it. The interviewer may need time to consider their next question. Do not feel it is necessary to fill every second with conversation.

Positive things that an employer will be looking for in an interview:

adaptability
determination
good communication skills
self-organisation
willingness to work hard
enthusiasm
creativity
honesty
self-confidence
professional appearance

Negative things that an employer will be looking for in an interview:

poor appearance
poor communication skills
indifference
lack of confidence
evasiveness
negative attitudes
abrupt replies
conceit
high-pressure selling

How do you know an interview is going well?

Typically you are getting a grilling, the interviewer is interested in you.
The tougher the questions, the better your doing.

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Do's & Don'ts

Here are some other "Do's" and "Don'ts" regarding the interview process.

Do:

Plan to arrive a few minutes early. Arriving late creates a bad first impression.
Ask for directions when making arrangements for the interview.
Greet the employer by his/her surname (if you are sure you can say it correctly) and shake hands firmly.
Dress and act conservative and businesslike.
Wait until you are offered a chair before sitting.
Act alert and interested, and ensure to get your good points across to the interviewer in a factual and sincere manner.
Be determined to get the job you are discussing!
Bring spare copies of your CV.

Don't:

Appear overly nervous. Project self-confidence. Try and relax.
Smoke or chew gum
Give yes or no answers. Elaborate whenever possible and describe the things about yourself which relate to the position. However, don't waffle, lie or imply you are a miracle worker. Be truthful and as frank as possible in your answers.
Be preoccupied with note taking during the interview

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Dressing for the interview

When interviewing for a position, it is best to be dressed in about the same manner as the person who is interviewing you. Being over or under-dressed tends to create a sense of "negative rapport" and will interfere with successful communication.

If you are not certain how the people normally dress at the company, consider asking someone in the HR department for their advice.

Some advice: Don't sit down in reception when waiting for two reasons:

Firstly, if you are coming up from a seated position to say hello you are at an immediate disadvantage and your diaphragm is in the wrong place so as you get up your voice will be at a higher pitch than normal.

Secondly, the chances are you will have to rearrange your dress, because one way or another clothes get heaped together when you're seated.

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After the Interview

Don't be afraid to ask for the job.
Thank the interviewer for their time.
Show confidence and interest, regardless of how you think the interview went.
Make a note of all questions asked for future reference.
Send a thank you letter.

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A Final Word

As strange as it may seem, employers are not looking for the most highly qualified candidate. They are looking for the candidate who fits in best. If you arrived at the interview phase, you meet the hiring criteria. The employer will select the candidate who fits in best from the candidates interviewed.

Do not feel that you have to sell yourself. That strategy takes you back to your credentials.

Candidates who are enthusiastic, sincere and tactful, and who can demonstrate how they fit in, will be most effective.

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Second Interviews

First interviews are usually about getting a feel for a candidate and allow recruiters to make a short list. If you have passed this stage, the next stage may involve some form of psychometric testing.

Second interviews usually involve people you will be working closely with, your boss, colleagues etc. Second interviews are typically much tougher. The interviewers probe in a more in-depth fashion and you may be asked some thorny questions. For this reason, it is critical you prepare for a second interview as well as the first.

Remember you are now up against tough opposition. Many candidates become blasé at this point, thinking that once they have passed the first interview they are flying.

Don't make this mistake.

Think about industry issues, technical questions if applicable, salary expectations, what you would do if you were offered the job on the spot. Try and find out who will be interviewing you.

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Telephone Interviews

Telephone interviews are being increasingly used for very practical reasons.

They cut down on travelling time and, where tele-working is a big part of the job, offer you the chance to demonstrate good telephone technique.

The most important part of a telephone interview is listening. In a face-to-face situation, we pick up (and give off) lots of extra clues. In a telephone conversation, it is much more important to really listen to what is being asked and to think carefully about what you are saying and how it comes across, as it is not supported by non-verbal communication signals.

Prepare by recording practice interviews.

How do you sound?
Can you be understood clearly?
Are you speaking too quickly or too slowly?

As with any interview, prepare thoroughly and make notes to help you answer questions.

Also make a note of the questions you'd like to ask. Basic as it may seem, make sure you are sitting in a comfortable position (ideally at a desk or table) where you will not be disturbed.

Picture the person on the other end of the line and smile at appropriate times, as you would in a face-to-face interview. Smiles really do show in your voice.

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Looking for a job whilst still Employed

There are many reasons that drive us to look for new employment whilst still being employed. Typically lack of challenge, boredom, change of environment, change of personal circumstance, need for increase in salary package are just some of the driving factors that prompt us to look for new pastures.

It’s a tricky business to locate and secure a new career whilst still working for your current employer. How do you do this without risking your current position? Here are some tips you need to be aware of:

1. Most companies prefer to promote from within. It is important that you have a good look around your company to find any possible openings that may suit your experience or aspirations. In general, companies will give preference to candidates that are known quantities.

2. It is important that you are discrete in your search. It is easy to confide in colleagues when having banter. However, this can lead to others not so loyal to you finding out and then your boss or line manager.

3. Following an organized and systematic approach can help you get a job faster. Allocate time slots for your job search and stick to them.

4. Good networking can do wonders for your job search. Make a conscious effort to expand your circle of contacts by getting involved in associations and networking groups.

5. Don’t exploit office resources for your job search. It is inappropriate and unethical to use your current employers resources for your search. Refrain from any activity in your current work place that can land you in trouble due to any evidence that might get left behind accidentally.

6. Pay attention to how you dress on your interview day. Replacing your customary casual attire with a suit jacket can arouse suspicion in your work place. Carry a change to avoid unnecessary attention.

7. Appoint professional recruitment agencies to distribute your CV. These agencies can also help hone your CV and interview skills and also ensure confidentiality.

8. Your current company frequents job sites as much as your new company. Stick to job sites which keep contact and employer information confidential.

9. Hiring managers understand the need to make accommodation for an interview; excuses put them off.

10. The company pays you to work rather than searching jobs; restrict any job-search activity to your personal time. Stick to a game plan without comprising your on-the-job productivity.

11. Honour your current job and employer. Any impertinent conduct towards your employer or superiors can spoil your current job status, as well as future references.

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July 25, 2008, 12:02 am