A couple of weeks ago we started looking at how you can ensure you make a good impression when you are invited for a job interview. I thought I’d give you a break last week, but now we’ll take it a stage further and look at what you can do to improve your chances of getting the job when you are actually sitting in front of the interviewer/s.
The most important thing to remember is that you should be yourself – don’t put on an act. It’s important that you demonstrate your good points but do so modestly. Don’t be boastful or over-confident.
Talk enough, but not too much. When you are asked questions try to make your answers sufficiently detailed – avoid a blunt yes or no. This will help to demonstrate your enthusiasm. It’s also important to listen to what the interviewer is saying.
At the interview you will be asked questions. Try to anticipate these and have your answers prepared in advance. When you know that you have good answers ready, your confidence will naturally increase.
Some of the questions will relate to the job, your past experience and your qualifications. The interviewer will be trying to assess your ability to do the job. You should be able to anticipate such questions and prepare for them. In addition, there may be more general questions to discover your outlook and attitudes.
If you can use anecdotes about previous experience to help you answer the questions, then do so. For example, if you have helped to introduced new systems at your previous company this would show that you were competent, flexible and open to new ideas.
It’s worth spending time before the interview thinking how your previous experience and successes can be used to impress the interviewer in your favour. Take a long hard look at yourself. Be honest and try to list your strengths and weaknesses. By planning ahead you can go a long way towards making the most of your strengths and minimising your weaknesses. Give the matter careful thought so that you really make a good impression.
Towards the end of most interviews you will be asked if you have any questions. Don’t just sit in silence. If you’ve done your research on the company and the job, which we recommend in the first part of this blog, you’ll be in a better position to ask sensible questions. These questions can be used to show your knowledge and intelligence – they’ll also ensure you understand what the job entails and whether the job and company are right for you.
When it’s obvious that the interview is finished, leave promptly. Shake hands, say thank you and confirm that you are still interested in the job now you know more about it.
Smile as you leave – a smile always leaves a good impression!
