Interview Techniques

Always remember that you are being interviewed because the employer wants to hire people - not because he wants to trip you up or embarrass you.

Through the interaction which will take place during the interview, the employer will be searching out your strong and weak points, evaluating you on your qualifications, skills, intellectual qualities. The employer will also probe deeply to determine your attitudes, aptitudes, stability, motivation and maturity.

To prepare for your interview with examples of previous situations you have dealt with or been in. For example, a key competency for the role may be "leadership". Try to think of an example where you have demonstrated such a competency within your previous roles. The employer will be looking for clear and concise answers to assure them that you the necessary competencies they require for the role.

Some general dos and don'ts concerning the interview are:

• DO plan to arrive a few minutes early. Late arrival for a job interview is never excusable.
• If the employer presents you with an application to complete, DO fill it out neatly and completely. DON'T relax and rely on your application or CV to do your selling for you.  Most employers will want you to speak for yourself.
• DO greet the employer by their surname if you are sure of the pronunciation. If you are not, ask them to repeat their name. Give the appearance of energy as you walk. Smile. Shake their hand firmly.
• DO wait until you are offered a chair before sitting. Sit upright in your chair, don't slouch. Look alert and interested at all times. Be a good listener as well as a good talker.
• DON'T smoke even if the employer smokes and offers you are cigarette.
• DO look a prospective employer in the eye while you talk to them.
• DO follow the employer's lead, but try to get the employer to describe the position and the duties to you early in the interview so that you can relate your background, skills and accomplishments to the position.
• DON'T answer questions with a simple "yes/no". Explain wherever possible. Tell those things about yourself which relate to a situation. Give examples, substantiate your responses.
• DO make sure that your good points get across to the interviewer in a factual, logical, sincere manner. Stress achievements. For example: processes developed, savings achieved, projects completed, objectives achieved, obstacles overcome, systems installed etc.
• DON'T lie.  Answer questions truthfully, frankly and as "to the point" as possible.
• DON'T make derogatory remarks about your present or former employers or companies.  It looks and sounds unprofessional and will not do you any favours in the long run.
• DON'T "over answer" questions. The interviewer may steer the conversation into politics or economics. Since this is a delicate situation it is best to answer the questions honestly, trying not to say any more than is necessary.
• DON'T inquire about SALARY, HOLIDAYS, BONUSES, RETIREMENT etc. on the initial interview, unless you are positive the employer is interested in hiring you. If the interviewer asks what salary you want, indicate what you've earned but that you're more interested in opportunity than in a specific salary amount at the present.
• DO always conduct yourself as if you are determined to get the job you are discussing.  Never close the door on an opportunity.  It is better to be in a position where you can choose from a number of positions - rather than only one.

Negative Factors Evaluated by an Employer

During the course of the interview, the Employer will be evaluating your negative factors as well as your positive factors.  Listed below are negative factors frequently evaluated during the course of the interview, most of which lead to the rejection of the candidate.

• Poor personal appearance
• Overbearing / overaggressive / conceited - "superiority complex", know it all
• Inability to express thoughts clearly - poor poise, diction or grammar
• Lack of planning for career - no purpose or goals.
• Lack of interest and enthusiasm - passive and indifferent
• Lack of confidence and poise - nervousness
• Over-emphasis on money - interested only in the best money offer
• Evasive - makes excuses for unfavourable factors in record
• Lack of tact / maturity / courtesy
• Condemnation of past employers
• Failure to look employer in the eye
• Limp handshake
• Lack of appreciation of the value of experience
• Failure to ask questions about job
• Persistent attitude of "what can you do for me"
• Lack of preparation for the interview - failure to get information about the company resulting in inability to ask intelligent questions.

Closing the Interview for the Job Offer

If you are interested in the position, ask for it, or ask for the next interview if the situation demands. If you feel the job is worth your efforts and you want to receive an offer, be a good sales person and say something like this: "Mr Employer, I'm very impressed with what I've seen here today, your company, its products, and the people I've met.  I am confident I could do an excellent job in the position you have described to me". The employer will be impressed with your enthusiasm. If the employer makes the offer then, accept it.

Don't be too discouraged if no definite offer is made or specific salary discussed. The employer will probably want to communicate with their office first, or interview more candidates before making a decision.

If you get the impression that the interview is not going well and that you have already been rejected, don't let your discouragement show. Once in a while an employer who is genuinely interested in you possibly may seem to discourage you in order to test your reaction.

Thank the employer for their time and their consideration of you. If you have answered the two questions uppermost in the employer's mind:

• Why are you interested in their company? And
• What can you offer? - Then you have done all you can

Last and most importantly, call your consultant immediately after each interview and tell them what happened. They will want to talk with you before the employer. If you are interested in the position the consultant will do all they can to help you secure it!