| Someone once said that going for a job interview was | | | | give you a better chance of getting that job. |
| a bit like going on a first date - it's exciting, something | | | | 3. Identify the skills, experience, personality traits and |
| you've wanted for some time... But then the worries | | | | relevant qualifications you need to demonstrate. Think |
| kick in; Am I going to say the right things? What if they | | | | about how you will show these in your answers. |
| don't like me? What if I say something stupid? | | | | Use a 'story telling' technique when you answer |
| The good thing about job interviews is that with good | | | | questions. For example, if the interviewer asks how |
| preparation you can be successful and shine. By doing | | | | you deal with difficult customers, rather than just |
| your research and preparing for the interview you are | | | | saying 'I've dealt with lots of difficult customers' tell a |
| more likely to come across as enthusiastic, personable | | | | real (short) story of a time you dealt with a difficult |
| and confident - key traits which will increase your | | | | customer. This not only brings the answer to life, it also |
| chances of getting the job. | | | | shows the interviewer that you have real experience |
| 'Before anything else, getting ready is the secret to | | | | and ability to deal with such situations. It's likely to make |
| success' (Henry Ford) | | | | you stand out from the competition. |
| To be more successful in your next interview, follow | | | | Make sure that every answer you give has a purpose |
| these 5 steps: | | | | for the interviewer; they want to know information |
| 1. Do some background research on the organisation | | | | about you which is relevant to the job they are |
| Even if the organisation is a household name, it pays to | | | | interviewing for. Spending 20 minutes telling them about |
| do some background research to find out what other | | | | your successful parrot-keeping hobby won't help the |
| areas they work in and what their mission and goals | | | | interviewer decide to give you the job. However, if |
| are. You can also get some sense of the culture of | | | | your hobby demonstrates relevant skills to the job (ie |
| the organisation; is it the type of place you would like | | | | you project managed and ran a successful parrot |
| to work? | | | | show) tell the story but keep it short, focused and |
| This research will also help you prepare your interview | | | | relevant to the job. |
| answers; think about how you will demonstrate that | | | | Tell the truth. If you are tempted to lie, then ask |
| you and your skills are the right fit for their business | | | | yourself what are the consequences of doing so? It |
| needs. Your research will also highlight questions you | | | | could be tempting to tell a lie to get this job, but what if |
| might want to ask about the organisation during the | | | | you're found out?;You could get fired - would that be |
| interview. | | | | acceptable to you? |
| Knowing a bit more about the organisation will also help | | | | 4. Identify the question you least want to be asked, |
| you to decide how to dress for the interview; funky, | | | | and prepare an answer to that question. |
| cutting edge fashion may help you get a job in a | | | | Nothing is likely to make you feel under pressure and |
| creative/artistic industry, but might be a barrier to those | | | | panic more than being asked a question you don't |
| recruiting for a job in a bank. | | | | have an answer to - and that's made worse if it's the |
| 2. Study the job advert and description. Think about | | | | question you really don't want to be asked! Having a |
| the questions you're likely to be asked. | | | | good response up your sleeve will ensure you feel |
| Put yourself in the interviewer's shoes and write down | | | | confident and comfortable throughout the interview |
| a list of questions they might ask relating to the job | | | | and, when the question comes, you'll be relaxed and |
| and to your skills. Identify any key phrases they have | | | | know exactly what to say. |
| used in the advert or job description; ie 'ability to make | | | | 5. Review and Practice |
| difficult decisions', 'strong commitment to customer | | | | There's nothing like review and practice to help you |
| service' then think about how you can demonstrate | | | | hone your interview skills. Whenever you go for an |
| your skills using those words and phrases in your | | | | interview, take time afterwards to review how you did |
| answers. | | | | - what questions did you find easy? Which ones were |
| If you take a sample answer from a book or website, | | | | more challenging? What were you proud of and what |
| make sure that the response is really you - skilled | | | | would you do differently next time? |
| interviewers will recognise 'standard text book | | | | Find a trusted friend or mentor to practice your |
| answers'. | | | | interview skills with. The more comfortable you feel |
| It's not possible to predict every question that you are | | | | with hearing your voice and using the words you want |
| likely to be asked, but doing your ground work and | | | | to use, the easier your interviews will feel. Don't let lack |
| preparing for some of the most obvious will not only | | | | of preparation and practice be the reason you didn't |
| make you feel more relaxed and comfortable, but also | | | | get the job. |