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Interviews Tips
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Research
Visit the prospective employer's website and browse through the
"About Us," "Employment," "Careers," "Our People," and "Media"
or "News" sections. The State Library and other large public
reference libraries will be able to provide newspaper clippings
on a given company so it might be worth a visit. An annual
report can also be a great source of information and can be
picked up from the reception desk of the company you are
interviewing with. Again, State Libraries keep the annual
reports of government organisations as well as a number of
publicly listed companies. If you are going through a
recruitment firm, your consultant should be only too happy (and
impressed) to help you do your homework.
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Rehearse
Rehearsing with a friend or family member is a great way to
soothe pre-interview nerves. In fact, do it! It will not only
build confidence and communication skills but will also help you
get your thoughts straight. Your rehearsal partner can tell you
if you're speaking too quickly, if your sentences are too long
or your answers hard to follow. Rehearse again and again until
you feel your answers are flowing. Oh, and don't get mad at your
rehearsal partner when they raise improvement points. They're on
your side, remember?
Use the "behavioural interviewing" technique
This is where the question requires the interviewee to provide
an actual example from their work or life experience. Questions
will start with words such as "Tell me about a time when..." or
"Give me an example of ...". The technique is built on the
theory that best predictor of future performance is past
performance.
I have prepared a detailed article on this technique so use the
Ask Kate link if you want a copy. I have also written a separate
article on how to answer the dreaded "strength/weakness"
question.
Pre-interview check
Before the interview, find out the name and title of each and
every person you will be meeting with. Memorise the names.
Again, your recruitment consultant should provide these. If you
are dealing directly with the company, it's perfectly acceptable
to ask its HR department to provide these details.
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Appearance
Take extra care with your appearance. Ensure your clothes are
clean and well ironed. Check for stains, stray threads and loose
buttons. Avoid visual distractions such as loud ties, chipped
nail polish, heavy make up, sheer fabrics, heavy ear rings,
jewellry that jangles, overpowering fragrances and unwashed hair
or hair that flops into your eyes or needs constant pushing
back.
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Feeling good
On the morning of the interview, go for a walk or spend some
time doing stretches. You will breathe deeply, which will help
you relax, have better posture and therefore look the part of
the successful candidate. On the way to the interview, walk tall
and smile. Strangers will smile back at you and the receptionist
at the interview firm will be nice to you. By the time you hit
the interview, you'll feel good. Remember, some butterflies in
the stomach are okay. Fear and excitement both cause butterflies
so tell yourself those flutters are excitement.
During the interview
Don't say anything negative about a past employer.
Don't interrupt anyone.
Keep your answers relatively short and to the point. If the
interviewer wants more information, he or she will ask for it.
By the same token, try to avoid answering with just a "yes" or
"no".
Maintain good eye contact. If there is more than one person at
the interview, talk to both or all of them - no matter how
junior or seemingly incidental.
Prepare something for when you are invited to ask questions. Two
to three questions is enough. Sound questions could include who
you will be reporting to, questions about the team you would be
joining, career path options, projects you could be working on.
Salary and benefit questions are best saved up until you have
ultimate bargaining power - at the very least, second interview
stage. The point of ultimate power is the time between being
offered the job and accepting it.
Think carefully before accepting a drink. You might find
yourself in a chair without arms and out of reach of a table
balancing a coffee, tea or glass of water throughout the
interview.
Smile - whenever appropriate of course.
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