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Being invited to a job interview can fill you with excitement and nervousness all at the same time, being pleased to be considered for a role yet anxious about the interview itself. This is why brushing up on interview techniques is always a good idea, ensuring you are well-equipped and confident when being interviewed by a potential employer.
Below, we look at a few interview techniques to be aware of when on the search for a new job.
When you have a date set for your job interview, it is important that you use the time prior to it to get prepared. One way to do this is by researching the company in depth, ensuring you know as much about the business as possible. From its history and recent company news to the industry it operates in and its competitors, knowing the business inside out will help you answer specific interview questions that are likely to crop up.
It is also worth preparing answers to more conventional interview questions such as the following:
Why do you want this role?
What value do you think you could add to this role?
Where do you see yourself in 5/10 years?
What relevant experience do you have?
Explain a time where you had to overcome an obstacle at work.
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Over 40% of UK employers conduct telephone interviews, being an effective way to gauge a candidate's suitability for a role without having to set aside time for a formal face-to-face interview. While incredibly common, the majority of candidates fail to prepare for telephone and video interviews.
This is why it pays to run through a few interview questions over the phone with a friend and get comfortable behind a camera, ensuring your tone of voice is upbeat and you are presenting yourself in the best way possible.
Being punctual is essential when it comes to being interviewed, showing your interviewer that you are respectful, value their time and have the ability to manage your time effectively. But, arriving too early is not the answer either. Arriving 15 minutes early will suffice, showing that you are eager and able to manage your time well.
This is why it is also a good idea to run through the route to the interview location a few times before the big day, ensuring you know the route and do not get lost or turn up late on the day.
When it comes to interviews, the saying ‘dress to impress’ is good to remember. Showing that you are serious about making a good impression, wearing smart clothes will help you to present yourself as a keen, professional individual. And, while we all have our own definition of ‘smart’, the general rule is to not wear jeans or trainers and to ensure all clothes are clean and well-ironed.
As well as digging deeper into your professional background, an interviewer will be focused on your body language, intrigued to see the way you hold yourself. Below are a few tips to take on board:
Although an interview is about questions being fired at you, it is also a chance for you to have any queries you have answered. In fact, interviewers like being asked questions, showing them that the candidate they are interviewing cares and is eager to know as much about the business and the role as possible.
When the Q and A session is concluded and it is time to leave, remember to thank the interviewer for their time. This will leave a lasting impression on them, remembering you for being courteous and polite.
Lastly, remember to follow-up. A simple email or Skype message will do, reiterating how much you would like the job and why you think you would be a suitable candidate.
Then, wait for the job offer!
