Interview Tips #4
• Interviews are a two-way process – but don’t talk too much.
• Take care not to make ‘knocking’ comments about your current or previous employers or colleagues. You never know who knows who.
• Be aware of your body language. Sit up; try to maintain eye contact – without appearing to stare gormlessly at the person in front of you. And don’t forget to smile!
• In answers to questions try to bring in points that show you as a prime candidate for the job. You may feel you would have no problem in making a success of it, but the people across the table can only judge your suitability from your CV and what you say to them.
• If your career path to date has not been ideal then don’t dwell on the negatives. You may be able to show that experience gained in an unrelated field has broadened your horizons or given you transferable skills you otherwise would not have.
• Avoid mentioning salary, benefits etc., in your early questions. Show that you are interested in the job, first and foremost.
• Be prepared for the unexpected. Some interviewers may pose a question designed to catch you unawares or to make you think on your feet. If you do not understand such a question ask for it to be repeated or explained to you. But do try to answer!
• Keep your self-respect – reserve the right to say ‘no’ if asked to do something that you are not happy about. A few misguided interviewers think that asking candidates to do something totally outside their comfort zone will give an insight into their character. But in most cases it makes the candidates realise that they would not want to work for that person!
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