The key to a successful job interview is preparation. Remember that success occurs when preparation meets opportunity. If you get the opportunity to interview for a job, don’t blow it by not being prepared. Instead, follow these guidelines to interview preparation:
To perform well at interview you must convey the following in your descriptions of your character and ability:
§ Motivation: Take the opportunity to ask questions of your interviewer. This will convey enthusiasm and motivation, a thirst for knowledge coupled with a desire to get things done.
§ Energy and Drive: Someone who is prepared to put in the extra effort required to get the job done.
§ Confidence: Display a confidence and poise in your interactions with individuals at all levels in the organisation.
§ Determination: Not to be confused with stubbornness. Convey a desire to conquer problems despite difficult situations.
§ Attitude: Someone who is open and friendly but professional always, a team player.
§ Reliable: Self-motivated with an ability to work independently with a minimum of supervision.
§ Honesty and Integrity: Each company has it’s own code of conduct. Display an ethical responsibility for all actions undertaken by you both positive and negative.
§ Listening Skills: Be an active listener. Take time to listen, assimilate the information and respond.
§ Analytical Skills: Ever more important, weigh up each problem and find a balanced solution.
§ Dedication: Display pride in your work and the dedication to see each task through to completion in a timely manner.
Besides the above, in any interview you must be able to answer direct questions, its no good just re-cycling what’s on your resume, as resume is just the starting point, an interview is a two way conversation, but remember the interview is trying to find out if you are suitable for the role, it’s not personal, you have to convince him or her that out of all the candidates you are the best. So meet the interviewer, smile, introduce yourself, use a firm handshake and maintain good eye contact. Follow these tips during the interview:
Be prepared to discuss your three or four most marketable skills applicable to the position for which you’re interviewing. These skills can come from your work history or your educational background. Prove all soft skills through examples; don’t merely offer an opinion of yourself.
Make sure you’re comfortable speaking to every point on your resume.
Anticipate questions. A question you think you’ll be asked will probably come your way.
Use proper grammar and diction. Avoid saying "yeah," "um," "like," "see," "uh," or "ah."
Speak clearly. Be aware of your body language and project confidence. Be positive about yourself and what you’ve accomplished.
Ask questions throughout the interview. If at some point you’re not sure what the interviewer is asking, ask for clarification. This demonstrates you’re interested and have good listening skills.
If asked to describe a failure, weakness or negative experience, finish your response on a positive note by mentioning a lesson learned, growth achieved or how you’re currently working to improve.
When interviewing with more than one person at once, address your answer to the person who asks the question. However, be sure to maintain good eye contact with everyone during the interview.
Never ask about compensation in the first interview. However, if the interviewer addresses salary, answer the question directly.
Always go for the job offer. If negatives of the job surface, such as too much travel, make a mental note for evaluation purposes, but continue one hundred percent in the interview. There may be positive aspects of the job that balance or outweigh the negatives. It’s better to be in a position of rejecting the offer than not receiving it at all.
