The interview process for some is a stressful situation. To increase ones chances at securing the position the primary behaviour to avoid is displaying nerves. During the interview try to remain as calm as possible. Ask for clarification if you’re not sure what’s been asked remember that it is perfectly acceptable to take a moment or two to frame your responses so you can be sure too fully answer the question. If you are nervous during an interview, you must avoid displaying any behaviour that might make you appear so. Focus on your body language stand up when the interviewer enters the room. Shake hands and smile, sit erect in your chair, head high, chin up during the interview and don’t fidget. Develop a commanding presence, one that lasts after you leave the room. Be confident and pleasant. Don’t tap your foot or your fingers, drum the desk or show any sort of nervous behaviour. You don’t want to be rigid, you want your movements to be fluid and unforced. And finally connect positively with the person who might hire you, make eye contact, exude confidence, and engage the person you are speaking with, by addressing these actions you will let the interviewer know that you are an excellent candidate for this position before you even answer an interview question.
The second focus must be avoiding poor communication skills. Listen to the interviewer. Don’t rush your answers. Keep eye contact, and don’t interrupt the interviewer, or take too long to answer. Give thought behind your statements. Avoid overused words: like, and, an, all are words that are overused on a daily basis. Steer clear of saying “umm” and “you know.” Further find the balance between talking too much and not enough even though you shouldn’t talk too much, you do want to be responsive and fully answer the question as best you can. Talking to much denotes nervousness and can turn people off to what you are truly all about. The interviewer really doesn’t need to know your whole life story. Keep your answers succinct, to-the-point and focused and don’t ramble simply answer the question. Other major don’ts in communication include displaying arrogance, use profanity or risqué humour, complain about peripheral items, make negative references to others or talk bad about your past or current employer. Never argue at an interview with the interviewer. Even a very polite argument should never be considered. Arguing will more than likely convince the interviewer that you are argumentative by nature, which is not a trait that excites employers. Never exaggerate past achievements interviews are all about making a good impression The problem with inflating past achievements is that you can easily lose your all-important credibility, or be caught out later because you’ve said something different.
The third focus should be avoiding general inappropriate behaviour use common sense such as restraining any distracting physical habits, turn off mobile phone least before you enter the building, eating food, chewing gum, drink alcoholic beverages. Further don’t mention sex, race, ethnicity, religion, who you know in the organisation and never compliment the interviewer’s appearance.
From a personal perspective I do tend to struggle with “what are your strengths and weakness” I have always found it difficult to emphasize these attributes. I feel awkward discussing my weaknesses and if I point out my strengths I feel egotistical. Upon reflection about addressing this next interview my strategy is to demonstrate my employment objectives, qualifications, and accomplishments using concrete examples. And demonstrate how my strengths will contribute to the company. For my weakness I am going to highlight a perceived weakness and comment on how I am currently addressing it.
Next interview I personally want to ask and understand which interview style is involved before I attend. There are numerous kinds of interviewers and interview styles. Most interviewers are competent, professional. Some can turn a formal interview into a cordial discussion, make you feel at ease, and elicit information. Others are less proficient. After searching on the internet I discovered an excellent site that explains what types of interview styles there are and what is involved. According to Job Interview Tips with Career One’s although all interviews involve evaluation of the applicant, interview styles differ. Two or more styles are often combined in a single interview. Knowing something about each can help you prepare for interviews and boost confidence and performance.
Screening interview. This initial interview is most common with entry level positions. It’s often used to eliminate candidates who don’t possess necessary qualifications.
Structured interview. This directed interview proceeds from a pre-selected list of questions. After all candidates have been interviewed, their answers are objectively compared.
Unstructured interview. This nondirected interview offers candidates control of the interview. Interviewers ask open-ended questions. One favourite question is “Tell me about yourself.”
Board interview. This interview may be used to select candidates for high level positions. Several interviewers may ask questions focusing on their areas of expertise, while another may observe nonverbal behaviour.
Behavioural Interview. This popular style assumes past behaviour predicts future performance. Candidates are asked questions about how they’ve worked in the past. For example, “Tell me about a conflict you had with a co-worker and how you dealt with it.” Employers expect candidates to tell stories about themselves to give insight into behaviours such as teamwork, initiative, problem-solving, flexibility.
Case interview. Interviewers present you with a real task to complete. Usually, you complete the problem during the interview; sometimes, you may be asked to finish it at home. Show you understand the problem and can reach a conclusion through logical analysis.
Analytical Interview. This interview is designed to observe how you think on your feet and analyse data. You may hear some strange questions such as how many gas stations are located in your region.
Stress Interview. Some interviewers intentionally introduce stress into the interview to assess candidates’ reactions to pressure. Stress techniques include silence, being unfriendly, asking sensitive questions.
The dining interview. You may be taken out to lunch if you’re in an all-day interview. While conversation may be informal, evaluation is present.
Serial or successive interviews. After an initial screening you may be given a series of interviews with several interviewers, each on a one-to-one basis.
International interviews. Because different cultures have varied expectations and perceptions of appropriate interview behaviours, know the company culture. In some cultures, interviewers expect candidates to show modesty and wait to be asked before volunteering information.
These examples mentioned illustrate the importance of interview basics. Next interview I will prepare well, dress appropriately and provide compelling relevant information. Research the company and make up and have answers to questions that might be asked during the interview. I plan to be prepared for the difficult questions that serious interviewers will ask trying to catch me off-guard. I feel that if I am well prepared and have addressed the mentioned factors I should be confident about the next interview and with a bit of luck secure the position.
Reece
References
Job Interview Tips with Career One’s expert advice on interviews, its Career Won.www.CareerOne.com.au/Interviews. Reteived on June 18 2008.
