Improve your interview technique
Improve your interview technique
A Job interview gives you a chance to shine. What you say and what you do is going to move you to the next round of consideration for employment, or knock you out of contention. It doesn't take much to make an impression - good or bad. If you haven't taken time to dress appropriately, or if you say the "wrong" thing, it will be over.
Take time to prepare your interview technique including knowing what's on your resume, being able to present why you are qualified for the job, why you are interested in the company, and practicing staying calm and focused. Remember that the image the interviewer has of you, when he first meets you, is the one that is going to last.
* Appearance
It is important to appear professional and attentive throughout the process. Before you leave for the interview, make sure you are dressed professionally, neatly groomed, your shoes polished, and you haven't overdone the perfume or aftershave. It is important not to "smell" during a face-to-face interview. Too much perfume, or not enough deodorant won't help either.
* Know the facts
Some applicants are not able to tell me their dates of employment, or what they actually did on a day-to-day basis at their job. Review your work history and make sure what you say matches what's on your resume. Take the time to learn about the company, and about the job you are applying for. * What you don't say
What you don't say can - and will - be used against you in a job interview. If you come to an interview chewing gum or drinking coffee, you will already have one strike against you. Not being dressed appropriately or having scuffed shoes will give you a second strike. Talking or texting on your cell phone or listening to an iPod while waiting to be called for the interview, may be your final strike and you could be done with your candidacy before you even say a word. * What you do say
Your verbal communications are important. Don't use slang. Speak clearly and definitely. If you need to think about a response to an interview question, that is fine. It is better to think before you talk, than to stumble over your words. Practice answering some interview questions so you're comfortable responding the basics.
* Listen
It can be easy to get distracted during a job interview. It is stressful and you are in the hot seat when it comes to having to respond to questions. That said, if you do your best to listen to what the interviewer is asking, it will be easier to frame appropriate responses. TIPS
Non-verbal Communication during an Interview
NON-VERBAL communication is as important as verbal communication.
According to studies, "body language comprises 55% of the force of any response, whereas the verbal content only provides 7%, and paralanguage; or the intonation - pauses and sighs given when answering, represents 38% of the emphasis." The evaluation of your nonverbal communication starts as soon as you walk into the company's lobby, and continue until the interview is finished.
If your non-verbal communication skills aren't up to par, it won't matter how well you answer the questions. Here's how to do it right:
* Make eye contact with the interviewer for a few seconds at a time.
* Smile and nod (at appropriate times) when the interviewer is talking, but don't overdo it. Don't laugh unless the interviewer does first.
* Be polite and keep an even tone to your speech. Don't be too loud or too quiet.
* Don't slouch. You will look too casual and relaxed.
* Do relax and lean forward a little, so you appear interested and engaged.
* Listen, pay attention, and be interested.
* Don't interrupt.
* Stay calm. Keep your emotions to yourself and do not show anger or frown.
* Don't let your arms fly around when you are making a point.
* Hold a pen and a pad, or rest an arm on the chair, so you look comfortable.
* Remember your manners, and thank the interviewer for taking the time to meet you.
A Job interview gives you a chance to shine. What you say and what you do is going to move you to the next round of consideration for employment, or knock you out of contention. It doesn't take much to make an impression - good or bad. If you haven't taken time to dress appropriately, or if you say the "wrong" thing, it will be over.
Take time to prepare your interview technique including knowing what's on your resume, being able to present why you are qualified for the job, why you are interested in the company, and practicing staying calm and focused. Remember that the image the interviewer has of you, when he first meets you, is the one that is going to last.
* Appearance
It is important to appear professional and attentive throughout the process. Before you leave for the interview, make sure you are dressed professionally, neatly groomed, your shoes polished, and you haven't overdone the perfume or aftershave. It is important not to "smell" during a face-to-face interview. Too much perfume, or not enough deodorant won't help either.
* Know the facts
Some applicants are not able to tell me their dates of employment, or what they actually did on a day-to-day basis at their job. Review your work history and make sure what you say matches what's on your resume. Take the time to learn about the company, and about the job you are applying for. * What you don't say
What you don't say can - and will - be used against you in a job interview. If you come to an interview chewing gum or drinking coffee, you will already have one strike against you. Not being dressed appropriately or having scuffed shoes will give you a second strike. Talking or texting on your cell phone or listening to an iPod while waiting to be called for the interview, may be your final strike and you could be done with your candidacy before you even say a word. * What you do say
Your verbal communications are important. Don't use slang. Speak clearly and definitely. If you need to think about a response to an interview question, that is fine. It is better to think before you talk, than to stumble over your words. Practice answering some interview questions so you're comfortable responding the basics.
* Listen
It can be easy to get distracted during a job interview. It is stressful and you are in the hot seat when it comes to having to respond to questions. That said, if you do your best to listen to what the interviewer is asking, it will be easier to frame appropriate responses. TIPS
Non-verbal Communication during an Interview
NON-VERBAL communication is as important as verbal communication.
According to studies, "body language comprises 55% of the force of any response, whereas the verbal content only provides 7%, and paralanguage; or the intonation - pauses and sighs given when answering, represents 38% of the emphasis." The evaluation of your nonverbal communication starts as soon as you walk into the company's lobby, and continue until the interview is finished.
If your non-verbal communication skills aren't up to par, it won't matter how well you answer the questions. Here's how to do it right:
* Make eye contact with the interviewer for a few seconds at a time.
* Smile and nod (at appropriate times) when the interviewer is talking, but don't overdo it. Don't laugh unless the interviewer does first.
* Be polite and keep an even tone to your speech. Don't be too loud or too quiet.
* Don't slouch. You will look too casual and relaxed.
* Do relax and lean forward a little, so you appear interested and engaged.
* Listen, pay attention, and be interested.
* Don't interrupt.
* Stay calm. Keep your emotions to yourself and do not show anger or frown.
* Don't let your arms fly around when you are making a point.
* Hold a pen and a pad, or rest an arm on the chair, so you look comfortable.
* Remember your manners, and thank the interviewer for taking the time to meet you.
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