interview techniques

• Shake hands firmly but not vigorously.
• Take a seat only when invited to do so. Sit upright, relaxed, alert and attentive.
• Look the interviewer in the eye when you talk.
• Avoid smoking, even if you are invited to smoke.
• If you are asked at any time to fill in an application form, do so neatly, completely, and without appearing irritated.
• Show enthusiasm and confidence. Act as if you are intent on getting the job; never shut out an opportunity, it's always better to have more than one choice.
• Listening is as important as telling the interviewer about yourself. In order to ask informed questions, make sure you fully take in any organisational history, structure or future plans that are outlined. Making notes is not considered a professional tactic, however. If you are asked questions which you feel are already sufficiently covered in your CV, don't say so, answer the question as completely as possible.
• Remember; smile now and then!

• What would be my next step on your career ladder, and what are the long term opportunities for promotion.
• How will my performance be assessed? Are staff performance reviews made?
• Why is the postion available?
• Is encouragement given to undertake further training?
• How does the department integrate with the rest of the organisation?
• What will I be dealing with? How will I be contributing?

This is the real key to interview preparation: anticipating likely questions in advance and formulating key phrases that can be used during the course of the interview.

Interviews regularly use the same basic questions, and the following checklist will help your preparation.

1. Tell me about yourself?

   This can be the most difficult question of all! Should you provide a brief overview of your career to date? Go into more depth across the board? Perhaps emphasise key areas? It is difficult to gauge exactly the level of depth that the interviewer will look for - particularly if he or she remains silent during your answer or uses non-committal sounds.
   
   Don't hesitate to stop if you feel that you' re about to go into too much depth, to ask 'I can expand on this point, if you wish,' for example.
   
   In general terms, it is advisable to outline serveral of your strong points and accomplishments, both personal and professional; any personal interests that are relevent to the organisation of the position are worth outlining.

2. Why are you seeking new employment?

   However much you may feel frustrated in your present position, aviod projecting a negetive attitude. Think positive; what have been your achievements, and how do you see yourself continuing to develop? It probably involves moving jobs. Avoid salary discussions at this stage.

3. What are you looking for in your next job?

   It is best to speak in broad terms rather than specifics, in order that you can blend your ideals in with the interviewers' plans of their new appointee. Challenge and more responsibility are examples of general statements you can shape to suit the opportunity you have applied for.
   
   This often catches out the unprepared. It should be the question which is answered with the most confidence, and is often simply a case of pooling together your responses to earlier questions like: 'What are you looking for in your next job?', and 'What are your strengths?' You may need to throw back open-ended questions to the interviewer such as 'I'd like to think my persuasive communication skills will be a key factor; how exactly is the organisation structured?' This will give you more information to enable you to match your strengths with the key requirements of the job.

4. What are your strengths/weaknesses?

   Again preparation is crucial - if you feel you have a broad base of strengths, tailor them to the position. Back up your claims with practical examples which demonstrate your competence. Show how your strengths have benefited previous employers.
   
   The best weaknesses are always disguised strengths. For example, not feeling stretched or challenged enough. Nobody's perfect and 'I can't think of anything off hand', is a poor response.

5. What sort of salary are you looking for?

   Quoting a range will cover your options, for example, 'the low twenties', depending on any benefits or bonus schemes you operate. Remember that your current salary will be used as a basis for any offer, but provided you have sourced the job through a recruitment consultancy, there should be scope for negotiation later.

Supplied by Anakin Seal Recruitment Agency
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