Tips for Jobseekers - continued
Take control at interviews
Put previous negative experiences behind you and think positively. No matter whether you are sure about the job or not, you are going to be offered the position! You can always turn it down. The interview is the main event of your job search so don’t let yourself down.
1. Be prepared
Controlling an interview is a matter of confidence and attitude. Before you get there, think about why you’re going to this interview and what you want them to see and know about you. During the interview, you must show the employer that you have thought about them - what they do and where you fit in. Remember you are never going to an interview because you need the job!
Find out:
- what the employer does and who their customers are,
- common industry problems - i.e. difficulties that all employers in that sector face,
- who are the main competitors and where they differ,
- recent developments or changes within the organisation, and
- what your job will involve (if possible).
Read the job description carefully. Establish where your skills meet those requirements before you get there. For example:
| Key element of the job | Your related skills (in work or outside) |
|---|---|
| Set up and maintain a list of personal contacts with partner organisations | "As club secretary for (club), I have been responsible for setting up and maintaining a database of about 200 contacts, including trustees, members and associated administration." |
| Repair and refurbish company photocopiers and printers to strict timescales and high safety standards | "I have current PAT testing certificate and have completed annual health and safety updates (electrical and COSHH) with present company since joining in 1999. My working knowledge of photocopiers (model types) was gained as assembly operative and I currently hold City & Guilds Level 3 Printer Maintenance, which involved etc." |
2. Look and behave the part
You need a smart, well-pressed image. Never wear clothes or shoes that are tight! If you are on a budget, a navy jacket or blazer is more useful than a suit as it can be co-ordinated other clothes. Have a haircut and do not wear heavy make up! No matter how nervous you may be, eat something before the interview, as rumbling stomachs can be very distracting.
3. Anticipate the questions
There are always sticky questions so think about how you would answer them. For example:
- Why did you leave your last job?
- What were the most difficult challenges in your previous/current job?
- What training have you undergone - what have you learned?
- What interest you in this company/this job?
- Give me some examples of how you cope with unexpected pressure?
- What qualities do you think you will need in this job?
- How would your colleagues describe you?
- Name 3 strengths/3 weaknesses?
- Where do you want to be 5 years from now?
4. Keep your personal needs in the background
We all have personal needs, but never make the mistake of translating them into personal expectations, especially about salary. If you cannot live on what they offer or perhaps complete a specific aspect of the job, turn them down after you have received an offer, not before.
If you are likely to require “reasonable adjustment” because of an impairment, introduce it positively. Never say “I’m sorry but I will need, etc". Get the employer hooked on your skills and attributes first. Then introduce your requirements in a way that they will listen to, e.g.“I use (not need) a high-backed chair with arms when working at a PC along with an MS natural keyboard. I’m aware that you may not have these available immediately, but if there is a funding issue, the Access to Work Scheme can help”.
5. Ask good questions
Prepare a list of open questions in advance to ensure you get as much information as possible.
| Good question | Bad question |
|---|---|
| How does my role or that of my team fit within the larger organisation? | How do other team members fit in with my role and to whom do I report? |
| What future developments are planned and how could I be involved in moving these forward? | What changes to the organisation are planned and how will they affect me? |
| What training and development would I want to undertake if I were offered the post? | What training opportunities are available within your organisation? |
| What are the most commonly faced difficulties or problems? | What do you think is most difficult in this job? |
6. Read the Interview
Learn to read the non verbal signals. Never wait for someone to yawn before you realise you are being boring. Use open body language; fold your hands in your lap if you are nervous. Your aim is to look relaxed but alert.
| Master or insecure? | ||
|---|---|---|
| Arrive 10 minutes early and get focused before going in to the interview; visit the bathroom. | or | Arrive more than half an hour before the interview or, worse still, 5 minutes late. |
| Greet the interviewers with handshake if possible and repeat their names - “nice to meet you Mr Jones”. | or | Greet the interviewers in a distracted way and instantly forget their names. |
| Sit comfortably with both feet on the floor and lean forward a little. Use your hands sparingly when speaking - leave them folded in your lap. | or | Sit with arms and legs crossed, slouch or worse still, wave your hands and arms around while speaking. Never point your finger! |
| When asked a question, pause for a brief moment to collect your thoughts before answering. | or | Clear your throat, mumble and stare fixedly at the interviewer, only half hearing what they ask. |
| Ask for clarification when you need it. | or | Don’t answer the question asked. |
| When offered a chance to declare your personal interests or needs within the job, state them without apologising. | or | Start every sentence with “I’m sorry”! |
| If the interviewer’s attention wanders, bring them back with a question | or | Blunder on regardless and ruin your chances by disclosing information not asked for. |
7. Close the interview properly
Never rush out of the interview empty handed. Establish what will happen next and how long it will take. If they say they are interviewing others, ask them when this is likely to be. Ask if there is anything else the interviewer needs to know about you or whether they will be seeking supporting information from your referees. Tell them if you feel that this is the job you really want. Be enthusiastic.
8. Repair Mistakes
If the interview has gone badly, going into a deep gloom and just hoping that the employer did not notice will not help. Set about repairing mistakes. Identify what went wrong and either write to the interviewer explaining what you feel happened or request a second interview, if necessary. Seek some feedback about your performance and act on it.
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