INTERVIEW TECHNIQUES - by Viv Quarry

(www.vivquarry.com)

1. Before the interview.

Prepare for the interview by practicing talking about yourself and your educational and professional background. Record yourself speaking and check for grammatical or pronunciation errors, pace and clarity.

Find out as much as you can about the company that the interview is for and prepare some questions about the company and the area in which you may be working in advance. It is perfectly acceptable to have these questions written down on paper and refer to them during the interview.

Take extra copies of your CV in case they have lost theirs.

Arrive in plenty of time for the interview and travel comfortably - take a taxi. Don't try going by bus or car (you may have problems parking).

Before the interview starts, there is usually some small talk. Think of some things to say during this pre-interview time; in reality your assessment begins as soon as you enter the company building.

Remember that a job interview is a discussion of ways in which both parties can benefit from the other. The interviewer will be looking for ways in which you can contribute to the entire organisation.

2. At the interview.

Dress in good taste.

Shake hands firmly.

Try to be friendly and relaxed, smile when appropriate and look the interviewer in the eye when speaking. Pay attention to your posture and expression.

Show real interest in the company and position.

Listen attentively and communicate clearly and concisely. Let your energy and enthusiasm show.

Be positive when referring to former employers.

Don't ask about salary or benefits.

When you have the opportunity, ask about the company's latest product developments or corporate activities.

3. Questions that you can ask during the interview.

How would you describe your company's culture?

What is your company's philosophy?

Does the company anticipate changing its structure soon?

What kind of training and supervision is provided initially?

How would you describe a typical day in the job?

What skills or experience would help in this job?

Does the company tend to promote from within?

What are the career paths starting from the position?

How soon will I assume responsibility for decision making in my area?

How often is performance evaluated?

4. Commonly asked questions at interviews.

Can you tell me something about your educational and professional history?

Which companies have you worked for since leaving school / university?

What have you learned from your past jobs?

Why did / have you decided to leave your last job?

What do you know about our company?

Why do you want to work for us?

What kind of work do you want to do?

Can you tell me about yourself?

Tell me about your free-time activities.

Why do you think that you are suitable for this job?

Do you have a geographic preference?

Are you willing to relocate.

When would you be available to start work?

5. Here are some questions which interviewees often find most difficult.

How do you consider yourself as a person?

How would you describe yourself as a person?

What do you consider are your major strengths?

What are your weaknesses?

What do you consider as your best and worst qualities?

Why should we consider you for this post?

What is the most difficult work-related situation that you have ever faced? How did you handle it?

What do you consider as your finest accomplishments at work or school?

What factors are most important to you in a job?

What work experience has been most valuable to you and why?

What was the most useful criticism you have ever received and who was it from?

How would your friends describe you?

In what kind of work environment do you feel most comfortable?

What career goals have you set for yourself?

Give me an example of your ability as a team player.

Suppose ...... (difficult situation related to field) happened. What would you do in this situation?

At the end of the interview, don't be afraid to ask for the job. Say:

"I'm really interested in this position, what is the next step?"

6. After the interview.

Don't forget to find out a contact telephone number at the company and try contacting them a week after the interview to enquire if you have been successful. However, only ring once as too much pressure may have an undesired effect.

You can get further information on interviews & C.V's on the internet. See:

Job interview - common questions (posted on LinkedIn)

7. Useful adjectives which may be used during an interview.

Space has been left for you to add more adjectives to the list as you encounter them.

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