Interview Techniques

Once you have reached the interview stage this is a mark of success in itself. It means your CV has already identified you as a serious candidate. You have now convinced the interviewer on paper that you are capable of doing the job, and the next stage gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your suitability in a face to face discussion.

Don't think of the interview as a test. You are not simply there to answer questions but to discuss the role with the interviewer and explore the extent to which your abilities and aspirations match the company's needs. It's as much about compatibility as competence. The interviewer needs to find out if you are right for the company, and you need to find out if the company is right for you.

Preparation

Your success will depend on the quality of your preparation - about the company, about the role, and about the kinds of topics that are likely to be discussed. Most companies are proud of their accomplishments and you should demonstrate your knowledge of them. Find out as much background information as you can. What is their business? How many employees do they have? What is the company's mission and philosophy? Its turnover and profits?

You can call the company before the interview to ask for any recruitment brochures, relevant marketing material and annual reports. And if the company has an Internet site, be sure to check it for up to date stories about the company and its competitors.

Of course, when your interview has been arranged through OSA, then your Consultant will be able to provide most of the background information you need. Once you have the key information, prepare a short response to the question, "What do you know about us?" This will allow you to show that you've taken the trouble to find out and are interested.

Prepare questions to ask the interviewer

Analyse the job description and prepare a list of questions you may like to ask. For example:

What would you see as my first priority if I am appointed to this position?
What training and promotional opportunities are there?
Why has the job become available?
Who will I report to?

Naturally, many of these questions may be answered without you having to ask them, but if you are prepared in advance you will make sure you get all the information you need.

Anticipate some likely interview questions

On the basis of your CV and the job description, you can probably anticipate many of the questions the interviewer is likely to ask. Once again, put yourself in the shoes of the interviewer. What will he/she be looking for? Typical questions include:

What qualifications or experience do you have that would make you a success in this company?
What jobs have you enjoyed most? The least? Why?
What have you done that shows initiative?
Why do you want this position?
What's important to you in your job?

It's also important to identify any subjects or areas that might create problems for you and make sure you have a response you are happy with. "What do you think of your current boss?" "Are you ready for a job like this?" Your ability to give brief, focused and reassuring answers to sensitive questions like these will strengthen your prospects of success.

Dress Code

Dress is one of the most important ways of getting people to take you seriously. Clothes are very significant, and what they say about you will have a direct impact on your success at interviews.

That means making a good first impression. It means projecting a professional image. It means using the vocabulary of clothes and accessories to give yourself the best chance of achieving your goals.

In short, you must look the part.

Looking the part will vary greatly depending on the company you're applying to, its business, its product or service, its traditions and so on. The point is to dress in a way that is appropriate to the particular organisation. What you wear for an interview at a bank may differ from what you wear for a job at an advertising agency. But be careful. An advertising agency's finance department may have a more formal dress code than its creative department.

For the purposes of an interview, it's best to remain formal unless your OSA Consultant or the recruiting company indicate otherwise. You are expected to dress well and your objective is to project an image that communicates professionalism, competence and presence. Here are a few guidelines:

Choose the best quality clothes you can afford. One good suit in navy or grey worn with a white or light blue shirt is a good start (although women can interpret this more freely than men).
Men should wear dark socks and well-polished shoes. Women should usually wear shoes with a closed toe and heel.
Aim for clean lines with a minimum of decoration, restricting splashes of colour to your tie, scarf or blouse.
If you wear jewellery, make sure that it is understated and discreet.
Perfume and aftershave should be used in small amounts, if at all.
Details matter. Hands, hairstyle and make-up should be simple and meticulous, and good personal hygiene - including clean nails and fresh breath - is vital.

Remove any outer garments in the reception area.

Making a Good First Impression

Your appearance can influence the interviewer's assessment of your suitability for the job. Being smart, clean and well groomed is a good start. But there are numerous other factors to take into account regarding personal dress and presentation. Such as:-

• Make sure you arrive early for the interview and don't rely too heavily on the efficiency of public transport or a traffic-free journey.

• By arriving at least 5-10 minutes early, you will have a chance to relax, gather your thoughts and possibly read any company literature that is available.

• Also remember to be pleasant to receptionists and other staff you meet: they will often be asked for their impressions of you.

At the Interview

The interviewer may be just as nervous as you: they want to select the best person for the job. Your objective is to impress the interviewer by projecting a professional image and demonstrating your suitability for the job.

Greet the interviewer with a smile and a firm handshake and wait until you are offered a chair before sitting. Be aware of your body language: sit up straight, maintain eye contact and avoid fidgeting or twiddling your thumbs. According to research, the interviewer will decide within just four to nine minutes whether to consider you seriously for the job. So making a good first impression is vital.

Show a real interest in the job. Speak clearly and confidently and make sure that everything you say is factual and sincere. Avoid answering with a simple yes or no. Support your answer with relevant information from your experience and relate everything you say to the job you are applying for.

Do not speak negatively of other people or companies. It makes you look unprofessional.
Stay calm. Maintain a positive attitude throughout the interview, speak with energy and enthusiasm, and feel free to pause when you are thinking of appropriate replies.
Keep your answers relevant and to the point.

A good interviewer will do more than just establish your competence: he will explore your compatibility with the company - your attitudes, beliefs, personality, response to pressure and so on.

To this end, he may ask you deliberately provocative or difficult questions. "Don't you think you're a bit overqualified for this role?", "What was your biggest mistake or error of judgement?"

Ideally, you'll have anticipated and prepared for difficult questions relating to your experience and capabilities. If you are asked an unexpected question, pause and think before giving an answer and always offer a positive response that relates back to the position you are applying for.

Usually the interviewer will ask you if you have any questions. The worst response is "Can you tell me a little more about the job?" Be specific and ask questions that have not already been answered in the job description. For instance:

What would my initial assignments here be?
What are the greatest challenges of this role?
I understand that the company is about to expand into different sectors. Will that development have any impact on my role?

At the very least, ask the interviewer when he will be making a final decision and whether he needs any further clarification about your experience.

Leaving the Interview

Thank the interviewer for their time and consideration and tell them how much you enjoyed discussing the job with them. Remain positive!

It's important to convey that you really are interested in working for the company, because - all other things being equal - the job is likely to go to the more interested candidate. For example, you could say: "Mr Jones, I find this opportunity very interesting. Your company is clearly doing exciting things and I believe that with my background and experience I could make a significant contribution to your team."

Tell the interviewer that you look forward to seeing him again, shake his hand and leave.

After the Interview

Tell your consultant at OSA what you thought about the interview as soon as possible. Make a note of any difficult questions and what you learned from them.

Getting a Decision

If you're offered the job - great! We'll make all the necessary arrangements. If you didn't get the job, don't give up. Put it down to experience and bear in mind that this interview was a valuable exercise in itself.