Interviews: Rules of engagement

As the economies on earth succum to the forces of recession and unemployment enevitably rises, many people will be forced to face the cold reality of an interview for the first time in years or decades. If you are reading and you need to face an interview in the near future, this article was intended to support you.

Definition

An interview is a discussion between you (a candidate) and an prosective employer to discover whether indeed you are suitable to perform the job role in question.

Needless to say there are certain rules, protcols, etiqueete and conventions to follow at such interviews.

For simplicity we have divided these into 2 practical lists in the style of checklists featuring the main do's and don'ts involved.

What to do

· Dress smartly whatever you do

· Look bright and attentive and demonstrate quality eye contact.

· Speak clearly and confidently.

· Remember that only 7% of the interviewer's opinion of you is formed by what you say, the rest is judged on how you look, act and sound.

· Find out where the venue is beforehand, how to get there and how long it takes to get there.

· Be punctual, but not too early.

· Get your outfit ready the night before.

· Find out what kind of interview it will be so you can prepare.

· Examine the person specification and your CV/application form.

· Think about what type of questions they will ask you.

· Prepare answers for the most common questions; for example, why do you want the job? What are your strengths and areas for development? What are the main tasks in this job?

· Make about 3 or 4 points to comment on for each answer

· Quote real practical examples of when you've used certain skills - just saying you've got a skill isn't enough.

· Take your time when answering the questions, but not too slowly.

· Make sure you understand the question and take your time if you need to think

sell yourself. No-one else is going to! B

· Be positive about yourself and your experiences.

· Prepare some questions to ask at the end, use it as an opportunity to find out more about the role and the Company, although do not ask about money or perks just yet!

· When discussing salary, know your market worth and start by quoting a little higher than this.

· Get feedback on your performance, whether you were successful or not.

· Keep your mobile turned off throughout the interview.

· Treat the interviewers with respect and give them your undivided attentio.

· Keep your answers focused on what you can do for the employer, not what they can do for you.
 

What not to do

Some of these may sound obvious, but you need to be reminded…

· Do not be late whatever happens.

· Do not swear or use slang words or any kind.

· Do not slouch in your seat or do anything else that makes you look disinterested. Demonstrate good posture and eye contact at all times.

· Do not smoke, it has to be said.

· Do not tell lies, you will be found out in the end and some interviewers are real professionals and can tell! Even if you get the job, your employer can dismiss you if they find out.

· Do not let your nerves show too much. A few nerves are normal but extreme nerves will affect your performance. Use breathing techniques and try to remember that it's not a life and death situation.

· Do not be arrogant or allow the interviewer to perceive this.

· Do not assume you got the job. Nothing turns off employers more than someone who is disrespectful and over-confident.

· Do not discuss controversial topics such as religion, politics and gender relations.

· Do not read from notes or your CV. You should be familiar enough with your own history and the interviewer will expect you to be able to talk about it unprompted.

· Do not criticise former employers or colleagues. Interviewers may mark you down as a troublemaker and a gossip.

· Do not argue with the interviewer, no matter what. Remember to keep things positive!

The above rules apply for most jobs. However, employers in some industries can use more relaxed and informal interviewing techniques. In some creative fields (design and media for example) it may be expected that you turn up for the interview in casual clothes, as that is the dress code in the office. If you're in any doubt, do some research on typical interview technique in your line of work.

Above all, preparation is the key to performing well in interviews. Research the role and organisation and prepare evidence and examples of your skills and competencies.

Above all believe in yourself and focus your energy on a positive outcome.

Best of luck

Grant Holmes