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Job Interview

Steps to a successful job interview

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 14:29

How do you conquer those senseless and binding interview fears? Watch the 6 minute video called ’Job interview success’ developed by Management Consultancy International which is designed to help job seekers prepare and ace their interviews.

The video compares two job interview scenarios and enables viewers to move out of the ‘hot seat’ and into an observer seat inside the interview room.

The first interview is a demonstration of ‘what not to do’ and emphasises a range of common interviewing blunders.

“You have to want the job”, and convince the interviewer that you want the job. As seen in the video many applicants fail miserably at this essential task, however this is the first and most important step to engaging your audience and sets the tone for the entire interview.

The best way to show your desire to work at a company is to ‘be organised’ and properly prepare for the interview. This means researching the organisation’s customers, competitors and website. Interviewees should know the company and have a thorough understanding of the goals, processes and values of the organisation.

Part of your preparation should entail ‘writing down a list of ten reasons why you are the best person for the job’. This can include points like ‘passion for the job, technical skills, experience, education and personality or why you are the ‘right fit’ for the company.’

‘This is not the time to be shy’, it’s important to let the company know why you are the best person for the job. You can only sell yourself once you have identified your skills and therefore listing your key areas of expertise before the interview is imperative to delivering your pitch with confidence.

‘Prepare a list of questions for the company’. Applicants should remember that an interview is two-fold and provides an opportunity to discuss pertinent issues with the company representative. Questions should centre on topics such as ‘what are the career or growth opportunities?’ or ‘does the organisation provide ongoing training?’

When questions about gaps on your CV arise, speak positively about your unemployment period and stress your determination to find work and discuss any activities that you have been engaged in that would contribute to the prospective role.

Avoid sharing irrelevant information; be honest without telling your interviewer everything about your history and background.

Highlight lessons learnt and qualities attained through life and work experience that relate to the prospective position. Share past experiences that will demonstrate your expertise and reinforce the idea that you are the most capable candidate for the position.