Date Posted: 12-Apr-2006

Interview techniques

Before the interview

The more you know about your prospective employer, the more impressive you will be as an interviewee. Read any application packs and check out the organisation"s website. Look for profiles of employees doing the job you are after. Identify matches between their attributes and yours. Go to any open days as it can be a way of getting the inside story. For more information visit: www.cipd.co.uk

Tips to reduce stress

Practicals

Know where you are going and allow ample time. The interview may not be at the headquarters, but in a hotel. Allow a time-buffer to account for delays. Are you expected to attend in uniform? If in doubt, check.

Week before

Lay out what you will wear. Make sure nothing needs replacing, repairing or cleaning.

Day before

Check you have petrol, cash, maps and so on to make the journey to the interview.

Night before

Read your application form. Avoid rehearsing answers, but read the job description and prepare to be questioned on how you will meet it.

Presentations

Rehearse any presentation until the timing is spot-on.

Assessments

Take tests seriously.

Case studies

For more senior jobs, case study, scenario-style tests are popular. Be prepared.

Appearance Remember, you are on show from the moment you arrive until the day is over and you are well clear of the building.

Body language

Project a confident image. Move purposefully, maintain good posture, use eye contact, and shake hands warmly.

Impressive folder

Bring work or reading material in a folder in case there is downtime, this reinforces the impression that you make productive use of your time.

What not to say

Avoid saying phrases such as "sorry I am late" or bad-mouthing a former employer. Never be overly familiar with interviewers.

Common questions

Why do you want to work here? Emphasise the prospective employer"s reputation, and your opportunity to contribute.

Why do you want to leave your current job? Stress how you have fulfilled the expectations of your present employer, but would develop even further in the new job.

What are your major weaknesses? These can be someone else"s strength, such as willingness to put work before family, humourous, such as being unable to resist chocolate cake, or a weakness from the past you have put right, such

as: "I used to find public speaking difficult, but since taking a course, I addressed the annual general meeting for 30 minutes." Review the interview Make a note of who you saw, their name and position in the organisation.

Then reflect on what went well and areas to improve on. The following day write to the lead interviewer saying how much you enjoyed meeting them.

Recap on why you should have the job, and say you look forward to hearing from them soon. If you are offered the job, now you can negotiate benefits.

If it is a rejection, ring and ask for feedback. Make an action plan on how to improve next time.

Compiled by Susan Gray