Behaviour at the Interview
As mentioned above, do make sure that you arrive at the offices with plenty
of time in hand. Time to read collateral in reception, to do your final
“rehearsal”, and to visit the toilets. As well as the obvious need to ensure
that you are not stricken by discomfort in the interview, this may give an
opportunity to wander 'round a part of the building and get the feel of the place
and the staff. Also be sure to behave professionally from the time you enter
the building – it is not by any means unknown for the hiring manager to ask
the opinion of the Receptionist and/or Secretary to see what first
impression you give.
The moment when you first meet the interviewer is key – lasting
impressions are often formed on this first few seconds. Positive approach,
smiling, introducing yourself with a firm handshake and good eye contact,
together with confident opening words, will go a long way to get you off on
the right foot. If you are offered tea or coffee, consider asking for a
glass of water instead. Hot drinks are a potential minefield in terms of
spillage, not knowing what to do if the drink gets cold or if it is brought
to you white instead of black – a glass of water offers none of these risks.
As the interview progresses, try to ensure that you:
• Smile frequently, maintain reasonable eye contact,
speak with enthusiasm (a degree of hand and voice gesture). Use the
interviewer's name from time to time
• Provide real examples as often as possible to support
your claims
• Speak clearly and concisely
• Use every opportunity to get across your key selling
points
• Use positive action verbs, as with the CV, to
describe your past duties
• Allow the interviewer to control the meeting, but
step in with a question or additional information if he/she is floundering
(it does happen!) – handing back control as soon as possible
• Listen and observe – modify how you are behaving if
the interviewer shows signs of boredom, enthusiasm etc
• Be relaxed about silence – do not feel that you have
to fill every gap in the conversation. Take time to phrase your answers and
recall evidence
• Remain frank and open – it will show if you are not.
Be prepared to disclose (some) weaknesses
There are also a few “don’ts” to bear in mind. Try not
to be over-familiar in tone, posture, inappropriate use of christian name.
Eradicate any uneasy and distracting behaviour such as fiddling with a
pencil, flicking back the hair. Do not push supporting collateral at the
interviewer (certificates, evidence of drawings, plans etc) – have them with
you and offer to produce them by all means, but do not force the issue. Do
not raise the question of salary/package – your aim is to keep this off the
table until as late as possible (ideally when they are about to offer you
the job) to increase your negotiating power. Avoid saying anything critical
about past employers, managers etc.
Remember that there will be interviewers of all shades, from excellent to
appalling. Some will be even more nervous than you are – help them along
discreetly. Many will be younger than you – do not patronise them.
Finally – two essentials to remember before you leave the room. Firstly to
thank them for their time – it is an important courtesy. Secondly to ask
what the next step is and how long it will be before you hear – there is
nothing worse than being stuck in the uncertainty of not knowing how soon
you can legitimately ring up and say “what is happening?”. It also serves to
confirm your interest.
For some more information, have a look at the National Careers Service website. |
So, with the help of an effective CV, we find that we
have been invited to attend an interview with one of our target
organisations, and this is the second key marketing activity within
the campaign. But why is it that, even with all the experience and maturity
that comes with later life, we are still panic stricken with nerves? The
reasons for this are varied, but may well include:
