The Interview

Download these interview tips

Creating the right first impression at your job interview.

To land the right job, make your first impression the right impression. It’s the first four minutes that can get you hired.

Create the right impression from the start:

First impressions are often lasting ones. Indeed if you play your cards right, you can enjoy the benefits of what sociologists call the “Halo effect”. This means that if you are viewed positively within the critical first four minutes, the person you’ve met is likely to assume that everything you do is positive.

The first four minutes!

Studies tell us that the first four minutes is the crucial period in which impressions are formed by someone we’ve just met. Within a mere 10 seconds, that person will begin to make judgements about our professionalism, social class, morals and intelligence. People tend to focus on what they see (dress, eye contact, movement, etc), on what they hear (how fast or slowly we speak, our tone of voice and volume) and on the actual words we use.

If your first encounter is not a good one, the interviewer could mistakenly assume you have other negative traits. Worse, he or she may not take the time to give you a second chance.

Here’s how to make those crucial four minutes count.

• First impression . . .
  It’s most important to be on time, and remember, be conscious of your first handshake, they will.
• Look your best . . .
  Looking your best will signal success. Wear clothing appropriate to the job you seek. But, whatever you decide to wear should show you care about your appearance.
• Monitor your body language . . .
  How you move, and gesture will greatly affect an interviewer’s first impression of you.
• Be pleasant and try to relax . . .
  However, do not be overly friendly, and avoid inappropriate smiling. This is sometimes interpreted as a non-verbal behaviour that undercuts verbal messages. It may make you appear weak and unassertive.
• Good eye contact is essential . . .
  Good eye contact indicates strength of character. Do not overdo this however, staring is intimidating.
• Say what you mean . . .
  Make your words consistent with your body language and appearance, if they are not in tune, the mixed message you send is bound to confuse your interviewer.
• Using a person’s name . . .
  When talking to the interviewer, using a person's name is a good way to keep a person’s attention. Again, do not overdo this.

An important Don't

It is important to remember that making adverse remarks about either your present employer, former employers or any specific individuals you have worked directly for in the past, always has a negative effect. If you do have a complaint, however justified, the diplomatic approach is still the best.

Some helpful hints:

• Be prompt, or better a few minutes early for your interview (don’t be late!).
• Watch your handshake. Avoid the ‘bonecrusher’ or ‘limp fish’ style. Just be firm and sincere.
• Stand until you have been asked to sit. When you do sit, do not move the chair unless you are invited to, and do not slough in it either.
• Don’t smoke (prior to interview) or chew gum (in an interview). Under no circumstances should you smoke during an interview.
• Be honest and open with your answers.
• Answer all questions clearly and directly.
• During an interview some nervousness is understandable, but watch your body language.
• Be sure to make the interviewer aware of actual duties you have performed and accomplishments you’ve made.
• Don’t exaggerate, be honest in your assessment of what you have done.
• Let the interviewer know your career is important to you.
• Ask questions . . . almost everyone likes to be asked questions, so don’t be afraid to be the initiator sometimes. It is an advantage to have some knowledge of the company and its operation prior to your interview.
• If you are asked a question you haven’t prepared for in advance, take a moment to think through and organise your thoughts before giving your answer.
• Let the interviewer raise the question of salary, particularly in the first interview, unless you are fairly sure the employer will be hiring you.
• Be prepared.

Some potential interview questions

One of the secret's of a successful interview is anticipating what the interviewer is likely to ask and having the facts ready as needed. Some commonly used questions you should be prepared for are:

Tell me about yourself

Be brief and don’t start from day one. Describe your career, most recent highlights, companies worked for and your interests. (Do not labour on your interests ie sport, religion, travel, DIY etc)

What are your strengths? What are you good at?

Eg people skills, good technical knowledge, management expertise, problem solving, good communication ability etc.

What are your weaknesses?

Don’t reveal all your inner most secrets, but be honest. Someone who is aware of his/her faults is usually making an effort to correct them.

What is your greatest achievement to date?

Could be either at work or in your personal life (ie sport). Relate personal achievements back to your work (ie leadership, team skills etc).

Why did you choose this particular vocation?

What attracts you to the current position?

What do you believe qualifies you for the role?

Ensure you understand the requirements of the role you are being interviewed for. Read the position description and person specifications if available. Relate your strengths and experience background to the requirements of the position.

What kind of people do you enjoy working with?

How would you describe your relationship with people?

What kind of Manager do you work best for?

What motivates you?

Eg the challenge, the environment, the projects, meeting targets etc. Not money! But you can mention providing for your family is important to you.

What are your ambitions?

What do you expect to be doing in 5, 10 years time?

Attempt to find the middle ground, don’t sound overly confident or too complacent. Discuss certain goals you hope to achieve, personally and professionally. Be honest, a standard reference check will disclose all.

Why have you changed jobs so often?

What do you consider essential in the management of people?

What are your spare time interests?

You may be asked this as a specific question, but it is important not to be too long winded.