How To Boss An Interview: 5 Killer Tips
Two things are pretty certain about job interviews: each one is different and they are all stressful. But getting the great job you really want without going through the formal process happens so rarely that it’s not even worth thinking about. Here are five essential tips to help you beat the competition and walk away with the prize.
Prepare No one will believe you’re a serious candidate unless you know a reasonable amount about the company. It’s easy to pick up a lot of useful information online. The company’s official website will tell you about their mission statement and the work they’ve been involved in recently. Then you can look at the social media feeds and blogs from the organisation and from its key personnel - that will give you extra insight into the company’s culture, the kind of image it seeks to present and the character of the senior figures.
Attitude You may be meeting one of the bosses or a recruiter, but whoever it is, measure your tone and manner against theirs. Remember that this is a professional meeting. Be friendly but professional and temper your confidence with modesty. If you’re explaining the achievements you’re proudest of in your career so far let them speak for themselves - don’t over-emphasise because you could end up looking either arrogant or needy. Look smart, of course. Be mindful of your language and avoid using slang. Even more importantly, be very careful not to make potentially inappropriate or offensive references - even as a joke. You are being assessed as a complete person so anything you say or do out of line will count against you.
Communication When you first enter the room you have a millisecond to create a first impression. Be confident and poised - try not to look awkward although you’re feeling nervous. Make sure you establish eye contact and give a firm handshake. Don’t gaze around the office taking in the décor, focus on the interviewer, where you are heading to sit down and the business at hand. Once the interview gets going, keep an even balance between talking and listening. Don’t let your eagerness tempt you into interrupting - it’s important to take in everything that is said to you and it's always rude to talk over someone. The more closely you listen, the better your responses will be. And when it comes to your turn for talking, keep to the subject and don’t ramble.
Questions Always answer questions as fully and directly as you can. The interviewer is asking each one for a reason and won’t be impressed by evasion or vagueness. And your answers give you the opportunity to show the best of yourself. You might well be asked to name one of your professional successes. Answer in detail but don’t drag it out: stay focused. If you’re asked about your strengths and weaknesses have some suitable responses ready but don’t fall into the trap of overdoing or underdoing the weakness answer. Almost invariably the interviewer will ask if you have any questions to ask. This is an important part of demonstrating that you are genuinely interested in the company. Even if you already know the answers from your preparation, you will be demonstrating thoughtfulness and seriousness by asking.
The Golden Window Before you attend, remind yourself that you may be up against dozens of other applicants. Your resume is great, but so is everyone else’s. You need to use your time in that room to show why you are the special one. Studies have indicated that some interviewers make up their minds in the first five minutes so all the advice about first impressions is doubly important. In addition, you should project your enthusiasm and positivity, treating the occasion as a collaboration rather than a battle. Coltech has the industry experience and expertise to be the ideal partner in your career quest. We can make the right connections and help you get the best results from the interview process. Join the thousands of happy candidates we’ve helped to find their dream jobs. Call Coltech on 0203 946 272or email info@coltech.io today.
Details
February 8, 2022
Coltech Global
Name: Patrick Waites
Phone: +44 7767 477994
Email: patrick@coltech.io