Interviews

Let’s face it – at interviews you’re being judged. Blatantly.

It seems to be this very fact that makes people feel so on-edge at interviews. It's so obvious that you’re ‘on trial.’ It’s so obvious that they are ‘sizing you up’ and you have a pressure-filled half an hour (if you’re lucky) to sell the absolute living daylights out of yourself…
Any of this putting you at ease? No? Well, it should because this is how the majority of people feel about interviews and you're no different, except for having read this article maybe...

The simple fact is that the interviewers want the right person for the job, and they need to find out if it's you. If you can just remember this without feeling 'on trial' you’ve nailed it.

To put you more at ease, let’s list the actual purpose of the interview:

• Gaining knowledge and understanding of you as a person
• Gaining and understanding of your experience that is relevant to the role
• Finding out if you'll fit in with the team
• Making sure you are who you say you are
• Finding out how you conduct yourself in person

So, the thing missing from this list is ‘to trick you’ or ‘to catch you out’ because after all, interviews are an honest attempt at getting to know you on a professional level. Yes, they may ask probing questions with an ideal answer in mind, but there is very rarely a wrong answer as long as you are showing the right qualities (e.g. charisma, enthusiasm, initiative).
Research shows that employers generally prioritise transferrable qualities like honesty and enthusiasm over skills which are specific to the job, because they are fundamental and cannot be taught.

So, What’s So Scary About Interviews? What Can Go Wrong?

• Getting unnecessarily nervous – shaking, losing your train of thought, mind going blank
• Waiting with other applicants - bad atmosphere
• Being under pressure and too much formality – facing a board of people
• Being judged on something you can’t help
• Saying the wrong thing
• Going quiet for too long after a question
• Not having enough to say
• Being out of your depth
• Not understanding a question
• Mucking up your only one chance
• Looking scruffy or unfashionable

I’m pretty sure you can add a few more to this list, and then some… However the things to ask yourself are:

a) Which of these happened last time you were in an interview-type situation?
Then;

b) Which of those actually led to you not getting the job?

Of the few you said 'yes' to (if any), ask yourself what you can realistically do about it. If you do everything you can to limit the effects this issue could have on the outcome of the interview, you can walk into the interview with your head held high. You will know that whatever you do, you are well-prepared, so worrying is unnecessary.

Use Interviews to Your Advantage!

Try and remember that you’re at an interview to find out more about the job and the workplace, as well as them finding out about you. This is your chance to find out if this is a good enough opportunity for you – if it suits you and if you want to go ahead with it, should you be offered the job. Interviews are useful for the following reasons, and more:

• Sampling the work environment and meet the people
• Asking questions in person
• Showing off your social skills
• Making a good physical appearance
• Talking and elaborate without limitations
• Getting a feel for the way the company works
• Demonstrating good verbal communication
• Finding out what they are looking for

The worst that can happen in an interview is that you don't get the job, nothing else, so give it your best shot! Talk, talk talk! It's far worse to wish you had said something than to say it and have to correct yourself or elaborate.

Top Interview Tips

Smile and look happy! No one wants to employ someone who they think might make the workplace a miserable or tense environment.

Sit up straight, it shows enthusiasm and that you are confident and alert. If you slouch you will come across as lazy or even insecure and uncertain.

Good eye-contact shows that you are trust-worthy and engages the interviewer. They will then remember what you said, and believe it. Don’t get too hung up on this – just be natural. If you become too aware of it and want to break your gaze try to do it when you’re the one talking as it is far more natural.

Listen carefully to the interviewer's questions and try not to rush your answer, there's nothing wrong with thinking for a few seconds, it shows you have listened and that let's face it - you're a human being, not a robot, you need time to think!

Try to establish a rapport with the interviewer before the interview begins. A good strong handshake shows confidence and trustworthiness, and even a positive comment about something relevant like the weather or even how nice it is to finally meet them will do you a lot of favours in the first few crucial seconds of meeting.

Ask questions that make you seem enthusiastic, interesting and motivated by the job, not the pay or the benefits.

Do your research! Find out about the company and the job to show that you are serious about it.

Remember not to over-estimate who you’re up against. Other applicants will be just as nervous and self-sabotaging as you, but perhaps even more because they haven’t read this article!

For more information and help with interview skills and job application writing skills check back regularly for an update on my consultancy service. Alternatively contact me on the email address below for information. I am keen to build a service around what you want, so any feedback is valuable.

Email: lise.griffiths86@gmail.com
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