Winning at Interviews..........7 steps to success

Congratulations! You've just been invited to attend an interview for an exciting new role. So what now? Use the tips and advice below to help you prepare thoroughly, perform well on the day and give yourself the best possible chance of success.

1 Remember the Purpose

Remember that a job interview is a two-way conversation between consenting adults - it's not an interrogation :-)

It's an opportunity for both the interviewer and the applicant to determine whether there is a good fit in terms of needs and wants. For the interviewer the main aim is to gather evidence that shows the interviewee can do the job, wants to do the job and will fit in. For the applicant, the interview is an opportunity to demonstrate a good fit between what you offer and what they want and to convince the employer that you are the most suitable candidate for the role. It is also a chance for you to gather information about the company, the position and the people to help you decide whether you'd like to work there.

2 Do your homework

Good preparation is key. As well as preparing yourself, it's also essential to put yourself in the employer's shoes and anticipate what they want too. So do your homework.

• Research the company and the industry - understand their current requirements and anticipate future trends and needs. Use this information appropriately to demonstrate your knowledge in the interview and to formulate questions you can ask. Think about how you can help them.

• Review the job advertisement and job description - What does it tell you? What are they looking for? What skills and abilities are listed as being essential or desirable? What type of person and what qualities would be a good fit? Prepare examples of situations where you have demonstrated these.

• Check the interview format - Is it a one to one or panel interview? Is it likely to be Biographical or Competency based? Will there be any exercises or tests? Will you be required to make a presentation? If in doubt, call and find out.

• Anticipate questions - What might they ask you? Prepare your answers to illustrate when and where you have demonstrated the specific skills and abilities required. Think of questions to ask that will demonstrate your interest in the role and help you find out what else you need to know.

• Get Ready - decide what to wear, plan your journey, breathe!

3 Present yourself

First impressions count so be sure to make a positive impact from the outset. Dress to impress and match the culture of the organisation. Remember that a large part of communication is non-verbal so use positive body language, open gestures and eye contact. Good rapport and chemistry will help convince the interviewer that you will fit in. Be confident and believe in yourself.

4 Answer Questions clearly

Be positive, clear and concise. Think about what are they looking for? Consider what's behind the question? Anticipate and prepare for a range of possible questions. You may be asked 'Biographical' questions designed to find out more about you and what motivates you. For instance 'Why did you choose your last job? What did you like most? What did you like least? You may be asked 'Competency' based questions. These are designed to find out whether you can do the job by asking for specific examples of when you have demonstrated key skills and competencies. You may be asked Hypothetical questions to assess what you would do in a given situation. Again, prepare in advance. Be mindful of what they want to hear and, what you want to tell them.

5 Ask Intelligent Questions

An interview is a two-way process so it's important that you gather relevent information to help you decide whether you'd like the job. Also, the questions you ask can confirm your interest in the position too.

6 Overcome Objections

If there are one or two areas where you cannot demonstrate the exact knowledge or experience required then be honest but also demonstrate what you offer instead and turn a potential weakness into a positive strength.

7 What to avoid

Don't be late, be on time or even early. Don't be too nervous, relax a little. Don't appear arrogant, build good rapport. Don't criticise your current or last employer, be diplomatic. And don't waffle, be clear and concise.

For more help and support: call 020 8546 4012, email info@deniseparker.com or come along to one of our workshops.....Click here for details