BuildingPeople

Research

Why are you going for the interview in the first place? Find out as much as you can about the role and what the company is looking for in terms of skills and knowledge. Equally why is the company worth seeing? Don’t make assumptions or ask for information at interview that is readily available on their website.

Preparation

Have a plan of what you want to get out of the interview. There is nothing stopping you taking a list of questions with you. So make a list of things that your research brings up. When you get to the interview refrain from interrogating the interviewer, use it as a checklist and fill in the gaps as you go along.

First Impression

The first 30 seconds are critical. Like it or not, it is in our nature to make judgements about people based on our first impression. Even if the interviewer is an expert in Behavioural Descriptive Interviewing it will be difficult for them to get over a lack luster start. Make the effort to dress smartly, make regular eye contact and work hard at building rapport.

Body Language

Everyone has a body language interpreter hard wired into them. Like verbal communication some people are, naturally, more fluent than others. More importantly, we all talk non-verbally - all the time and it is pretty hard to shut up or lie. It is strongly recommended that you spend time refreshing / researching this aspect of the interview. Understanding what people are telling you before they open their mouth is hugely beneficial in life let alone an interview.

Formality

You can show case your sense of humour but try and limit it to building rapport with your interviewer. Even if you do stand up in your free time you could offend by making an ill judged remark. Let them take the lead and respond accordingly.

Direct

Seriously – if you don’t get what they are asking find out. Don’t answer what you think they are interested in. Apart from being annoyed they will think you are hiding something even if it is an innocent mistake.

Result

You needn’t leave the meeting feeling like you have just finished an exam. You can get your results straight away by asking them what the next step is. If the situation merits it you can even request a grade. ‘Do I qualify for the role?’ Apart from putting your mind at rest it could raise an objection from the interviewer that you can put straight.