A PATH Guide - Coping with job interviews
Most of our applicants are nervous
about attending job interviews – but nerves can be
a useful tool for sharpening up your performance.
However, if your nerves take over to
the extent that they interfere with your ability to come across
well at interview, it’s clear that you need to calm
down. The key to preventing pre-interview jitters is preparation.
| Organise Yourself |
In most cases,
you will be notified that you have got through to the
interview stage a few days in advance. You can use
this time to prepare – and the better prepared
you are, the fewer your reasons to be nervous. Try
to find out as much as you can about the employer.
Reference libraries, your local careers centre and the Internet (if you have
access) are all good sources of information. You should also read up on the type
of work you are applying for. Go over the job description thoroughly and make
a note of any questions you would like to ask at the interview. |
| Confidence |
| Confident
people inspire confidence in others – if you
appear confident that you are able to do the job, the
employer is likely to believe that you can. Naturally
it is important not to go to the other extreme and
appear over confident, arrogant or pushy. |
| Expect the unexpected |
 Bear
in mind that interviews vary enormously. You
may be asked to sit an aptitude test or prove that
you have the necessary skills for the job. The interview
itself may be a quick, informal chat across a crowded
office or it could involve a panel of interviewers
all firing questions at you.
There may even be group activities with other candidates designed to see how
you perform in a team situation, or you may be called back for further interviews
on another day. Often, candidates fail to perform to the
best of their abilities because they were thrown into a situation they were not
expecting. The answer: expect the unexpected.
You cannot prepare for every eventuality but you can be aware that the format
of the interview may come as a surprise to you. Have faith in your own skills
and experience and allow the employer to see you at your best. |
| Look good, feel
good |
Research has shown that your interviewer
is likely to make up his or her mind about you within
30 seconds of having met you. Use this. Make sure that
you have an outfit that is smart and presentable.
It’s a good idea to try the whole thing on before the day of the interview
to check that there are no drooping hems or buttons missing. It is also worthwhile
polishing your shoes – details like this can make all the difference. And
if you feel that you have made an effort and look good, you will appear to be
more confident and relaxed. |
| The big day |
 Make
sure that you allow yourself enough time to
get ready and that you have all your exam certificates,
records of achievement, testimonials and anything
else relevant to the job with you. Also remember
to take the letter inviting you to the interview
and any maps that you might need.
Leave in time to arrive
about 10 minutes early for
the interview – this will allow you to gather your
thoughts, go to the loo, check your appearance, etc. When
you arrive, give your name to the receptionist if there is
one.
Try to relax – everyone
gets nervous before interviews. The chances are that
you will feel more nervous than you look and anyway,
most interviewers are trained to make allowances
for the fact that you are likely to be on edge. |
| First Impressions |
The
following tips will help you make a positive impression:
 |
Shake
hands firmly (but not to they extent that they
require first aid) with all the interviewers when
you first enter the room – and smile |
|
Maintain eye
contact whilst answering all questions – and
remember to speak up |
|
Don’t
smoke unless you are offered a cigarette |
|
Try to avoid ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ answers
to questions even if they seem appropriate – they
tend to be conversation stoppers. Make sure that
you answer questions fully without chattering on
unnecessarily. |
|
Never lie at
interview or say something that you cannot substantiate,
but make sure that you present yourself in the
best possible light |
|
When you are
asked if you have any questions, use this as an
opportunity to demonstrate your interest and enthusiasm.
Begin with questions about training, other people
you will be working with, and the job specification.
Save questions about pay and holidays until last. |
|
If you are
not asked about something which you feel illustrates
an important aspect of your ability to do the job,
don’t be afraid to bring it up yourself at
the end of the interview |
|
Make sure that
you find out when you can expect to hear whether
you have been successful – it could be anything
from the same day (in which case, you may be asked
to wait around for a decision) to a few days. |
|
Remember to
thank the interviewers for their time before you
leave. |
|
| The Wait |
You
should hear one way or the other within a week or
so of the interview taking place, unless they have
specified
otherwise.
If you do not hear within this time, telephone the
organization and enquire politely whether a decision
has been reached. If you were not successful, try
to treat
the interview as a learning experience – nearly everybody gets a few
setbacks when they are hunting for a new job.
Think about why you were not selected and if there was anything that you
could have done differently to improve your chances of getting the job.Don’t
be too hard on yourself. It may simply have been that there was a better qualified
or more suitable candidate and that given your experience and skills, you performed
to the best of your abilities. Indeed, sometimes there is so little to choose
between candidates that more than anything, success or failure at interview
is down to luck.
Above all else, remember: there is a job out there with your name on it
and if employers haven’t recognized your star quality yet it’s
up to you to dazzle them!
|
Click here to go back to the candidates
introduction page
|
