Interview Techniques

Getting the most from an interview is important if an individual wishes to give their best at the interview and hopefully land their desired job.

The first and arguably most important technique is to ensure you are well prepared for the interview.

This will include a range of elements to ensure a thorough preparation is carried out, including:
• Making sure you understand the requirements of the job description and person specification.
• You have planned out how to get to the place of interview, allowing adequate time and making sure no other activities have been planned for that day.
• Is anything needed on the day? For example, PowerPoint presentation, handouts, props? If so, make sure this is prepared well in advance.
• Potential interview questions have been considered and possible responses noted. These have been practiced in a quiet setting so you are comfortable with how you might respond to such questions.
• Be clear why you are interested in the role, what you can bring to the role and especially some benefits that would be gained by the organisation employing you in contrast to another applicant.
• You have prepared some questions to ask the interview panel / interviewer.
• You have researched about the organisation you are having the interview with.
• Practice all of the above several times until you are very confident about everything.

Other techniques, or considerations, for an interviewee will include:
• Be adequately presented: Dressing appropriately, not underdressed nor over the top.
• Arrive early before the venue and take some deep breathes and say a few sentences with no one around to help acclimatise your vocals in anticipation of the soon to be interview.
• Provide a suitable welcome, with possibly a hello and if asked about yourself or your journey then give a brief and positive response. This will typically be sued to help settle a candidate down at the start of an interview.
• Use appropriate language: informal or offensive language will rarely produce a successful outcome.
• Speak clearly and at a steady, not too fast, pace.
• If you are asked a question you are not sure of then ask if the interviewer/s can clarify their meaning.
• If you think the interviewer/s has not understood your response, then provide an analogy and / or clearer explanation.
• You will be expected to do most of the talking, or demonstrating what is required, during an interview but make sure this is focused and in response to a question. Do not talk just for the sake of it.
• Be positive and enthusiastic in responses to questions. Do not be negative about your current or most recent employer, or work colleagues, as this will reflect poorly on you. The interviewers will think this is what you would say about them.
• In closing an interview, you will typically be asked if you have any questions. Usually this is the time to clarify any detail not covered during the interview, but typically this will be a couple of question to help wind down the interview, without introducing anything which might be considered as contentious.
• At the end of the interview always close with thanking the interviewer/s and make a smooth and dignified exit.