Interview Techniques

Many jobs in the United Kingdom require applicants to undergo an interview process. The interview process gives employers the chance to meet the strongest candidates, and learn more about their suitability for the job in question. Getting the chance to question the candidates can give them a lot of information that cannot be gained from a job application or CV.

If you want to stand the best chance of landing a new job, then you will need to be certain that your interview skills are up to standard. Read the following interview tips to be certain that you shine at your next job interview.

Preparation

Before your interview, you should take the time to research the company that you are interviewing with. Know as much about the company as you can, so that you can tailor your responses to questions perfectly. Interviewers will often ask questions such as "What do you understand about our company?", "Why do you want to work here?" and "Why would you be a good fit for this company?". Knowing a lot about the company and its ethos can mean that you will be able to answer these questions more easily.

Although you should spend some time thinking about how to answer common interview questions, you should not learn set answers off by heart. Reciting answers can sound very false and you may get flustered if you forget what you have scripted. Instead of scripting answers, you should consider how you can use answers to showcase some of your skills.

Dress the Part

Be certain that you dress appropriately for your interview. The way that you dress can shape the employer's first impressions of you. Your outfit should therefore be carefully considered before the date of the interview.

Choose smart clothes that fit properly. Avoid trainers or casual shoes. If you choose to wear high heels, be certain that you are able to walk in them without stumbling or shuffling. Make sure that there are no stains, marks, holes or scuffs on your outfit. You should avoid wearing overly strong perfumes or deodorants, because opinions on smell can be very subjective. If you choose a scent that your interviewer does not like, then it can cause the interviewer to have a subconscious negative reaction to you.

Be Punctual

Be certain that you arrive at your interview in good time. Being late to your interview suggests to your potential new employer that you are not taking the interview (or potential job) seriously. It will also raise concerns about your punctuality if you were to be offered the job. If you do realise that you are going to be late to your interview time slot, you must phone the company to let them know that you are going to be late. This is common courtesy and will help to manage their expectations. If you are late, then the employer does not have to interview you, however they may look more favourably on your lateness if they know when you are likely to arrive. Keeping them hanging on without advising them of how late you are going to be means that they won't be able to make alternative plans. If you advise them of your estimated arrival time, they can alter their arrangements to reduce the inconvenience that they are experiencing.

Stay Calm

It is natural to feel nervous at an interview, but your future employee is likely to take notice of how you react under pressure. In the days running up to the interview you should try to perform activities that leave you feeling calm and relaxed. The types of activities that you choose to keep you calm will depend on your personality. Try to maintain a fairly normal routine on the day of your interview to reduce your stress levels. If possible, you may want to reduce the chances of a stressful situation arising by doing a dry run to the location in advance. This will allow you to check out public transport links, parking options and your directions to the interview location.

Although you should be prepared for the interview, over-preparing can actually be detrimental. Cramming facts, figures and statistic as the last minute can increase your stress levels, so it is best to avoid these tactics.

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