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As a candidate you should be able to express yourself
with clarity and precision. To do this you must make adequate
preparation, anticipating likely questions and rehearsing your
responses. Your answers should appear spontaneous. At the same time, you
should come across as thoughtful, articulate and coherent. So
preparation is essential.
During the interview you should speak confidently,
making sure to support your answers with relevant examples from your
work experience. It is up to you during the course of the interview to
acquaint the interviewer with whatever information you consider to be
important in advancing your claims to the job on offer.
Always relate your answers to the job for which you
are applying. This is particularly important in the case of candidates
who are faced with the sort of indirect questions favoured by many
interviewers. For example, the interviewer may ask you to describe your
current job. This is an indirect way of asking you to what extent your
present skills and experience relate to the job for which you are
applying.
Always present a positive face. Having studied your
application form, interviewers will have identified the weaker aspects
of your case. So it is in your own best interests to examine your
application critically with a view to identifying any significant
weaknesses or negative aspects. Prepare positive and convincing
explanations of any shortcomings; and emphasise what you have done or
are doing to rectify matters.
Since interviewers are looking for candidates who
display a positive attitude, you should state and supply evidence that
you enjoy your job; that you are enthusiastic and ambitious; and that
you welcome challenge.
It is important to tell the truth in interviews.
However, try to present the facts as persuasively as you can. So examine
and assess your own case and tailor the facts to create the best and
most positive impression.
It is essential to develop a rapport with the
interviewer right from the start.
If you can give the impression that you have a lot in common with the
interviewer,
and if he or takes a liking to you, you will greatly improve your
chances of success.
Interviewers usually place a greater emphasis on
practical experience than on paper qualifications, so it is up to you to
convince them that your experience qualifies you for the job on offer.
This will involve using your experience as evidence to support
statements that you make in answers to questions. |
