How to be Convincing at The Interview

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You’ve sent in your resume and now you have to overcome the final hurdle before being offered the job – the Interview.

This is the time you really need to shine.

Let’s quickly recap how interviews work…

Most interviews follow a similar pattern:

• Welcome. Handshake and smile.
• Small talk. Being asked about your journey, how easy it was to find us, like a drink?
• Being introduced to the interviewers
• Being given a brief description of the company and/or job you are applying for
• Questions about your experience
• Questions about your educational background
• Checking out how you see the job, what contribution you can make and how you might go about solving any problems
• Questions about you as a person, including your leisure interests
• Time for you to ask questions
• Finish

So what are the employers looking for during the interview…

1. Will you fit in?

You may look good on paper (i.e. your resume), but will people get on with you and want you in the same office/store/department?

This is where your appearance, way of speaking or your attitude to the work may let you down.

2. Can you do what you say you can do?

For example, some people have a maths certificate and say they can handle money but, when asked to do a simple sum, show they do not have good enough numeracy skills.

You should be told if you will need to take any tests, e.g. typing or shorthand or give a short presentation. This is a common way for an employer to check out your skills.

3. Can you do what is needed?

If the job involves public speaking or answering the telephone for example, your voice may be too faint or hesitant to be heard.

4. Do you really want the job?

Once it is explained in more detail, it may turn out you would not be happy in the job at all, or had the wrong idea about what is involved.

5. Do your capabilities or experience match what you put in your application?

An interviewer soon picks out people who have exaggerated or lied about their skills or knowledge.

6. Can they give you what you want?

You may ask about career prospects, travel, training or other factors that you want from the job.

Recently been for an interview? How did it go? Share your views in the comments below.

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