Job Interview Success Tips

If you are not nervous for a job interview, you’re probably dead. Everyone else is though they might not show it. It’s perfectly natural to be nervous.

Nervousness is excess energy, which is not channelled properly. Use your nervous energy properly and increase your chances to getting what you want at the interview.

So, you’re waiting there about to be called for the job interview and you would really like the job.

• Check that your dress, shoes, hair are OK and hands are clean

Do this ritual just once. Then tell yourself that these things are OK. Nothing to worry about any more.

If at this stage you notice that you’ve left your file with the supporting documents at home, don’t panic. It’s a mistake, but you just have to do without them now. You can send them later. All documents are supporting documents only. The impression you make on the interviewer and how you manage at the interview is the deciding factor. So concentrate on that and forget things you forgot.

• Be the profile for the job

How will the interviewer profile you as a candidate? Are you a globally famous expert in your field, a beginner with only summer job history? Are you going for a marketing job, which would require superior people handling skills or an accountant’s job, which would require meticulousness?

The impression you make on the interviewer should be the same as required for the job you seek. If you give the impression of a meek and shy person, then the interviewer wouldn’t rate you high for the direct marketing job. It is very likely that you would create a bad impression, if you want to be an accountant but are late and sloppy or have spelling errors on your CV or application. Visualize yourself in the job and assume the profile of the person doing the job. Your message “Yes, I can” should remain with the interviewer even after you’ve left.

• Greet the interviewer politely

In most cultures, it is polite and necessary to look in the eye (but not stare) and shake hands firmly when meeting. Many people in some Asian cultures like Japan do not appreciate eye contact from subordinates, and they are not very eager to shake hands either. Observe the body language of the interviewer. If s/he is not eager to shake hands, just nod politely and respectfully. Remember, you must always stand up when the interviewer walks into the room.

• Listen to the interviewer carefully

Be present and pay attention to the interviewer/s. If you don’t understand one question fully, ask a clarifying question like “Do you mean that why do I have the three-month gap between the last two jobs?” or say “Sorry, I didn’t get that, would you please repeat your question?”

• Engage the interviewer

Observe if the interviewer is interested in you. Show interest and enthusiasm for the job and for the organisation by asking detailed questions. Ask questions that show you are really visualizing yourself doing the job. “So there are two teams. One of them is overseas and that means we should have virtual meetings when it’s office hours for them. This means I should arrange late working hours one day per week, doesn’t it?”

Don’t ask questions like “What is your website address?” You are supposed to have done background research before coming to the interview. Avoid saying things like “I absolutely love your company and would be the best candidate”. This does not sound very convincing.

Discuss with the interviewer how your skills and competences would be suitable for the job – “Ah yes, I could make good use of my Spanish skills then with the Chilean customers” or “My experience in using Excel Pivot Tables would really come in handy here”.

• Thank the interviewer

No matter how the interview goes, remember to say that the interview was a good experience and thank. That particular interviewer might become your next boss, or client. In my previous job, I interviewed a person I did not hire then. Years later she became my client and hired me. She said this was because she instantly remembered on seeing me that I had treated her nicely and with dignity.

Wishing you success in your job interview.