0 Interviewing Techniques

A face to face job interview can be a stressful and nerve racking time, but here are some proven interview techniques and tips that you can use to help.

First, always arrive for your interview on time, preferably fifteen minutes early.  Take the time to drive to the interview site the day before so you know where you are going.  Make sure you know where to park, and look for unexpected delays, such as driving through a school zone at 3:00PM.  There is nothing worse than going to a job interview and arriving late.

Next, remember that most interviewers are watching your body language for clues about what type of candidate you are.  When you first meet the interviewer, smile, make eye contact, introduce yourself, and extend your hand for a firm handshake. A weak handshake is a definite turnoff for most people.  Sit up straight but relaxed, and give off an air of relaxed confidence.

Many people tend to talk (or over talk) when they get nervous, so don’t talk too much. When asked a question, answer it entirely but succinctly.  Practice good conversational manners, and always allow the interviewer to finish speaking before you begin.  Don’t volunteer unnecessary information, and keep to the discussion topic.

Never go into an interview with your mobile phone turned on.  There is nothing more distracting to an interviewer than hearing a mobile phone play the latest pop song during your interview.  Put it on silent before you go in, or better yet, leave it in your car before you go inside.  Anyone who wants to call you during that time can leave a voicemail. This is an important time for you, and you want no distractions.

Never talk bad about a former employer.  This is a major turnoff for most interviewers.  Most companies are very cognizant about their public images, and if you talk despairingly about someone you formally worked for, they will feel as though if you leave their employ, you will do the same about them.

Go into an interview with a positive frame of mind.  Think to yourself, “I will be at my best in this interview.  This person will have no choice but to hire me.  I am going to nail this solid!”  This will give you confidence that will show.

Write out a list of questions to ask the interviewer, especially some regarding the goals of the company and how the position you are interviewing for will contribute.  Other good questions would be about how you can expect to be trained and evaluated.

Use these interview techniques and tips to get that job you deserve, and good luck!