The A to Z of Interview Skills

Congratulations! Your application has made it through the pile and you’ve been shortlisted for an interview. Now the hard work begins. A job interview can be a nerve-wracking experience but if you spend time in preparation you’re sure to perform at your best. Here’s a quick guide to making the most of your opportunities at interview.

Ask questions: Toward the end of the interview you’ll be asked if you have any questions. Ensure you have some prepared before the interview and use the time to cover any important points you may have missed during the main questions.

Body Language: The way you hold your body says a lot about you and how you feel about yourself. Be aware of how you are presenting yourself through your body language and make sure you’re giving the interviewer the right message.

Clarify: In the pressure situation of a job interview it’s possible to misunderstand the intent of an interviewer’s question. If you think you haven’t understood a question, ask the interviewer for clarification before you begin to answer.

Dress Appropriately: Plan what you want to wear before the interview, keeping in mind the company and the type job you are working for. For example, a business suit is customary for a position in banking, but not necessarily for a job in childcare.

Examples: During the interview illustrate your answers by giving specific examples of how you have used skills and knowledge in previous work or study situations.

Follow Up: After the interview it is good manners to send your interviewer a short note thanking them for the opportunity. At the same time ask if it’s possible to get feedback on your performance at interview. This can be a valuable learning tool whether or not you are successful in winning the position.

Greeting: Greet your interviewer or interviewers with a firm handshake and a friendly smile. Use eye contact and most importantly, remember their names and call them by name during the interview.

Honesty: Answer all interview questions honestly and to the best of your ability. Don’t claim to possess a skill that you don’t have.

Interviewer: During your preparation for interview put yourself in the interviewer’s place. Anticipate the type of questions they may ask. Ask yourself, what could a candidate for this position do that would really impress me? Then follow through on that idea.

Jot Down: If it’s permissible for you to take notes during the interview, jot down key words and phrases used during the interview questions. This will help you to answer the questions plus give you material to on which to base your own questions to the interviewer.

Knowledge: Display your knowledge of the industry and company who are offering you the interview. If you have researched carefully you should have a broad knowledge of both the company and industry. Let the interviewers know that you do.

Listen Carefully: Listen to the questions being put to you during the interview. When you’re nervous it’s easy to let your mind wander. Maintaining eye contact with your interviewer helps you to stay alert.

Modulate Your Voice: Make your tone of voice sound interested and interesting. Interviewers are often dealing with dozens of applicants each day, so maintain their interest in you by using your voice effectively.

Nerves: Everyone is nervous when they are being interviewed. The secret is to stay calm and keep your anxiety in check. Breathe deeply and stay focused on the task at hand.

Organised: Know what you are going to wear, what you will need to take and how you will get to your interview the day before it’s due. If you have everything organised the evening before you are less likely to rush and forget something on the big day.

Preparation: Research the company and the industry. Think about the type of questions you are likely to be asked and have some questions of your own prepared. Use your written application to help you. Source information about the company from brochures, website and industry magazines. Make it your business to find out everything you can about the company and their competition.

Quality not Quantity: The quality of an answer isn’t judged by its length but by its content. Don’t talk yourself out of a job with rambling answers. The interviewer will not be impressed with your time wasting behaviour.

Rehearse: If possible, roleplay the interview with a family member or a friend. This is not to memorise your answers - you don’t know exactly what the questions will be - but to increase your confidence and help to clarify what you want to say and how you want to say it. Or try the ‘Virtual Interviewer’ on the Seek website. It’s an excellent way to rehearse your skills.

Smile: It breaks the ice and it will help you and your interviewer relax. Think about your answers: Take a few moments after a question has been posed to gather your thoughts. If you’ve taken notes, refer to them before answering the question.

Unique: If you have a quality that you believe uniquely qualifies you for the job vacancy, be sure to let your prospective employer know. If the opportunity doesn’t arise during the interview, mention it at the end when you’re summing up.

Value: Demonstrate how you can add value to the company. Be specific about this. You are competing against other candidates who are as qualified or more qualified than you.

Work Experience: Remember to tell the interviewer about all your relevant work experience both paid and unpaid. Include your involvement in community and sporting activities.

X Factor: It’s that certain something that some people have and some don’t. If you have it, great. Use it to your advantage. If you feel you’re one of the many without the ‘X Factor’ market yourself as if you do.

Yawn: Yawning is sometimes a nervous habit. Be aware and alert. If you notice your interviewer stifling a yawn, take note and keep your answers relevant and concise.

Zing: Add a bit of zing to your presentation. Be enthusiastic and let your personality shine through. You are an individual with plenty to offer so let the interviewer know it.