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Creating the right impression
When it comes to interviews, nothing beats being qualified and cut-out for the role you’re after. However, in today’s competitive market it might take more than that to ensure you stand out. And that’s where interview management skills come in.
These are skills that centre on ‘self-marketing’, using personal presentation and advance preparation to create a great impression from the first moment you walk into the interview room till the moment you leave.
So here they are: our top tips for interview success, designed to get you thinking about giving yourself every head-start possible before the big day arrives.
Top tips for self marketing
1 – Research the job Find out what the role’s scope, responsibilities and duties are, as well as why the vacancy exists. Think about all the areas where you can show that your talents and experience match what the company is looking for.
2 – Tailor your CV No short cuts here – your CV will need some work each and every time you send it off. Make sure it’s focused on the role you are applying for and that it highlights your most relevant attributes and achievements.
3 – Be prepared Find out who’ll be interviewing you, as well as thinking about any questions you’d like to ask and what you can take with you to demonstrate past achievements.
4 – Be ready for the Three Key Questions
There are three questions that practically every interviewer will ask. Thinking your answers through in advance will give you a head start.
Those questions are:
Tell me something about yourself?
Why are you looking for another job?
What can you bring to the position?
Another interview favourite involves asking candidates to list their strengths and weakness, so it’s also worth considering some suitable responses to this.
5 – Be well-equipped Take a pen, a pencil, a spare CV, a copy of letters sent and received, and a writing pad so you can take notes.
6 – Take care with your appearance Most organisations tend to be conservative in style and standards. Any eccentric details about your appearance – such as loud, flashy clothes, dirty shoes, white socks, untidy hair or lack of grooming – won’t win you any points.
7 – Be on time Turning up at least ten minutes before the interview time means you can compose yourself, review the information you’ve gathered and think through the questions you want to ask before you meet the interviewer.
8 – Make an impression Ensure you know the interviewer’s name and use it when you greet them. Use a firm handshake and respond positively to any general greeting questions.
9 – Be yourself Being natural always beats being insincere or too ‘clever’. Listen carefully to any questions and make sure you understand them before you answer.
And finally, good luck!