Interview Techniques

General Guidelines

An Interview is a business meeting. It is not initially a negotiation, it is closer to an exploratory meeting to determine whether a business relationship should be established. The employer will be promoting the position, and the candidate will be promoting their skills, strengths and ability to successfully undertake the particular role.

As with all business meetings, preparation is the key!!

Always go Prepared

• Assess your strengths
• Be Prepared to sell yourself
• Outline your Skills and Achievements
• Know all of the details of the Interview (Interviewer, Address, Company details etc.)
• Research the company’s website
• Know their recent financials

Focus on your strengths

Common Strengths include:

• Team Player
• Leadership Ability
• Enthusiasm
• Initative
• Flexibility
• Ability to work independently
• Creativity

First Impressions

The initial stages of an interview are often ‘filters’. These are specific requirements that you will need to meet to even stand a chance of being considered for the role. Many of these, such as qualifications and specific experience should have been filtered at CV level, but the interviewer will be filtering at this stage also. Having covered these, now it’s time to impress!

When arriving at the interview, try to remain calm and confident, offering your hand for a firm (within reason) handshake, keeping eye contact at all times. Be polite and courteous when initiating communication with the Interviewer, remembering the importance of tone of voice.

Dress Appropriately

The initial impression you give the interviewer as you enter the room could make a huge difference to your chances of getting a second interview, and being offered the position.

What you wear for the interview depends on the job you are going for, but portraying a professional image, and dressing smartly is generally advised. Make sure that whatever you choose to wear you feel comfortable in, self-confidence is of great importance.

Some Points

• A Suit always makes a good impression
• Be Modest with accessories and make-up in keeping with a professional image
• Polish your shoes
• Make sure you are clean- deodorant and breath fresheners are a good idea.
• Keep Make-up to a professional standard

Sample Interview Questions

Every Interview is different. It is important to recognize this when preparing for your interview. Ask yourself the question, what type of role am I interviewing for? Why have they chosen me for interview? Will the interview be technical or theoretical?

Some Sample questions for an interview might include:

• Why do you want this job?
• What do you know about the organization?
• What would be your ideal role?
• What did you like about your previous roles?
• How successful are you?
• How did you make a difference in your last organization?
• What motivates you?
• Are you able to work independently?
• What have you got to contribute to this organization?

Please be aware that these are general guidelines, and will not be appropriate for all interviews. In addition, it is often a good idea to appraise yourself of topical issues through our online news feeds:

FT News Feed

BBC Business News Feed