How to face an interview

Lal Fonseka Productivity Consultant, Brandix Lanka Limited

Job interviews seem a confusing situation for many. It involves tight competition with other job candidates. Consequently it is better to be prepared. Facing an interview can be an interesting exercise for those who are prepared. Each interview faced will be a learning experience. There are some accepted interview tips and interview techniques.

But before the tips two vital suggestions:

*Make sure you know the company’s location. Go on a practice run so that you know how much time you will need to get to the place and how many minutes you need to walk from the bus stop or car park.

*Remember the name of the person who has signed your invitation letter or your interviewer’s name.

Did you think you did well in your last interview only to never receive a job offer? Are you thinking about what you said and how you looked and wish you had a second chance to make a better impression? Here are nine tips

(1) Research the company you will interview with. Doing your homework will make you feel more comfortable about your first ‘company meeting’ because the company and its representative will not feel like total strangers. There is no longer a need to walk into a job interview ‘cold’. The internet is a vast source of information. From how the company started, who is the current head of the company to their latest products and company vision and mission.

(2) Practice answers to common and not so common interview questions. A very important and common question is “why did you leave your last job?’. You should have a proper and acceptable answer to this question. Typical and common answers are “It is hard to work with the present employer” “It is too far away from home” “I am required to work long hours”.

The above answers will definitely disqualify you. Your response will tell the interviewer how well you think on your feet and how you handle pressure. Get hold of a friend to help you practice and honestly let you know how you are doing. You will feel calmer when you mentally prepare yourself.

(3) Practice before you walk in. Apart from practicing answers, it is similarly important to be aware of your voice and body language. If there are two interviewers when one is asking questions, the other one will be observing body language and responses. This is another sneaky way of doing it but it helps them to see you from all angles. Each interviewer has their own technique but the general questions are the same.

Do not keep your arms folded during the interview. Are you speaking clearly? Do you appear interested and eager or bored or afraid? Your body language could betray you. Again ask a friend to help you practice.

(4) Plan your attire. This is a very important part of your interview. It is recommended that men wear a conservative suit and women a conservative suit with minimal jewellery, makeup and accessories. Make sure clothing is in good condition, clean and pressed. Even if your research shows the work environment is pretty casual, at the very least, dress one step above the level of the job you are interviewing for.

(5) Bring what is necessary. Make sure you have specific directions about the location of the job interview. A document folder consisting of original certificates like birth, educational and character certificates is a must. You must be prepared to forward such certificates whenever required. Be ready with questions you have about the company, and the job you are applying for. Refrain from asking questions about compensation, flex time and vacation as much as possible.

(6) Display good manners before, during and after the interview. Your job interview begins the moment you arrive on company property. The first person you come across is probably the Receptionist. In certain companies, Receptionists are a member of the interview board, though they sit outside the interview room.

Receptionists are at times asked to judge the candidates as to how they enter the premises and how they behave as they come in.

Be punctual. In fact, arrive 15 minutes early. Greet and address the receptionist or the person that welcomes you with respect. Do not answer your mobile phone or use a similar device while waiting, or during the interview. Just turn it off. If the culture allows only, firmly shake the hand of the interviewer before and after the interview. Do not forget to thank the receptionist on your way out.

(7) Try to match the posture of the interviewer. If your interviewer is sitting upright with their hands folded, you should try to sit the same way without acting like a mirror. This might contradict with the suggestion number three, but this is allowed depending on the circumstances. You are not allowed to fold arms when the interviewers are not folding arms.

The interviewer is looking for people that will fit into the company. Showing the same mannerisms conveys that message. If the interviewer is laid back and relaxed, take that as a sign that you can lean back in your chair and get comfortable.

(8) Common question that every interviewer will ask. Include qualifications or experience when answering typical but very important questions that interviewers will ask. They may ask what tasks you performed in previous positions. Or whether you have any pre booked holiday with your current employer and how much notice you are required to give to your current employer, when resigning.

If you answer to the last question about the notice requirement is that you can exit any time, this answer itself will be reason for disqualification. If you happen to indicate that one months’ notice before quitting is required, you will get extra marks for professionalism.

(9) Send a thank you letter. Use technology to send a note. By using email, you will be able to ascertain whether it was received by the intended person. Not only will it make a great impression, but an impression that will last long after the conclusion of the interview.