12 Tips for a Confident Interview

So many people I know and work with are going for job interviews. I thought it would be useful to record some tips for approaching them with confidence.

There lots of interview tips around but I think these are some of the best!

1. Know the organization. Do your home work – find out as much as you can about the role, the organization, its needs and its challenges. Find out what is going on in their sector. How can your experience and knowledge give them an advantage? Look at their website and see what people are saying about them on the internet. Research the company at your local library. If they are in the private sector who are their competitors? Who are their customers? Go to the interview armed with knowledge of the organization you hope to join.

2. Know what you bring! Review your skills and knowledge and be ready with examples of how you have used them. What kind of person are you? How will you bring value?

3. Know your CV/resume. Review your past achievements and be ready to describe them in answer to questions. Prepare and remember examples of your achievements. Practice describing them.

4. Know one of the first questions. You can almost bet on being asked: “Tell me about yourself”. So have your “elevator pitch” ready. This is a short paragraph or two that describes who you are and what you can contribute. Give it punch – make it interesting, informative, and memorable. Practice delivering it at home with confidence and don’t rush. Approach it from the employer’s point of view. Ask yourself, “If I were hiring someone for this position, what would I want to know?”

5. Be ready for follow up questions. Be ready for some tough questions about you experience and abilities. Think through what they might ask and then prepare positive responses.

6. Prepare questions of your own. Employers expect you to be interested in them and to ask some questions about the organization. Prepare some intelligent questions about the position, the company and the industry. Ask about the issues they are dealing with!

7. Visualize! Imagine the entire interview, from start to finish. See yourself as performing with style and confidence. How will the interview end? Will you get a job offer or be called back for a second interview? How much salary do you want? What kind of benefits? Use your research and practice, practice, practice. See yourself successful!

8. Be punctual - arrive at least few minutes early. Allow extra time for traffic, parking and slow elevators. Then take a few moments out in the bathroom to check your appearance and to take some deep breaths.

9. Dress for success and appropriate for the position you’re seeking and the organization. Find out about dress code when you do your research. Be clean and tidy with well ironed clothes and well polished shoes.

10. Body Language and handshake. Stand straight! Move confidently and have a firm handshake. It does wonders for your confidence and theirs – again practice, practice, and practice! Make eye contact when you shake. Sit slightly forward in your chair and show you are enthusiastic and interested. But don’t gush and remember to smile.

11. Communication and listening skills. Listen carefully! Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand and to show interest. Communicate clearly and stay positive. Never, never make negative statements about earlier jobs or employers-be diplomatic!

12. Write back! Send a thank-you note to the company recruiter after the interview. Ask for feedback if you are unsuccessful – remember to ask them to keep you in mind for future openings.

Wendy Mason works as a Coach, Consultant and Writer.