Guide to Interview Techniques

You can practice interviews and learn to make yourself perform better in these - here is my advice!

1. Do your Research - Make sure you know exactly where the interview is, the time and who you need to aks for. Have a copy of your C.V. with you and make sure your research the company. A simple goodle search will get you started, and most companies will publish their accounts on their sites. There is no excuse for not doing your homework.

2. Practice your C.V. - Make sure you have read through your C.V. and know your dates of school, jobs, grades etc. You should know these so well they role off your tounge, not knowing them will make you look stupid, delay your answers and make the interviewer question your sincerity.

3. Making a good impression - As above if you know where you are going and have done some research you will naturally have some more confidence. It is a Cliche but a good handshake is so important. Don't be limp wristed, nice and firm but not to aggressive. And be prepared for a simple, 'how was your journey' question (Icebreaker)

4. When talking about previous experience follow some very simple rules. First talk about the company, size, turnover, industry. Then talk about your department, next team, and finally your role, and how you fit in. It will show you have a good understanding of the bigger picture. And will keep you disciplined and allow you to move on in a controlled manner.

5. Be Commercial - Talking about sectors, Industry, and competitors as well as turnover, margins etc will show you to be 'commercial' something all employers want to see. You know how the company performs and your input.

6. Don't feel embarassed selling yourself - and if your in a second interview don't be afraid to repeat things you have said in the first interview if a new interviewer is present. Make sure you have a salary you want in your head, then when asked go for it, tell them what you want, and be prepared to justify why. Qualitifcations, intelligence, ambition. Do not talk yourself out of the salary you think you are worth, research this area specific, and it is a negotiaton so start high!

7. Silence can be golden - When asked a question answer it then be quiet. You dont need to fill every moment, give the interviewer some time to ponder what you have said and then ask another question. Talking to much can irritate the interview, and as you run out of things to say you will start blagging which will always come back to bite you.

8. Be positive - Don't say you want to leave because no one likes you, you dont like working to hard, or your boss is an idiot. Be positive tell them what you have achieved, leaving for a challenge, because there is no promotion options, because your ambitous. A positive reflection of a last role is always the way to go, be negative at your peril.

9. Have someone ask you some practice questions - for instance, in three words describe yourself. What is your biggest fault, examples of working in a team, etc etc - just going over them the night before does help so much. And don't bullshit give open honest answers, you will be respected more for that. Maybe just spin them slightly ;)

10. Get a good recruitment consultant - Someone you can trust, get ideas from, discuss roles with, insider information. Someone who can fight your corner for more money, and someone who keeps you informed of progress. Build up a relationship and work them hard, ask them for information on the market, opportunities, and how to sell yourself.

Thanks for reading this article and I hope you found some of the content useful - if you would like to read other articles produced from BuytheMap a full list is avaliable by clicking on the Articles button at the top of this page. A range of topics are covered for budding entrepreneurs - Many Thanks!