Top interviewing tipsfrom Lisa Jobson, director of
talent atHarvey
Nash:
- When the going gets tough in an interview you need to have your
wits about you and deal calmly and confidently with negative issues
and sensitive subjects such as gaps on your CV or salary
expectations.
- Firstly consider the interviewer's mindset, you might be the
fifth candidate they have seen in quick succession, their blood
sugar is low as they have missed lunch and they are struggling to
muster the energy. To counter this make a positive entrance with
high energy and hopefully they will mirror and respond
accordingly.
- Every interviewer has a different style and approach, if you
are faced with a panel it is likely there will be a "good cop/bad
cop" scenario. Staying calm and professional will impress them the
most and if they really do try to disparage you, take the
initiative with a counter question of your own.
- Stress questions could be presented in a situation or disguised
in the interviewer's behaviour, such as an unsmiling greeting,
protracted silence after hearing your answer to a particular
question, or a confrontational attitude.
- Questions will be thrown straight at you and you will have
little time to think about the answers. Remain level-headed and
don't let the aggressive interviewer throw you off track. Feel
confident and answer appropriately as this type of interviewer will
surely look for weaknesses and go on to exploit them further.
- After each question, take a breath and a pause, consider your
answer and deliver it pleasantly in a neutral, calm tone of voice.
Ensure you have a live example for each of the competencies and
skills they are assessing so you leave the interviewer in no doubt
of your capabilities.
- Another tactic might be to keep you waiting for your interview
to take place, with little or no information provided about when
you might be summoned. Remain focused at all times on the task in
hand and don't rise to the bait.
- Watch out for really indulgent interviewers who encourage your
negative traits and give you enough rope to hang yourself; never
start swearing, criticising or giving away secrets of your present
employer.
- To guarantee a good result prepare thoroughly, practice
potential answers to stress questions in advance. On the day handle
any nerves as best you can and focus on building rapport from the
outset of the interview.
- Remember they are assessing both your verbal and body language
responses through out the meeting. Have an awareness of facial
expressions and folded arms, for example, to avoid being perceived
as defensive.
- Do not take the interviewer's remarks personally and maintain a
positive mental attitude throughout.
More top interviewing tips from Lisa Jobson.
