Interview Tips - 101

Author: David Honeyball

Introduction: The key to making interviews easier both for the interviewer and interviewee is to prepare as much as possible and use the correct techniques to succeed. Using these effective techniques will help you in almost any situation when it comes to finding a new job or interviewing for that perfect candidate.

This course and its sections will cater for the following aspects:

  • Job interview tips for interviewees
  • Job interview tips for interviewers
  • Tips for research before interviews
  • Sample job interview questions and answers
  • How to make a good impression at an interview
  • Controlling interview nerves
  • What to wear for an interview

Interview Tips:

Job Interview Tips for Interviewees: The truth is that job interviews are far easier for interviewees if you take the time to research and prepare fully before the actual interview. Using the proper interview techniques will put you in a far better position to get the job you are after. This course section highlights the main tips you can use in order to succeed when being interviewed:

  • Ensure that you research as much as you can in regards to the company you are being interviewed before prior to the interview. The worst thing you can do is to go in and not know anything about the company you wish to work for.
  • As you start the interview you are likely to be asked if you would like a drink as courtesy. It is always a good tip for interviewees to politely decline this offer. You are nervous enough for a bit interview without having to worry about not spilling a drink for example.
  • Prepare set answers for questions you expect to be asked. There are sample questions that tend to come up in most interviews and these will be explained in more detail in a further course.
  • Ensure that you can recall everything you have in your CV when you go for the interview as you are sure to be asked questions regarding your past achievements and previous employment. Additionally make sure it is up to date before the interview.
  • Be enthusiastic and positive throughout your interview so as to give the right impression with the interviewer. The last thing they want to see is someone who is negative. In particular you need to address negative aspects of your character and faults, which everyone has in a positive light and in a way that shows how you can work on these elements.
  • Think carefully about what to wear for the interview and dress for the occasion. Again this will be addressed more fully in further courses.
  • Above all, be yourself and confident and most interviewers will appreciate this honest approach.

Job Interview Tips for Interviewers: As much as there are various useful tips for the interviewees, there are also tips for the interviewer. In some ways there is almost as much pressure on the interviewer to say the right things and show the company in a favourable light. As an interviewer it is worth remembering that is important to your company to find the correct candidate.

  • Ensure that in order to prepare that you research about the interviewee you are to interview and read through their CV in detail. This will mean that you can compose the right questions to ask when the time comes.
  • Plan the place where the interview will actually take place. Where you decide to conduct the interview should be private and be free from any chance of interruption. The interviewee should be looked after before and during the interview to try to ensure they feel at ease.
  • In order to create the right environment you should arrange the seating in the interview room in an informal and relaxed way. One good way to do this is to not have your seat directly facing the interviewee as this can be intimidating.
  • Make sure that as you start the interview you explain what the company does and the role you require from the interviewee.
  • The questions you should ask should be questions that are open-ended. For example, how, why and what questions will prompt the interviewee to talk more openly about things.
  • It is important to ask about aspects of the CV that are unclear or answers that are given. There is nothing worse than not asking a question at this time as after the interview it will be too late.
  • Another important aspect of interviewing is to give the candidate the chance to ask their own questions. This will help to show how valuable they can be to the company and their true potential.