Interviews Can Be Your Friend!

In the first instance your CV has to give the right impression. However, it doesn’t stop there. Maintaining the right impression throughout the interview process is equally important. It’s not just a question of what you say; how you say things will have a big impact on the interviewer’s opinion of you and will effect whether they think you’re the best person for the role.

This doesn’t mean putting on an act; the best advice is ‘be yourself’. However, you need to make sure the most positive and relevant qualities of your personality are the ones that stand out at the interview.

The following are some of the essential qualities which you should convey to the interviewer:

Confidence

Prior to and at the start of the interview you will probably feel nervous. The interviewer will expect this, and a good interviewer will ease you into the interview questions, which should allow your confidence to grow. Confidence is an attractive quality in an employee, and you will need to show the interviewer you have it. Being confident does not mean being pushy and arrogant though - there is a vast difference.

Be Responsive

You should make every effort to give full answers to the questions you have been asked. This does not mean rambling on, make the point required and volunteer all relevant information. Do not give one-word answers as this will not help either you or the interviewer. Explain in full your answer to the specific question and be careful not to go off at a tangent.

Be Upbeat

Try to come across as energetic and you will give the interviewer a much more positive opinion of how you work. Energetic people are usually seen as the ones who will inspire those around them. So you need to stay upbeat, sit up straight, speak clearly and make eye contact will the interviewer(s).

Enthusiasm

Enthusiasm towards the interview, the company and the role are also very important to the interviewer. The best way to transmit enthusiasm is by being interested in what both you and the interviewer are discussing. Genuine interest will probably come through automatically. If you have done your homework on the company – did we mention that prior research is a must - this is usually a good indicator as to your enthusiasm for the role.

Factors which can influence the interview outcome:

• How you present yourself at the interview
• Your experience
• Relevant qualifications
• Track record
• Enthusiasm towards the role and organisation