Need to improve my job interview technique

geek84

Hi Folks

I've been to loads of job interviews but always seem to fail at this stage.

I'm convinced that I need to improve my interview technique. Could someone be kind enough to suggest how I could do that? Shall I just look at some videos on may be, you tube, in order to improve my technique or go on an official interview training course?

Any advice gratefully appreciated

anarchied

I have nothing to add - I'd rather like to know too! What do you find to be your biggest issue? I think mine's fidgeting and stuttering

notanewuser

geek84 wrote: »

Hi Folks

I've been to loads of job interviews but always seem to fail at this stage.

I'm convinced that I need to improve my interview technique. Could someone be kind enough to suggest how I could do that? Shall I just look at some videos on may be, you tube, in order to improve my technique or go on an official interview training course?

Any advice gratefully appreciated

What feedback are you getting from the interviewers?

geek84

I don't seem to get much of a feedback from interviewers.

Most of the time they don't want to speak to me, and when they do, they come out with a general answer such as other candidates had better qualifications/experience then me or performed better at interview. I have not had a single interviewer willing to do in to details and how I can improve for my next interview.

Caroline_a

Firstly you need to relax! I got over this by thinking 'What's the worst thing that could happen..?' and the answer is that I don't get the job. So you won't be any worse off than before you go in! So once you have accepted that, it takes a lot of the pressure off.

Then - research the company. Use Google, and you should be able to find lots about it! Read as much as you can, go through their website, and look for trends rather than detail. Nobody will expect you to know what the share price was in 2004, but they might like the fact that you know that their last results were very positive and shares are rising. See where they have offices, look if they have been in the news recently, etc. So that's covered the company knowledge...

Then you need to know your stuff about the job. Be able to give examples of what you have done previously, even in totally different circumstances to show that you are able to do the job. So, for example, if the job involves cash handling, you could say that you were responsible for collecting payment for a social club membership and taking it to the bank. Not a work situation, but a work task.

Be polite, be smartly dressed, arrive in good time and shake hands and thank the interviewer when you leave.

Hope that helps a bit!

notanewuser

Can you get a friend or recruitment consultant to do a dummy interview with you?

malcumms7898

I remember hearing something about how interviewers will make their minds up within the first few seconds (subconsciously) - a sort of 'first impressions count' if you like. So if you enter the room with the right attitude and confidence it might work in your favour. There has also been some evidence to suggest that people will look to hire people they wish to work along side, rather than who is most suitable for the job. You could be the most qualified person for the job but if you come across as an arrogant bore they might not want to work with you.

I am not saying these will get you a job, you will still have to answer the questions well, dress smartly and be qualified etc, but I think they are some things to be conscious of if they have any real truth to them.

DKLS

Based on a couple of panel interviews I sat in on this week.

Please answer the question that has been asked dont ramble off on a semi-related topic

Dont make it hard for work for the interviewers, we had two candidates that you had to drag the information out of them

and relax its just a conversation, where the interviewer is trying to find out the answer to 3 questions, can you do the job, will you like it, and will you fit into the existing team.

Prothet_of_Doom

notanewuser wrote: »

Can you get a friend or recruitment consultant to do a dummy interview with you?

This with a Camera recording.

also. the internet has 100's of sample questions, download them all, write a model answer for each (get the answer checked by someone who actually recruits people at your level), Memorise the answers. paraphrase them, say them in 5 different ways..stand in front of the mirror and look you in the eye and practise.

also. research the company, and reseach them again...I've found most success comes when in the "have you any questions" I ask them how this impacts that site.

I used to be very nervous, and a bit desperate, and I'd forget things.

These days I take a folder with my CV, and all my qualifications, and some notes and I treat them like a business meeting. I'm selling me, I have 2 copies of my brochure (CV) and make sure they have most upto date copy (who knows what the RC sent them..and they always delete your contact details) before we start.
I refer to my notes, as you wouldn't go and sell an automation system without some notes. and when it comes to asking questions, I go through my list, and even if the question has been answered, I'll "Just Clarify"

At the end I go in with a bit of hard sell. I say "I'd really like to thank you for your time, From what I've seen and what you've said it sounds like the sort of place I'd like to work, and I hope that I've said enough to convince you that I'm the best candidate"

I know it's a bit a BS, but at least you'll be remembered for that last pitch.

shmeeko69

geek84 wrote: »

Hi Folks

I've been to loads of job interviews but always seem to fail at this stage.

I'm convinced that I need to improve my interview technique. Could someone be kind enough to suggest how I could do that? Shall I just look at some videos on may be, you tube, in order to improve my technique or go on an official interview training course?

Any advice gratefully appreciated

Getting to the interview stage of a job is always the first aim. If you're not getting any joy in crossing the final hurdle then, the following may be of help to you.

1. Practise your breathing techniques, as this is a key area and will help you relax better. Remember to take a few deep breaths before your enter the interview room.

2. Develop your interview techniques with family/friends and ask for an honest opinion on what you need to improve on. Another way is to speak in front of the mirror honing your responses.

3. Learn about the company before the interview - History, employees, turnover, competition, specialities..... This means you're equipped with the necessary information and creates a good impression, if you're asked about the said business.

4. Make sure you turn up in plenty of time for your interview, dress smart and appropriately for the job in question.

5. Listen intently to what he/she is saying, don't interrupt and give confident and to the point answers.

6. Thanks him/her for their time.

Getting an interview in today's marketplace is no mean achievement, so don't let that stand in your way, instead, make sure you're maximising every opportunity and preparing yourself correctly for every future interview.

Beachview_2

geek84 wrote: »

I don't seem to get much of a feedback from interviewers.

Most of the time they don't want to speak to me, and when they do, they come out with a general answer such as other candidates had better qualifications/experience then me or performed better at interview. I have not had a single interviewer willing to do in to details and how I can improve for my next interview.

That's because they couldn't care less. They've got the job filled so they aren't interested in giving feedback to interview failures. I remember asking for feedback years ago but just getting general replies like yours above. The only place that gave useful feedback was tesco.