Anxiety and the interview

As an interviewer, I know that it is normal for candidates to be anxious during the interview and this may impair their performance. Answers tend to be more conventional rather than creative.

Here are three techniques that may help:

1. Clench your left fist, preferably for 30 seconds or more, especially if you are right-handed. Clenching the left fist activates specific circuits in the brain’s right hemisphere. These circuits have been shown to enhance people’s capacity to reach decisions and alleviate unpleasant emotions.

2. Pactise your answers to standard questions, especially the ones that relate to your attributes, limitations, preferences and values.

3. Try not to conceal your anxieties, concerns or limitations. As an interviewer I know what you are nervous and I take it into account during the interview. By admitting that you’re nervous you can prevent your anxiety from getting worse.

Job Interview DO's

Having spent a number of years interviewing candidates I have identified some "commion sense" Do's for job interviews. Here are a few tips:

• Dress appropriately for the industry; if you not sure, dress conservative and always come across professionally. Remember first impressions...
• Know where you are going, know how long it takes to get there and DON'T ever be late.
• Treat all people you encounter at the company with courtesy and respect. You don't know who the decison makers are.
• Offer a firm handshake, make eye contact, and have a friendly expression when you are greeted by your interviewer. Don't giggle and don't be overly enthusiastic...
• Listen...Listen...Listen. Be sure you understand your interviewer's name and the correct pronunciation.
• Sit still in your seat; avoid fidgeting and slouching.
• Respond to questions and back up your statements about yourself with specific examples.
• Be thorough in your responses, while being concise in your wording.
• Be honest and be yourself.
• Treat the interview seriously. Behave as though you are truly interested in the employer and the opportunity presented.
• Exhibit a positive attitude. Behave like someone you would want to work with.
• Have intelligent questions prepared to ask the interviewer. Limit it to three questions. Don't interview the interviewer.
• Make sure you understand the employer's next step in the hiring process.
• When the interviewer concludes the interview, offer a firm handshake and make eye contact. Depart gracefully.
• Write a thank-you letter to your interviewer promptly.

I know that common sense is not very common, but is very important to make a good...no excellent......first impression..

Behavior Based Questions

Behaviour based interviewing is built on the assumption that past experience (behavior) is the best predictor of future performance.
Behaviourbased questions seek demonstrated examples of behavior from your past experience and concentrate on job related functions. Questions are always open ended and often begin with: Tell me about", "Describe a time", "Give me an example of"
Here are some examples I use when i interview candidates:

1. Describe a difficult problem that you’ve had to deal with and how you resolved it
2. Describe a situation when you found yourself challenged. How did you handle it.
3. Tell me about a situation in which you were able to satisfy a difficult or irate customer

Invited to the interview....Now what?

Great news! When you get invited to an interview it means that your application must have made a good impression. What next? Now you need to prepare yourself for the interview nad learn as much as you can about the company and begin to anticipate interview questions.

This book is useful to anticipate interview questions. Preparation for any interview will allow you stand out and make it easy for the words to come out..

How will you Answer this Interview Question

In my line of work I come across many people who come into an interview unprepared. They try and "wing" the interview and hope for the best. Research and preparation is key to a successful interview. Here is a common interview question.

Why are you looking for a new job?
Bad Answer: My boss is a jerk and I do not get along with my colleagues.

Tip: Keep the answer positive, in terms of where you want to go, not what you want to get away from.

Better Answer: I have been promoted as far as I can go with my current employer. I'm looking for a new challenge that will give me the opportunity to use my skills to help my employer's business grow.

How to Prepare for an Interview

During these very tough economic times it is becoming increasingly important to prepare for that next job interview. It is easy to become complacent. Going for a job interview is hard work. Start preparing now so that when the time comes for your interview, you will be ready. Start rehearsing your answers to tough interview questions so that it comes out natural during the interview.