A firm handshake and making eye contact are an old dog’s tricks. For a successful job interview, you need confidence and a positive outlook. And don’t wear a black suit.
There are two ways to go about nailing a job interview. The first is the long and winding road – we know that job interviews are sweaty brow affairs and can raise your heartbeat by a couple of notches, which in turn will make you stammer and get your tongue in a twist, especially when answering trick questions. This means that you need to practise – and the only way you can practise is to allow yourself a couple of months and sit for a series of job interviews. This training will help you get used to the situation and eventually, you’ll be able to suffer a job interview with nary a batting eyelid. After all, confidence is key to getting the job you want.
During an interview, you should never discuss politics or religion – these are sensitive subjects and you never know whether the interviewers share your views
As for the second approach – well, read on.
A good introduction
First things first – your CV. A CV is not only the key that will open the possibility of a job interview for you. It’s like an advert – it should sell without being pushy. It’s also a showcase of your writing skills and your potential to stand out. Make sure that your CV is free from typos and grammar mistakes.
Be prepared
In the run-up to the red-letter day, rehearse interview scenarios. You need to prepare potential scenarios and answers until they are convincing – you first need to be clear in your own mind why you are right for the role before you can, in turn, convince the interviewers.
Also, research your prospective employer – what does the company do, what size is its workforce, what investments have they made in the past year, and what are they looking for?
The basics
Let’s get the basics out of the way first. Never arrive late, switch off your mobile phone and don’t swear during interviews. Yes, these are obvious things, but you’ll be amazed at how many candidates still get them wrong.
Suits you
For an interview, never wear a black suit. The interviewers would already have seen a procession of potential employees all wearing black, so you need to stand out without being too flashy. Of course, don’t go overboard with colours – otherwise, you’ll look like a carnival float.
Men should never wear novelty ties, especially for a job interview – you should look like you’re used to wearing a tie. Also, pay particular attention to shoes. Ladies, don’t go for killer heels – it’s an interview not an evening do. And gentlemen, do polish your shoes and remember that socks should match the colour of your trousers, and not the colour of your shoes.
First person, not singular
This interview is not about you. Well, it is. However, the interviewers will not want to hear about how this job will change your life or how you plan to spend your salary – what they are interested in is what you will bring to the job.
Question and answer
When an interviewer asks you a question, don’t fire away an answer, even if you have rehearsed it – otherwise, you risk making an ill-chosen comment. Instead, take a couple of seconds, breathe deeply (and noiselessly) and then give your answer in a clear, concise and structured manner.
Also, if you’re using an example to illustrate a point, don’t use hypothetical scenarios – rather, use examples from your own life. However, never use your current employment or employer as a negative example – criticising and speaking badly of a previous or your current employer is not done during an interview, even if your criticism is justified. Moreover, your new employer might contact your former employer for references. And remember, this is Malta – your interviewer could be your current employer’s closest friend.
No go areas
During an interview, you should never discuss politics or religion – these are sensitive subjects and you never know whether the interviewers share your views. Also, don’t immediately start discussing money or vacation leave.
Do you have any questions?
This is one of the questions which most interviewees consider as superfluous. Let’s get one thing straight – it isn’t. Use this as an opportunity to show a curious mind as well as enthusiasm for the job. If you don’t ask questions, you’ll come across as uninterested.
Better luck next time
If you perform well but still don’t get the job, it’s still a good feeling that you have performed to the best of your ability. Take this opportunity as a testing ground for your next job interview. And anyway, you never know – an unsuccessful but impressive candidate will be the first to be called in next time a position comes up.