The secret to … a successful job interview

[Monirul Islam]

Your CV has somehow made it through the morass of applications, but the hard part starts here: how do you keep your composure and prove you are the right person for the job?

"If you have been invited to an interview, the job is there to be won," says Rebecca Corfield, author of Knockout Job Interview Presentations. Even if you don't get the job, there's value in performing to the best of your ability – an unsuccessful but impressive candidate is often the first to be called back next time a position comes up.

So don't shirk your pre-interview work; follow our expert tips to give yourself the best chance of success.

Do

• Prepare your answers thoroughly. What points do you want to make about yourself? How will you reply to questions that come up? "If you want to convince a recruiter you are right for the role, then obviously you should first be clear in your own mind why you are right for the role," says James Innes, author of The Interview Book.

• Clearly structure your answers. "Make three key points to help the panel understand what you are getting at," says Corfield. Innes and Corfield recommend using real-life examples rather than hypothetical ones to back up your points: "Flagging up relevant examples from your own experience is an ideal way of reinforcing your points," Innes says.

• Get over yourself. Everyone feels nervous and self-conscious, so try not to dwell on it. "Nerves don't show nearly as much as you think they do," says Corfield, "so stand tall, breathe deeply and concentrate on your message to deliver it with confidence."

• Ask questions. Almost all interviewers will give you a chance to be inquisitive – use this to further demonstrate your interest and enthusiasm. "If not, you'll come across as passive and uninterested," says Innes.

Don't

• Focus on yourself. The employer is not interested in how this job will improve your career. "Talk about what you are bringing to the job, what special qualities, knowledge or vision you can offer," says Corfield. "Explain to them what a difference you can make."

• Be critical of others. "Criticising your current employer is considered one of the top mistakes you can make at interview and could cost you the job regardless of whether or not your criticism is justified," says Innes. "Likewise, avoid criticising current or former colleagues.

• Prematurely talk money. It's best to avoid asking questions about pay and holidays, unless of course the interviewer brings up these topics. "It can place too much focus on what you are expecting from the employer, rather than what you are offering them – never a good idea," says Innes.

Source: https://jobs.theguardian.com/article/the-secret-to-a-successful-job-interview/?s=2