Guide to Successful Interviews.....

1. Introduction

So congratulations, you've been shortlisted for interview for the dream job you've always wanted! Well done - many?jobs advertised or not advertised receive well over one hundred applications, and you're one of probably just half a dozen people who've made their applications stand out by successfully highlighting your skills and experience.

Your prospective employer can already sense you're capable of doing the job, now you have to use the interview to prove you're capable of getting things done efficiently and to a high standard – whilst generally being a considerate and reliable colleague who will be a valuable addition to the team.

2.?Preparation

The key to a successful job interview is good preparation. Try to divide your preparation into manageable chunks and research, research and research some more.

Try and cover the following areas, which you will no doubt have to talk about in the interview.

The Company

You need to be able to show a good understanding of your prospective employer’s?company details?and how can you contribute to developing them. Remember, company executives?are very busy people and they'll be looking for someone who can slot into the team with the minimum of fuss or difficulty.

You also need to show that you identify with the aims and values of the company. Make sure you know what the values and ideals of the?company are and use examples to show you can identify with these. For example, you may be attracted to the company because of its environmental policy, so you can show you identify with this by talking about your campaigning for green issues, etc.

Remember: for all of your answers, you need to be able to say why you think this way and give examples.

The Job

While of course you do not?know what questions will be thrown at you, you can certainly prepare for questions it seems sensible to expect. Keep in your head a statement including 3 or 4 points which will cover why you are interested in the job, why you are suitable for it and what you can bring to the role. Something along these lines will almost certainly be one of the opening questions and thorough preparation in this area can get you off to a flying start, creating confidence which can last through the interview. Again, try and emphasise you have excellent knowledge of what the job entails, so you can replace or assist the current person in the smoothest of possible transitions.

Tip - On the morning of your interview, check the news and look for any stories relating to the?company or the area. If there are, take some time to read up, the company may ask you directly for your thoughts or you may be able to show you're on the ball with current events by mentioning it yourself.

3.?First Impressions

First impressions do count! It's crucial to turn up on time, look presentable and ensure that the company?views you from the outset as someone he/she can work with. If you're very nervous, try taking a few deep breaths before you're called in and remember, your nerves probably will not?last long. The?interviewer will do their best to put you at ease.

Shake hands with all interviewers firmly (too limp will make you seem weak but too vigorous will liken you to an aggressive salesman). Smile and thank them for their time - interviewers?are busy people and always appreciate any acknowledgment of this!

Body language is important – smile, lean forward a little in your chair and look interested. Do not cross your arms as this looks defensive, wave your hands about too much as this looks nervous or simply crazy, and do not?play with hair/jewellery or interrupt questions.

Tip - Know exactly where you're going for the interview and give yourself plenty of time to get there. Give yourself extra time to account for tube delays and security checks.. Try to arrive 15 minutes or even half an hour early – you can grab a coffee at the coffee shop, gaze at?the building?and read over your notes. That way you'll not arrive flustered and can spend those vital few minutes beforehand absorbing information and revising what you want to say.

As you leave the interview, thank the interviewers again, smile and say goodbye.?

4.?Show off your Skills

It's very important – even at your very first job interview – that you can support statements you make. If, for example, you say you have a good news sense and can help the company get more press coverage, you need to give a good example of how you have done this in the past, perhaps during an internship or in a previous job. If you say you're well organised, give an example of a large event you've organised which was a success, and make clear your role. Or, if you say you're good at overcoming problems in the workplace, try and back this up with an example of a time when things went really wrong – how did you keep your cool and what action did you take to ensure things got back on track?

Always bear in mind the job description and what you know about the job, and try to match these up to the questions. If you're asked for examples of certain skills, use your experience as much as possible.

Tip – some interviewers?do, unfortunately, enjoy asking off-the-wall questions. This is to test how you cope with the unexpected, whether you're able to think outside the box and turn a difficult question around to present yourself in a favourable light. Often they're also checking that you have the required sense of humour for this job.

5.?Any Questions?

At the end of the interview, you will be given the opportunity to ask questions of your interviewer/s. Make the most of this opportunity - do not forget the function of the interview is for you to see how suitable the job is for you, as well as for the company?to test your suitability for the job. Any questions you have do not be afraid to ask, though steer clear of salary and conditions at this early stage – any second interview or the job offer itself is the right time to discuss these unless the interviewer brings it up him/herself.

'Any questions?' can be a useful time to show your knowledge again, but without seeming obvious. For example, you could ask a question relating to the company`s portfolio or interests, such as how he/she hopes to develop a particular policy idea they may have floated, or how they intend to approach a piece of legislation due to be introduced. Such questions show you're on the ball. Steer clear of hard hitting questions though, it's not your job to put the company?on the spot or try and catch him/her out. Most?interviewers will respect you if you have your own opinions and ideas (as long as you can support these), but they'll be put off by annoying Smart Alecs.

A selection of staff currently working for companies have flagged up the following questions, or variations thereof, so use these to get you thinking about some of the areas you may be asked to address. But do not?forget to expect the unexpected!

Why do you want this job?

What experience/skills/qualities do you have that make you suitable for this job?

Why do you want to work for me/company?

Do you want to be a Manager/Director?in the future?

Would you enjoy working for us?

Are you happy to undertake administrative tasks?

Do you have experience managing people, such as volunteers and interns?

What experience do you have in providing written briefings, notes, speeches, etc?

What experience do you have in researching media stories and placing these with journalists?

What makes a good news story?

What techniques would you use to elicit certain information from the people/companies???

How are you at dealing with stressful situations?

How will you deal with difficult people?

How will you prioritise a heavy workload?

What is your biggest strength/weakness?

Finally, do not?be deterred if your first interview doesn't result in a job offer.?Instead, remain confident and positive. Try to understand why you may not have been offered the job (some?companies may even offer you feedback) and brush up on these areas for next time. Many people will have been through several interviews before finding their current jobs, often discovering that the jobs they do eventually get are the right ones for them. Job interviews are a learning experience. While you may always be nervous, you'll find you become better and better with practice.

There are plenty of other helpful tips throughout this guide that will repeat, this is because we share with you different ways for you to be successful.

Good luck!

Top Answers To Tough Questions - `The Guide to a Successful Interview` also contains a wealth of useful information about job interviews in general – what to expect, what the interviewer is really looking for, and how to present yourself to best advantage. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Guide-Successful-Interview-Colin-Thompson-ebook/dp/B0057ODQFA

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