Interview Techniques
Preparing for interviews
There is no easy formula for how to perform the perfect interview. However, candidates who do well are typically those who have prepared well. They will have researched their prospective employers business and their competitors, the position they are going for and have matched their experience to the skills the employer requires.
Research
One frequent observation made by interviewers is how impressive it is to talk to a candidate who has shown enough interest to find out more about the company than its name and address. A great deal of information on the company and the position you are going for can be obtained from your Lynx consultant. Consultants know the company and the nature of their business and can provide you with a detailed job spec. They also have access to specialist databases where they can source company information on your behalf. Other information can be found in careers services on the Internet, or directly from the company. Questions that remained unanswered by your initial investigations can be asked in the interview, however, basic questions will reveal your lack of research - make sure your questioning is intelligent.
Analyse your suitability for the role
Review your experience and qualifications in terms of the specific job. Pick out the skills the employer is looking for and be prepared to give examples of situations in which you have demonstrated these skills.
Tackling the interview
The preparation and research you have undertaken will stand you in good stead on the day of the interview. Make sure you arrive early and are smartly dressed. It helps to have some information about yourself that you can leave behind; your CV, references or some case studies of your work. This might provide a focus for the interview and will ensure you leave something tangible of yourself with the interviewer. Other useful tips include;
* Prepare your own questions
The interview is just as much an opportunity for the employer to find out about you as it is for you to find out about them. Intelligent questions will also give an insight into the type of employee you will be.
* Prepare answers for the standard interview questions such as:
"What would you bring to the role ahead of other candidates?"
"What are your strengths and weaknesses?"
"Where do you see yourself in five years?"
"Tell me about yourself"
* Body Language
This is also very important during an interview, you should sit up right maintain eye contact and when appropriate a strong, firm handshake promotes confidence.
* Listen and respond
Asking questions that are linked to subjects covered in the interview show that you have been listening and will impress the interviewer.
* Communication Skills
You should try to avoid one-word answers and attempt to enter into a two-way conversation with the interviewer. Good grammar and speech are also essential and slang should be avoided.
After the interview
Immediately after the interview take a few minutes to write a summary of what happened while it is fresh on your mind; the names of people you met and a description of the job duties. Write down the portions of the interview that went well and those that caused you some problems (If you're called back this analysis will help make your next meeting even more successful, if not you'll be better prepared for an interview with someone else). Report to your Lynx consultant as soon as possible. We need to know how the interview went so that we can be more effective in talking to the employer about you.
And finally...
Keep in close touch with your Lynx consultant during the interviewing process. Each of our consultants has many years' experience of the IT & Technology Sales industry, which you can call on at any time. They will help you make the most of your skills and qualifications and get the position you really want