Interview technique is a skill that can be learnt and improved until it becomes second nature and a walk in the park.

One of the main reasons people do not do well at interviews is anxiety. They may be more than capable of doing the prospective job, but nerves get the better of them and they end up not presenting their case in the best possible manner.

Below are listed some common sense points for people going into interviews that can help ease the pain of the interview, resulting in a optimum performance.

Pre-Preparation:

It goes without saying, do some research about the company and the job.

Be clear about the role you are going for and have questions prepared.

Think about possible questions that you may be asked and prepare and practice responses.

Make sure you have smart attire ready for the day, and you have your CV, Business Cards and other relevant documentation ready and organised to take with you on the day.

Visualise the interview process, bear in mind that this is not about a bunch of people putting you under the microscope and picking on you. Think of it as follows,

The fact that you have been invited in for the interview is the first success. The company will have received many CV’s out of which they will shortlist candidates. Just think, you have made it to the shortlist, they like you.

The people in the company have invited you to the interview, because based on your CV they want to find out more about you. The interview will be your opportunity to tell them why they should pick you for the job, and the best thing is, they do really want to listen to what you have to say.

The interview is a two way process, it is also your chance to engage the people interviewing and make sure they answer all your questions, don’t be shy, just like they have the right to put you on the spot, you can also do the same to them.

So please remember, the interview is a two way exchange of information, and nothing more and nothing less. Think of it purely as a chance for you to talk more about yourself.

The Interview:

If you have done the pre-preparation, then you should be looking smart and have all the relevant paperwork organised and ready to present at the interview. Just make sure you arrive early, and relax.

Forget about everything you have heard before, about eye contact, firm handshakes and the way you sit and cross your legs and the way you place your arms. Thinking and paying attention to all of this makes you over-conscious and stops you from concentrating on the actual interview.

Just be natural, introduce yourself and shake hands the way you normally do, sit in a manner that is not offensive but at the same time makes you comfortable. If making constant eye contact makes you uncomfortable then don’t, and if keeping your hands in a certain position makes you happy then please do so.

Present all your details, CV, Business Cards and others in an organised manner.

Listen to what is being said and asked, be polite and don’t interrupt.

When responding to questions, don’t feel that you are under time pressure to answer, i.e. don’t think you need to answer within 5 seconds of the question being asked. Take your time, think about your answer and if you are not sure of the question, clarify. Don’t be worried that your answer may not be understood or that your answer may be incorrect. Give the best response you can give in your own time.

Don’t be shy to to display you personal mannerisms, if you need to umm! and ahh! in mid sentence then do so. If you wave your hands around when talking because this helps you express your point, then do so, there is no rule book that says your hands need to be in your lap throughout the interview.