Telephone Interviews
Stand up and walk around
It might sound silly but when you are standing, you sound more confident and communicate more clearly.
Print off your CV
Many interviewers will ask you questions related to your background and previous experience, inline to what you have written, having this in front of you means you have quick reference to your highlighted achievements without hesitation.
Avoid distractions
During the interview it is best to do this in a quiet area or best of all an open outside space, so you are sure that no one will disturb you and you can 100% focus on the person you are speaking too.
Give yourself time
Make sure you allow extra time for the call, telephone interviews usually last between 30 – 60 minutes, however make sure you are not rushing while speaking, the last thing you want to do is sound uninterested if you need to rush off the line.
Research the company and position
This is key as you need to prepare to show an interest in the company you are speaking too, print out the job description for which you are being considered for. If you display knowledge of products or interesting news about the company, you will stand out from the other people they speak with.
Take your time
Speak clearly and think about your answers, you are likely to be nervous (its natural) however the person you are speaking to needs to have a clear idea of what you are saying.
Learn about the interviewer
Many people now use professional social media sites like LinkedIn, this will give you a good idea of their key skills and what type of technical questions they will ask. It will also give you some common topics to tak about.
Do you have any questions?
9 times out of 10 you will be asked this at the end of the interview, so be prepared – Have two or three questions in mind related to the job / company and some which delve deeper into the culture and goals of the company.
Video Interviews
Watch your surroundings
Online interviews are now a very popular way to meet you in person without the travel, you need to make sure you are in a room with adequate lighting and if possible neutral colours, as the interviewer will see everything around you and you need to be in a professional looking environment. Avoid public places like coffee shops etc.
Dress appropriately
Although you are likely to be conducting the interview in your own home, you need to be in appropriate dress code based on the company culture.
Sit comfortably
Online interviews can last longer then telephone interviews, make sure you are siting in a comfortable position so you are not moving about during the conversation.
Remember the above
Similar to telephone interviews be prepared and consider the above tips.
Face to Face Interview
First impressions count
Being friendly and approachable, this counts for EVERY one you meet on the day, including the receptionist and more junior members of the team.
Look the part
Appearances shouldn’t matter, but the plain fact is that you are often judged before you’ve even uttered a word. Make sure your shoes are polished, your clothes fit correctly and that your accessories are subtle. Dressing one level above the job you’re applying for shows a desire to succeed.
Stay calm
Good preparation is the key to staying in control. Plan your route, allowing extra time for any unexpected delays and get everything you need to take with you ready the night before. Remember to speak clearly, smile and remember that your interviewers are normal people, and they may be nervous as well.
CV’s
Be familiar with what you have written on your application form/CV – take a copy with you, and be prepared to support areas you have written about with examples.
Timing
Always try to be atleast 10 / 15 minutes early and if you are unavoidably delayed call ahead. You will feel more confident if you are not rushing.
Important to remember
People you meet will be thinking what you will be like working with on a daily basis and how you will fit into the team, it is important to make a positive and enthusiastic impression (Usually the first 10 minutes count the most). This is your opportunity to sell yourself, your skills and your potential – Why should they choose you?
Long interviews
Sometimes face to face interviews can go on for 5+ hours and you will meet many different people within the company, remember to stay alert and do not relax to much even if it goes really well with the initial people. Each meeting needs to be treated the same as the 1st.
Basic Questions
Sometimes you will be asked questions which might seem very simple, however you still need to give full and positive responses to everything asked, surprisingly most people let themselves down on the basic areas. Often questions are related to areas you studied at university, so it is a good idea to go over old notes that you kept.