Anticipating Awkward Interview Questions

How do you answer an awkward question without telling the interviewer a complete lie? Obviously lying to an interviewer is not a very smart approach and is sure to be found out, at which point the credibility you have developed will be completely destroyed.

Instead of lying and as part of the extensive preparation you are doing, you must sit down and anticipate the awkward questions you are likely to be asked.

Preparing a set of glib answers very rarely works and will do your profile no good at all. Interviewers see through this practice very quickly and to prove their point will continue to throw tough questions at you to see how you will respond.

Preparation is the key to formulating effective answers, if a question proves difficult at interview it is probably because you did not prepare thoroughly enough.

You will never be able to predict all the questions you may be asked however do some role reversal and place yourself in the interviewers shoes. Try to predict the type of questions they may ask, the majority will be around the job requirements as they determine if you have the necessary skills and experience to match the position.

They will ask for details on your previous roles, reasons for leaving, career aspirations and what contribution you can make within the new position if successful. Develop a series of questions based around these and practice until you have the ability to answer your practice questions with confidence.

Thorough interview preparation should not be dismissed as a myth, it is a far more effective way to spend your time as opposed to making up or memorizing answers in anticipation of your interview.

Appropriate Interview Attire

A simple fact of life is that we made immediate decisions on people we meet based on our first impression. Interviewers are no different and on many occasions I have made an immediate judgement based on the way a candidate has presented himself or herself for interview.

A negative first impression of a candidate can colour an interview and can influence the outcome irrespective of the interview itself.

Do yourself a favour and give yourself every opportunity to make a good first impression. In order to promote yourself as a serious candidate you must present yourself at interview in a professional manner. Turning up for interview looking unprofessional and untidy will be a serious impediment to your aspirations for your job search.

Clearly it is a sign to the interviewer that you are not taking the interview seriously, which in itself is disrespectful. Secondly it is apparent that you don’t take yourself too seriously and this too makes it difficult for the interviewer to respect you.

Choose your attire accordingly and present yourself impeccably groomed, looking neat and professional. It will enhance your image before an interviewer and give you additional confidence as you prepare to answer some tough interview questions.

When we look good we feel good and indeed appropriate dress will heighten your sense of self-esteem as you prepare to enter your interview.

While your clothes will not guarantee you get the job they can guarantee that you don’t.

The following are tips that will help you dress for that all-important interview:

MEN

§   Suits should be worn in colours of navy, dark blue, dark to light gray.
§   Do not wear a black suit; it is too somber and severe.
§   Long sleeved shirts should always be worn.
§   Shirts should be white or cream or a subtle shade of blue.
§   Shirts should be ironed and crease free.
§   A silk tie is preferable as it ties neater and has a better finish.
§   Your tie should complement your shirt and your suit.
§   Ties should be conservative or more preferably plain.
§   Wearing a busy tie with icons or pictures can prove distracting.
§   Shoes should be black leather preferably, brown is also acceptable.
§   They should be pristine and polished.

As you have seen from the above list a professional but understated look is best. Personal hygiene is an important point. Interviews can lead to emotional sweats and it is extremely important that you project a pristine image.

Pay particular attention to your fingernails, breath and hair. One of the most terrible scenarios for an interview is to attempt to conduct an interview made even more difficult due to poor personal hygiene.

Remember that it is not just a cliché. First impressions really do count and there isn’t the time at interview to redeem yourself if you have created a negative impression initially.

Conducting A Successful Job Search

Conducting a job search in the current business climate can be daunting and frustrating. Competition is fierce as the opposition are armed with qualifications and experience that matches and occasionally betters yours. To ensure you have the same chance as your competitors you need to conduct a well planned and well thought out job search.

Where and how do you start though? You know what you want to do but are unsure how to go about making the leap. Changing jobs and career moves are now an integral part of our working lives and it’s very seldom that difficulties or frustrations are not experienced as the search for new and better employment begins.

While networking and personal contacts can be useful it does not always guarantees positive results. It is a right place at the right time approach and as often as not a little bit of luck plays its part in this scenario.

Someone once told me that the worse thing that can happen to anyone is to be elevated to a position that is beyond his or her competence. It is a valuable piece of advice. Do not set your sights so high that your aspirations are unrealistic. Do not discount the opportunity to work at a smaller company because it doesn’t fit with the image you have carved out for your new career.

Many of the most successful business people the world over started at small companies, gained their experience used that experience to move on to greater things.

Keep an open mind, don’t discount anything and check out all opportunities that present themselves to you.

See below for the many methods open to you as you check out the current job market:

§   Online Job Sites: Surfing the Internet has quickly established itself as one of the fastest and easiest ways to research job opportunities. There are millions of excellent sites with up to the minute possibilities at the click of a mouse.

§   Resume Distribution Services: Post your Resume with a Resume Distribution Service, which will contact the agencies and job sites that have job opportunities, suited to your experience.

§   Employment Agencies: Having an appointed agent directs you in your job search. They have excellent contacts that are used to fill job postings with suitable candidates.

§   Newspapers: The traditional route, which remains very popular and very successful for millions of job seekers.

§   Job Fairs: Bring your knowledge and experience to a job fair where like-minded people can recognise your potential through a mutual exchange of views. These are a useful method of networking as contacts are made that can be useful for the future.

§   Direct Research: Conduct your own research into the companies you are interested in working for approaching them directly with your Resume and experience.

§   Networking: Use friends, colleagues, former colleagues and family in your job search drawing on their list of contacts to produce the job offer you have been looking for.

Effective Research And Data Collection

As you begin your research think about the following:

Use this checklist to assist you as you begin the process of collecting information:

While this list is not exhaustive, it will give you a starting point.

How To Deal With A Poor Interviewer

One of the more frustrating aspects to an interview is coming up against an interviewer that is inexperienced and has failed to prepare adequately for the interview.

All too often these are the very people who get to make the decision on hiring. Unfortunately many of these Mangers are notoriously bad interviewers who have had relatively little training in this process. They very often fail to prepare for the meeting, sometimes not even reading the resume prior to the interview. This results in a disjointed and often one-sided affair as they try to compensate for their lack of preparation.

It is devastating to prepare thoroughly for an interview, only to be faced with an interview that talks far too much, fails to elicit the relevant information or even worse asks closed questions allowing you only a one or two word response to each question. This in turn gives the perception that you have nothing to offer which is completely to the contrary.

Should you find yourself in this unenviable position you must be able to overcome this problem. The only option open to you is to be extremely well prepared going into the interview. Have a clear idea of the message you are communicating and a determination to sell your key points. Do not rely on the interviewer to be successful, make the interview work for you.

Interview Confidence

Most candidates feel anything but confident as they enter the interview room. Shaking like a leaf, petrified and terrified are often words and phrases used to describe a candidates feeling just prior to interview.

It is not unusual to feel all of the above, however, if you intend to portray yourself as a serious and professional candidate you must project an air of confidence and professionalism.

Do not confuse this with arrogance, believe me this is a common mistake. Adopting a cocky manner will only put an interviewers back up and will create such a bad first impression recovery will not be possible.

Interviewers actually expect nerves and apprehension and allow the candidate to settle in taking deliberate steps to help them relax. The absence of nerves may make you complacent which in turn communicates itself to the interviewer. Be grateful for the tense keyed-up feeling, without it you may not perform to your best. The adrenalin tends to push each candidate that little bit more, keeping them on edge and even more determined to convey their message with sincerity and professionalism.

Confidence should be teamed with enthusiasm but beware of falling into the trap and appearing desperate. If you do this, you will lose negotiating power when the actual job offer is made. Remember, confidence is they key but moderately!

Interview Preparation

To ensure successful interview preparation the following checklist will prove useful:

§   Prior to the interview itself get directions to the interview venue and check out the parking that is adjacent. Give yourself plenty of time to get to the venue, park and be on time for your interview.

§   Get a contact number for your interviewer or the company itself so in the event that you are unavoidably detained you can make them aware to avoid added inconvenience.

§   Bring a copy of your Resume, a notepad and a ballpoint pen. This will give you a look of organisation and efficiency and give you something to do with your hands during the interview itself.

§   Do not arrive too early for your interview as it indicates anxiousness on your part.

§   Do not arrive late even momentarily as this indicates disinterest and is inconsiderate. In the event of an unavoidable delay as stated above call ahead to explain the situation.

§   Collect your references from your employers prior to the interview. If they are requested the fact that you have them available will indicate your attention to detail.

§   Be confident that you are able to answer the questions, which will be put to you.

§   Relax and breathe deeply before you enter the interview itself. This will help calm your nerves and reduce your tension.

§   Be open and friendly to the receptionist of the staff member sent to greet you, this is part of the process itself and will be considered part of your interview.

§   Be formal and polite, mirror your interviewer. Call them by their title, Mr, Mrs, Ms etc and not their first name. To do so without being invited can be a sign of disrespect.

§   Remember a firm handshake is a good starting point.

§   Do not look at your watch or look around the room as your interviewer begins the process.

§   Do not offer personal opinions on sex, race, culture, age or equal rights.

§   Do not ask about company benefits, salary or holiday entitlements.

§   Respect your interviewer and treat them with the deference they are entitled to.

§   Be aware of your body language throughout the interview.

This checklist is not exhaustive but it goes some way toward improving your chances of performing well at interview.

Interviews – Make Or Break Situations

You may be feeling great now that you have completed your resume and cover letter and are armed for action, however you will not secure a new job without an interview.

It is unfortunate that so many of us experience anxiety and nerves prior to interviews leading us to feel uncomfortable and often distressed about the prospect that lies ahead. However, even if you have successfully networked your way to the interview, the fact is that you still have to go in there and sell your potential as a serious candidate.

No employer in today’s competitive world will invest thousands of dollars a year on you without performing a thorough check prior to hiring.

And as a point of fact, you would not be foolish enough to accept a position without researching and meeting a representative of the company.

An interview can vary in length from 30 minutes to 1 hr, 30 minutes depending on the position and the company’s requirements.

An important point to note is that no two interviews are ever the same; there are significant variations between interviewers, approach and the quality of interviewing with each organization.

All things considered it is important to realize that the bottom line is that each interview you attend is a make or break situation.

Your future career depends totally on the outcome of the interview and that in turns means your performance.

This means hard work, research, preparation and practice to ensure that when the time comes you can deliver and polished and professional performance, confident in your abilities and experience.

Selling Yourself At Interview

The interview process is used to select the best candidate from the limited information that is at the interviewers disposal.

A good interviewer attempts to gain an insight into your personality and character and to ascertain how you will fit into the role for which they are recruiting.

Your technical and professional ability is not what is all-important. In a pressurised business world, employees need to demonstrate flexibility, teamwork, dedication and enthusiasm amongst other attributes.

You must be able to communicate and demonstrate those qualities that set you apart from the competition.

To perform well at interview you must convey the following in your descriptions of your character and ability:

§   Motivation: Take the opportunity to ask questions of your interviewer. This will convey enthusiasm and motivation, a thirst for knowledge coupled with a desire to get things done.

§   Energy and Drive: Someone who is prepared to put in the extra effort required to get the job done.

§   Confidence: Display a confidence and poise in your interactions with individuals at all levels in the organisation.

§   Determination: Not to be confused with stubbornness. Convey a desire to conquer problems despite difficult situations.

§   Attitude: Someone who is open and friendly but professional always, a team player.

§   Reliable: Self-motivated with an ability to work independently with a minimum of supervision.

§   Honesty and Integrity: Each company has it’s own code of conduct. Display an ethical responsibility for all actions undertaken by you both positive and negative.

§   Listening Skills: Be an active listener. Take time to listen, assimilate the information and respond.

§   Analytical Skills: Ever more important, weigh up each problem and find a balanced solution.

§   Dedication: Display pride in your work and the dedication to see each task through to completion in a timely manner.

This is your one and only chance to demonstrate your potential and the reasons that you should be hired. You have a limited amount of time to make vital points and sell yourself to your prospective employer. You don’t get a second chance so don’t waste the initial opportunity to make an impact.

The Art Of Body Language

An important point to note as you prepare to enter your interview is to be aware of your body language. Your body language gives an immediate and overwhelming insight into your emotional state.

An experienced interviewer can detect nerves, uncertainty, arrogance, confidence and the many other feelings expressed by the candidates they interview.

The most obvious point to start from is to examine your handshake. This is your initial contact with your interviewer and a limp handshake will do nothing to advance your chances of success.

Clasp the interviewers hand firmly, smile confidently and make eye contact. Remember that it is important that your interviewer should initiate the handshake when they make the initial introductions. Your handshake should be polite but warm, open and friendly.

Your interviewers are analysing your behavior to gain an insight into your personality, and the personal characteristics you will bring to the role.

Your body language speaks volumes about they way you are feeling or the thoughts you had are having at a precise moment. Sincerity, honesty and integrity can be easily ascertained through your actions as easily as with your words.

Once you have been offered a seat, sit down ensuring that you maintain a comfortable distance between you and your interviewer.

Be aware of your interviewer at all times and actively listen to the questions asked of you. It is easy to become distracted as you begin to formulate answers that pre-empt the questions.

Your interviewer will be watching you intently throughout this time to see how you deal with your nerves.

Maintain eye contact with your interviewer throughout the interview. Continually shifting your glance away from them it can give the appearance of disinterest or worse still it may give the impression that have something to hide.

Be careful that you do not stare at the interviewer in your desire to maintain good eye contact as this can appear disdainful and belligerent.

Smile at your interviewer when the opportunity arises indicating an open friendly personality. One concern we have when we say this is that many people have made the mistake of grinning ridiculously throughout the entire interviewer leaving the interviewer with little choice but the wonder at the sincerity and mentality of the candidate seated before them.

Listen to each question and take a moment to ponder your answer. If you nod your head slowly in acknowledgement of a point that is put to you it will indicate interest on your part as you consider your answer. This positive response will encourage your interviewer to continue with their conversation.

Crossing your arms over your chests sends a negative signal to your interviewer. It demonstrates nerves and a degree of inapproachability.

Fidgety hands can be a terrible distraction to an interviewer. Beware of the following telling gestures.

§   Jangling coins.

§   Tapping a pen.

§   Adjusting your tie.

§   Picking at imaginary fluff on your clothes.

§   Running your hands through your hair.

§   Scratching.

These gestures are annoying for an interviewer. At the end of the interview these will be what your interviewer associates with you rather than your performance.

As you sit be aware of your position and do not slouch or assume a relaxed posture. The correct way to sit is to sit back in your chair, keep your back straight and face your interviewer at eye level. You may sit slightly forward when asked a question indicating interest and friendliness on your part.

If you feel more comfortable crossing your legs the best way to do so is to cross your legs at the ankle and angle your legs away from the interviewer.

For men in particular a tip is not to rest one ankle across a knee as it indicates a willful or stubborn personality.

So as you prepare for the interview remember a few key points.

§   Firm Handshake

§   Maintain good eye contact but avoid staring

§   Good Personal Hygiene

§   Be aware of your hands and feet.

§   Don’t fold your arms

§   Be open and friendly

As you prepare to leave the interview, once again give a firm handshake, an open and confident smile and thank your interviewer for their time.

One last tip is not to comment on personal items in the office. Remember the old mistake people have made when complementing children in a photograph who are boys and not girls. A simple mistake at this point can have grave consequences. Be professional at all times and mirror your interviewers behaviour.

The Outcome Of An Effective Interview

A common myth that has developed around the whole interview psychology is that each interview is a ‘them and us’ situation where you basically compete against the interviewer sitting across the table from you.

This is positively untrue, though it is true to say that interviews are challenging. On many occasions you will feel nerves and trepidation about the prospect, but if you enter an interview feeling that you have to score points off the person opposite you will be guaranteed to fail in your quest.

You must portray a confident air and be in a position to display your strengths as you hold your own within the conversation, ultimately you should participate in a stimulating discussion.

A successful interview should be a win – win situation for both recruiter and candidate. It is essential that the interview builds rapport and that you in turn reciprocate.

This will promote a climate of professionalism, mutual respect allowing for frank and open conversation. In turn you will be given the opportunity to sell your skills and experience in a positive manner using the time afforded to you productively.