Job interview tips
by Liz Banks
Skillstudio's job interview tips will help you stand out from the rest of the applicants
Got an important job interview coming up? Want to stand out from the rest of the applicants? Then have a read our great tips on how to make the right impression at your interview and get the job offer!
Tip 1 - Controlling interview nerves
It is natural to feel nervous before an interview, but when you are nervous you are more likely to rush and this will make you feel even more nervous.
To help control this, take two deep breaths before you start, breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth.
Try to breathe out for as long as possible and think of releasing tension with the out breath. This breathing technique will encourage you to slow down when you start to speak and help you create a more confident first impression.
Tip 2 - Speaking clearly and confidently
When you speak, you want the interviewer to sit up and take notice of what you say. To do this it is very important that he/she hears every word. If some of your words are unclear, merge together, or are too fast he/she will soon lose interest.
To help maintain a clear voice that is easy to follow, take your time over each word you say.
Don’t snatch at any words. Each word has a beginning, middle and end – even if it only consists of one syllable so make sure each part of the word is fully pronounced. Leaving off word endings can give the impression that you are hesitant and your voice will lack conviction.
Tip 3 - Using pauses to control your pace
Speaking in a steady pace will also help the interview to listen and remember what you are saying.
When you first start to speak, it helps to pause at the end of your first sentence for a couple of seconds.
This will help you to control your pace and you will be less likely to speed up once you start speaking. Pausing also gives you time to collect your thoughts and you will be less likely to lose track of what you are saying or for your mind to go blank.
Tip 4 - Make a strong first impression
People make judgements about you from your non verbal communication – the way in which you say things and use your body language.
So, to project yourself in a positive way, you need to make a confident entrance.
Make sure that you look at the interviewer when you shake his/her hand. Ensure that your handshake is firm but not bone-crushingly forceful.
Good posture can help generate a confident attitude. It is very difficult to project a confident manner if you slouch in your chair. To achieve a strong first impression, ensure that the small of your back is firmly in the back of the chair when you sit down so that your sitting position is strong and your back is well supported.
Tip 5 - Using eye contact effectively
Eye contact also helps you maintain a confident style and it is important to maintain focused eye contact during the interview.
The key time to look at someone is at the end of your sentence as this helps cement the message in that sentence.
If you look away at that moment you may appear hesitant and your words will lack conviction.
If speaking to an interview panel the rule of thumb is to give around 3 seconds of eye contact at random to individuals on the panel. This is long enough to engage with individuals without over-staring at any particular individual.
Get the job with professional interview skills training
If you want expert coaching to ensure you excel at your next job interview and get that job offer then Skillstudio are hereto help. We provide:
Job interview skills workshop - Our popular one-day, highly interactive public workshop is designed to build your confidence and the critical interview skills required to ensure success at your next job interview. It's held regularly in Central London,Birmingham, Leeds and Glasgow.
Job interview skills one-to-one coaching - Half day or full day, one-to-one coaching in interview skills by an expert trainer. Held throughout the UK and always tailored exactly to your personal requirements.
