What Makes A Good Job Interview Candidate?

We know that by the time you are called to a job interview the organisation has seen your CV and believes you can do the job.

Then again so can all the other candidates. So how do you prepare for a job interview and just what do you have to do to stand out of the crowd?

Here are some top tips to bear in mind and which will help you impress on the interviewer that you are the right person for the job.

1. Be Prepared:

There is no excuse for not preparing properly for a job interview. You will have had at least a few days warning and quite possibly a lot more time. Research the company, review your CV and practice your answers until you can deliver them smoothly and naturally.

2. Focus on your strengths:

Remember that the organisation knows that you CAN do the job and they want you to confirm this to them during the job interview. Don't let any negative experiences or a gap in your career for example, negate all the great work you have done.

3. Step into the Interviewers Shoes:

What exactly is the interviewer looking for from you? Imagine yourself in the interviewers place and try to get a feel for what they need from you. Once you can do that effectively you will be able to build a relationship with them from the first moment of the interview.

4. Listen:

Focus on the interview questions being asked and if you are not sure of the meaning of the question, check with the interviewer. This is a two way conversation and the interviewer will respond favourable to being engaged like this. Obviously don't do this with every question.

5. Relevant Answers:

Keep your answers relevant to the interview question and do not ramble. You may have an interesting story to tell or a great skill but if it is not required in the job don't mention it.

6. Body Language:

Smiling, maintaining eye contact, a relaxed focused posture, restrained gesticulation are all examples of good body language which will work for you in the job interview.

7. Ask Questions:

You will be given an opportunity to ask questions usually at the end however you do not have to wait until then. As in any conversation there will be an appropriate time when you can interject and ask relevant questions. Be aware that questions about salary, working hours, holidays etc should not be asked at this stage.

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About the Author

Andrew Reed is an experienced interviewer and has developed successful recruitment strategies for large organisations within the Customer Services, HR and Finance sectors.

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