Tips to Avoid the Universal Pitfalls for Candidates in Interviews
Last week I got training on the interview process and I really can understand why candidates have sleepless nights thinking about their impending interview!
There are so many things that can go wrong. You could have researched the company really well, you could have prepared answers to the common interview questions and to questions specific to the job and you could be dressed to impress but one weak handshake and the interviewer could be turned off before you finish saying hello!
From my training I have come to realise that the interview is the make-it-or-break-it part of the job application process.
If you have a good CV you will get to interview stage but ultimately it’s the interview that gets you the job. So how to you make sure you don’t fall at the final hurdle?
First of all you need to be confidant in your ability; you need to believe that your personality, skills and strengths are a just the right fit for the job. Unfortunately candidates can still make the most common interview mistakes and all their effort and sleepless nights are in vain!
So here are some key tips to help you get through the interview process successfully:
Dress Appropriately
Make sure you dress suitably for your interview. Make sure that you are not wearing eccentric or flashy colours, don’t show too much skin and don’t wear too much jewellery or makeup.
Give a firm Handshake
Always give your interviewer a firm handshake and smile. A weak or handshake can turn an interviewer off from the start.
Make Eye Contact
Keeping eye contact during your interview is extremely important. You can appear distracted and uninterested if your eyes are roaming around the room.
Prepare Answers
There are standard interview questions that seem to be asked for every type of job so make sure you have them well prepared. Questions like, “Tell me about yourself”, “Where do you see yourself in five years time?”, “What are you strengths and weaknesses?” and “What will you bring to the company?”.
Prepare Questions
It is equally as important to prepare your own questions to ask the interviewer.
The interview will be looking for questions that show you are interested in the position. Questions like, “What are the day-to-day responsibilities of this job?”, “What are some of the skills and abilities necessary for someone to succeed in this job?” and “Who will I be reporting to?”
Try to avoid asking questions in relation to wages or salary.
Research the Company
You need to learn as much as you can about the job you are going for and the company before your interview so you can then discuss the company with you interviewer confidently.
Be on Time
It is imperative that you are on time for your interview. Preferably you should arrive around 10-15 minutes early and always leave extra travelling time for traffic, car trouble etc.
Don’t be restless
It is understandable that you will be nervous before and during the interview but try not to move about or fidget too much. Sit straight in your seat with your hands on your lap and always face the interviewer.
I hope these tips will help candidates through what can be a difficult process and best of luck in your future interviews!
Kindest regards,
Niamh Rooney
Trainee Nursing Recruitment Consultant
Cpl Healthcare
niamh.rooney@cplhealthcare.com
Phone +353 91 507516
