How to Win At Interviews

How To Interview

This page covers how to interview for that job you want..Here is some guidance and suggestions for you if you are job hunting and new to interviews, or if you are a little rusty and need to revisit your job interview questions and answers and interview practice. .It gives help and guidance about job interview skills and how to interview to get that job! I have been both an interviewee and interviewer many times and often interviewed as part of my job.

You can utilise many of the techniques here to make you more comfortable and learn successfully how to interview

To your success :)

How To Win At Interviews. Interview Questions Jitters?

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Interview-How To Win

Job Interviews are so important. It is the one chance you get to show all your skills and great suitability for the job.

Your application secured you the interview. You have demonstrated on paper the skills and aptitude they are looking for. Now they want to get to know the real you!

You want and need to nail that successful job interview!Time to face the Interview Chair!

The Interview

Winning Interviews

Job Interviews For Dummies (For Dummies (Career/Education))

Amazon Price: $7.60 (as of 05/27/2012)Buy Now

Preparing For Winning That Job Interview

Things to do before you attend your job interview

Preparation for the successful job interview is very important and there are a number of things you need to do to ensure you are prepared and relaxed.

1.Find out where the job interview will be held and ensure you know how to get there and how long it will take you to get there. Plan your route. Decide if you are going by car, train, taxi or walking. Whatever you decide have a back up plan in case of unforeseen circumstances. If necessary do a dry run first.

2.Decide what you will wear for your interview. Wash it, iron it and hang it up ready the night before. Have ALL the clothes you will wear ready and the shoes as well. Make sure they are smart and comfortable and they fit you well.

3.Read over the job description and any information they sent to you. Reread your application form or letter. At your interview you may well be asked for more detail and you should know it off by heart.

4.If you have not yet done so send off for the company portfolio and read up about them on the internet. Ideally do this at least several days before the interview so you have time to absorb it.

5.Think and rehearse answers to questions you may be asked at the interview.

6.If the interviewers have asked you to bring any paperwork, evidence of qualifications etc get them out and ready at least the day before your interview.

Think and rehearse answers to questions you may be asked at the interview.

Interview- 12 Great Job Interview Tips

How to do your best in a job interview.

Interview tips
by pfjrecruitment | video info

227 ratings | 250,515 views
curated content from YouTube

Types Of Job Interview

The Job Interview can take several forms

The form a job interview takes may be very different depending on the type of company it is, the skill of the interviewer and the position applied for.

I have come across all these types in my working life so far.

1. The Formal Job Interview. Usually held in an office across a table or a boardroom situation.
Ths may be divided into two;

The Formal Job Interview with one interviewer and the Formal interview with a panel of interviewers.

a)The formal Job interview with a single interviewer.
The interview will usually (but not always) take the form of some pre interview chat to settle you. After that the Interviewer will ask you the questions and you will answer. You may get an opportunity to ask questions at the end of the interview.
It is straightforward as in that the interviewer is the only person you need to answer and take account of.

b) Panel job interviews.
These may consist of two or more interviewers. I once went to one with 5 interviewers!
The same approach is taken usually to settle you, then to start asking questions. However this time you have two or more people in the room it you. It is good practice to look and pay full attention to the person asking the question while they are asking it, then in your response initially look at the person who asked it, then include in your gaze the other interviewers.

2. The informal job interview. Usually you will find the interviewer sitting in a comfy chair, cups of coffee and in a much more relaxed enviroment. Initially this may seem much better. However do remember that you are still being interviewed and you should still pay attention to your body language, speech and what you are saying. Too relaxed and you may say something you regret!

3. Job Interview on the run!
This is not a recommended style of interview but in some firms this is what they do. So they will be showing you around the plant, farm or company and asking you questions as you go. It is important that you ensure they are listening to your responses. You may even want to summarise why you are right for the job before you leave.

There are also Job Interviews;

-where you are told in advance that you need to prepare a presentation.

-the telephone interview.

-where you will participate in an assessment centre to test your skills.

Please let me know if you are interested in learning more about these types of Interview situations as I may prepare a lens for them.

First impressions last. The interviewer wants to see that you care and that you have made an effort.

Present Yourself For Your Winning Job Interview

What to wear, how to be presentable for that job interview.

First impressions last. Especially when you present yourself for a job interview. You do not have very long to make that good first impression.

The interviewer wants to see that you care and that you have made an effort.

From the momment you are in the area of your interview you must present yourself for the job.


Whether you are in the car park, in the lobby and in the interview room be courteous to everyone you meet.

While waiting for your interview Dont sit in the waiting room slobbed out. Do not smoke or chew gum while you are waiting. Everyone and anyone could be asked what their impression of you is by the Interviewer. Be pleasant and polite to the receptionist, the doorman or woman -anyone you meet.

Ensure you shower or bathe before an interview. Hygiene is very important. Clean your teeth. Wash your hair, clean and file your nails. Unless it is in a very creative enviroment or in the beauty trade I would advise to go for only soft or neutral nail polish and conservative make up.

Tattoos-if you have tattos and you are applying for a job in a conservative enviroment do wear clothing that will cover them.

I would advise not to wear heavy perfume or aftershave at interview as this can be overpowering. Just a light spray if you feel you want to.

Hair should be neat and not in your face.
Beards or any facial hair should be appropriately trimmed and clean.

Clothes should be clean and well pressed and comfortable. Make sure you are happy sitting in them in any kind of chair. Choose clothes that do not crease. Shoes should be clean and polished.

Before you even attend the interview, you should know what type of company it is. If formal and conservative dress formally,(trousers shirt, tie , jacket or skirt/smart trousers blouse/top) If it is creative you have a bit more leeway in your dress but don't go over the top.

You want your interviewers to see and remember YOU not what you are wearing!

Prepare For The Winning Interview.

Make sure you are clean, fresh, neat and appropriate dressed.

Treat the interview from the second you enter the company premises.

Job Interview Tips. Greeting The Interviewer.

How to greet the Interviewer at your Job Interview.

Corporate Business Etiquette and Protocol : Proper Greetings & Business Etiquette
by expertvillage | video info

108 ratings | 133,297 views
curated content from YouTube

Your Body Language At Interviews

Your body language says more at interview than you think!

Your body language, that is the way you hold your body and stand , sit and move during interviews can form a lasting impression. We communicate more with our body language than we do through speech. First impressions are often very significant and that is where the body language is very important.

Greeting the Interviewer is very important. Walk in confidently standing with your head up and walking tall. If they extend a handshake then shake their hand confidently and firmly. If not say Good morning/afternoon, hello etc in greeting.

Very Important-Smile!

Keep good Eye Contact Keep enough eye contact with the interviewer so he or she knows you are listening, without staring at them, try to keep it natural.

Take a seat. They will likely ask you to take a seat. When you do sit up in it, do not slouch or sink down in the seat. Neither perch on the edge as if you might take flight any minute! What you want to achieve is to seem calm and alert, relaxed and confident. So sit back in the seat, keep your spine straight and head up.

Now what to do with those hands?
Do not wring your hands or bite your nails or clasp and unclasp-many people do not even realise they are doing this. Try to fold your hands in your lap or place them on your knees. Do not smoke during interviews.Do not cross your arms across your body or sit huddled up. It makes you look defensive and scared.

Your legs and feet. Either sit with both feet on the floor or one leg crossed over athe knee or ankle. Avoid crossing your ankle over the other knee. Try to avoid the male dominant positions of legs wide apart. If you are wearing a skirt whatever position you assume should not reveal too much leg so practice how you will sit when you are picking out your clothes.

Sit up straight or lean slightly forwards to indicate interest.

When the Interview is over, say thank you , smile and walk confidently out of the room.

Body Language At Interviews

Winning Body Language For Interviews

The Definitive Book of Body Language

Amazon Price: $11.95 (as of 05/27/2012)Buy Now

Essential Interview Qualities

Relaxation, Enthusiasm, Interest.

Three Essential Winning Interview Qualities

Job Interview Qualities Relaxation,Enthusiasm,Interest.

Relaxation.

Yeah right ! Does anyone truly feel relaxed in an interview? Well I dont know. However it is not what you feel that is important but that you Project relaxation. Your Body language and breathing can help you here.

Enthusiasm.

Given that you want this job you need to show and demonstrate that to the Interviewer. During the interview is not the time to be laid back or dispassionate. You have to demonstrate your enthusiasm.

Interest.

During your interview show that you are interested in what the Interviewer has to say. If they talk about the company or show you around show him or her that you are listening and are involved.

Interview Questions.

Typical Job Interview Questions

It is often difficult to predict the exact questions which will be asked. However the basic premis of the interview is to find out more about you and why you think you are suited to the job.

1.Why have you applied for this job?

2.What skills,abilities and personal characteristics do you think make you suitable for this job?

3.Why did you leave you last job?

4.Which part of your studies did you most enjoy?

5.Tell me about yourself?

6.Where do you hope to be in 5 years time?

7.Which part of the job most attracts you and why?

8. Tell me about your most successful project?

9. How would you handle the following scenario(then proceeds to give you a job situation you need to handle)

Answering Tough Interview Questions

Answering Tough Interview Questions for Dummies

Amazon Price: $11.69 (as of 05/27/2012)Buy Now

Interview Questions -Tell Me About Yourself-The Good Answer.

Interview questions hints and tips.

Many interviewers will ask this question or a variant of it. Prepare a structured answer that is not too long, relevant to the post and company you are applying for and detailed with examples.
Job Interview Tips: Tell me about yourself. Example of a good answer.
by DenhamResources | video info

1,692 ratings | 2,426,520 views
curated content from YouTube

Winning Answers To Tough Interview Questions

301 Smart Answers to Tough Interview Questions

Amazon Price: $3.68 (as of 05/27/2012)Buy Now

Interview Tips-Tell Me About Yourself-The Bad Answer.

Interview hints and tips.

Job Interview Tips. Tell me about yourself. Example of a bad answer.
by DenhamResources | video info

139 ratings | 339,130 views
curated content from YouTube

Coping With Stress And Interview Nerves

Do interviews make you stressed and tense?

For many people going for an interview for a job you really want it is stressful. You do need a certain amount of stress and adrenalin to perform at your best but when it gets out of control it means you may not come across as you would like to.

Some things you can do to belay interview nerves.

1. Breathe deeply while waiting to be called for the interview. Inhale through you rnose and exhale through your mouth. Inhale for 5 seconds and out for 5 seconds. You should find a relaxed feeling comes over you and your heartbeat slows down.

2. When you are asked a question give yourself a few seconds to think about it before answering. This is better than blurting out answers quickly and gives you space.

3. If you do not understand the question or didn't catch all the words just politely ask the interviewer to repeat the question.

4.If possible have several interviews lined up so that this one is not the be all and end all.

When you are asked a question, give yourself a few seconds to think about it before answering.

If you are tense - breathe...

How To Interview, and Win

The Fear Course Handbook of How to do a Job Interview without Nerves or Anxiety

Amazon Price: $17.02 (as of 05/27/2012)Buy Now

Interview Question Tell Me About A Weakness-The Good Answer.

Difficult Interview Questions.

This is a difficult question that many interviews will ask at some point or in some way at job interviews. Be prepared and practice your answers.
Job Interview Tips. What is your greatest weakness? Example of a good answer.
by DenhamResources | video info

344 ratings | 672,206 views
curated content from YouTube

Interview Tips-Tell Me About A Weakness-The Bad Answer

Difficult Interview Questions.

Interview Tips: Tell about a weakness, the BAD answer
by DenhamResources | video info

30 ratings | 92,099 views
curated content from YouTube

Questions To Ask At Job Interviews

Questions You Need to Ask on Your Next Job Interview (Business Basics)

Amazon Price: (as of 05/27/2012)Buy Now

In each answer try to demonstrate a skill, personal quality or aptitude that you possess. Use examples. Keep answers relevant.

Winning At Interviews The Interviewer.

How does the Interviewer Feel about Job Interviews?

Do you ever think about the interviewer when you go for interviews?

Some Interviewers are trained professionals in Interview Skills and are confident and comfortable interviewing you.

Others may have been drafted in at the last minute if the usual interviewer is not available.

Some are as nervous about Interviewing as you may be about being interviewed!!

Others yet may have little idea how to interview effectively. They tend to be the ones who ask you very broad ranging questions like "tell me about you rself" or they ask questions which are designed to elicit a YES/NO response.

You have no control who will interview you.

You do have control over how you answer.


All the time bear in mind the Interviewer is attempting to get to know you better. You would not be there if they did not feel you had a lot of what they want for the job.

If you do get a question that elicits a YES/NO response-called a "closed question" you can still answer more fully.

Question " Did you like your last job?"
Answer A "Yes"

However that tells the interviewer very little. A better answer is

" Yes, I particularly enjoyed working in a team to deadlines and feeling a great sense of achievement in our last project which used my skills in advertising....

However, keep your answers relevant. Do not go off on a tangent.

In each answer try to demonstrate a skill, personal quality or aptitude that you possess. Use examples every time. Don't just say I am a great team player! Say how and in what capacity.

The more interesting and specific the information you supply the easier it is on the interviewer and the more likely you are to be successful.

Ask For Interview Feedback

After The Job Interview

Follow up and feedback after the job interview.

You should have been told what the procedure is for letting you know whether you have been successful or not. (If they don't tell you ask.)

If you have been successful FANTASTIC! You need to ring up and confirm you are happy to accept the job!

If you have not been successful you can still write to thank them for seeing you > You never know when another vacancy may occur at the same company.

You may wish to also ask them for Interview feedback. If there was anything you could have done to improve your interview. Not all companies will do this but if they give you feedback it can be very helpful to you for your next interviews.

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How Do You Feel About Interviews?

Share your memories or advice on interviews here.

Thank you so much for visiting my page about interviews. I hope this article has been useful to you . Please let me know.

If you feel like sharing any of your own interview tips or interview experiences that would be great!

I love to hear from you and I do read all comments :)

Please note I do not allow spam or commercial links so please do not leave them as I will not be able to publish your comment. Thank you

...and if you have an Interview coming up "Wishing you all the very best"

Thank you

  • duslan Feb 17, 2012 @ 2:35 pm | delete
    Thanks for the helpful information! The videos were very informative and gave me ideas for how to answer questions appropriately.
  • JoshK47 Nov 30, 2011 @ 11:30 am | delete
    Absolutely fantastic information - interviews are extremely important, and this is a good way to prep for one.
  • Harshitha Jul 6, 2011 @ 3:44 am | delete
    Thank you so much. I have an interview in a couple of hours. Your tips have been helpful to calm me down.
  • Runnn Jun 10, 2011 @ 12:35 am | delete
    Recently, I just had my fir lunch interview...
  • phoenix-arizona-friends Jun 6, 2011 @ 11:39 pm | delete
    Just remember, if you're the right candidate for the job they probably need YOU just as much as you need THEM. That's great motivation to relax.
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Job Interview Skills 

Job Interviews For Dummies (For Dummies (Career/Education))

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