Strategies to Improve Interview skills and Interview Do's and Don'ts

Interviews can be intimidating. You don’t need me to tell you that. At this point you’ve probably at least sat through one interview, even if it was for a part-time job at a fast food chain in high school. The thing is, I feel like it’s next to impossible to be an expert on interviewing because no two interviews are ever going to be the same. But don’t worry; there are still some things you can do (and not do) that can help set you up for success instead of having you walk out of the interview room with your tail between your legs. So let’s talk about some of those do’s and don’ts shall we? 1. Do Prepare Preparation is one of the most critical things you can do prior to an interview. Not only will preparing make you feel more confident entering the room, but it’ll also show the interviewer that you know your stuff. 2. Don’t Be Overconfident With preparation comes confidence, but don’t let your confidence takeover. It’simportant to walk the walk, and talk the talk but no one likes a cocky interviewee who thinks they know everything. Stay humble; listen to what the interviewer is saying. 3. Interview questions Do: Prepare for typical interview questions by practicing your answers. Rehearsing responses will help any anxiety or nervousness you might experience before your interview. When you practice your answers, you’ll be more focused on giving clear and direct responses that could impress hiring managers. Practicing in front of a mirror will help you be more aware of your facial expressions and body language, both of which are very important for a successful interview. If possible, ask a trusted friend or colleague to act as your interviewer. They should be able to offer you constructive feedback about your answers. Don’t: Offer unnecessary details. The interviewer wants to get to know you, but sharing long stories or irrelevant information can distract from your qualifications. Offer concise answers that relate to the role and company. 4. Do Ask Questions Do: Ask relevant questions. Coming prepared with your own questions shows you’re interested in the company and you performed research before the interview. Be sure that the questions you ask show you are well-informed about the employer. Don’t: Ask simple questions. Your questions should encourage the interviewer to discuss the functions of the position for which you are applying. For example, you could ask questions about how reporting works or which departments you might work with. You can also ask about the interviewer’s role and their favorite part about working there. 5. Appearance and demeanour Do: Present a tidy and confident appearance. Wear a simple, comfortable outfit that allows you and the hiring manager to remain focused on the interview. You should sit straight up with your shoulders back to display confidence. Maintaining eye contact and smiling let the interviewer know you’re interested in the conversation. rnDon’t: Wear bold clothing or strong perfume, as they can be distracting. Also, make sure you get plenty of rest the night before an interview to ensure you are alert and focused. 6. Sell your strengths and expertise Make sure that you communicate your strengths to the interviewer in a concise, factual and sincere manner. 7. Questions about your current or previous employers Do: If the interviewer asks you about your experience with a former employer or why you want to leave your current position, it’s important to offer positive explanations. Be polite and professional when talking about past positions. For example, if you’re leaving your current position to pursue a job with higher pay, you could say, “I enjoy my current company and coworkers, but I believe I have developed a specialized skill set that deserves more compensation.” Don’t: Use negative language. When you talk about a previous employer, focus on one aspect you liked. Keep your answer short and ask a follow-up question that prompts the hiring manager to respond. For example, “I liked that my last manager held regular team meetings where we could brainstorm challenges. Would I work directly with other team members in this role?" Source:http://thehealthline.news.blog/