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Interview technique

Rightly or wrongly, few people aspire to the job they already have. Most are pursuing career advancement or at the very least in a different sector to expand their knowledge and experience. It is clear that whether pure ambition or addressing the lack of challenge the job seeker faces the central challenge of how to convince an employer that, not only can they do a job they’ve never done before, but that they are the best choice for it.

Research is the key. It is essential that you gain an understanding of the employer and their market. By considering these you will learn what commercial, legal and technical pressures they face. This in turn will help you understand the nature of the role and the key issues you will face.

For example the pharmaceutical industry is, quite rightly, highly regulated and so quality and accuracy are prized along with the preparation of and adherence to documented systems. New product introduction timescales are a lot longer than in FMCG markets and companies tend to be attracted to candidates who have a more considered long term approach rather than purely design led.

Alternatively with the common criticisms coming from the green lobby many luxury goods manufacturers are faced with the challenge of maintaining a high quality brand whilst balancing environmental issues. An awareness of these issues will stand you in good stead at both application and interview stage.

If you are working with a recruitment consultant they should be able to provide you with some information on the client, but don’t neglect your own research, you will be far more convincing if you have researched assimilated the information yourself. Key sources of information include the internet, the employer’s website, trade press and general media, but don’t forget the IOP branch network.

In the first instance use your research and the content of the job spec or advert to tailor your application. Make sure you present and highlight your achievements and experience and their relevance to the requirements of the job. In particular pay attention to key objectives or KPIs and the language. Reflect this in your application even down to using the same jargon. It is all part of matching the employers’ expectations and what they are looking for.

If you secure an interview continue your research. You should have an understanding of what they do and what their key products and customers are and you must be articulate about your skills and experience. Prepare your questions; after all if you walk into an interview, potentially committing to a life changing decision, and truly have nothing to ask, how interested are you in working for them?

At interview it is important that you look the part. Over and above your ability to do the job the employer needs to be able to picture you in the role. As a starting point you should look to match the employer’s dress code. Many companies, particularly US and Scandinavian companies or perhaps those in the design sector have a more casual dress code. Sometimes they can view candidates who are very formally dressed as too stiff for their culture. However always err on the side of caution; it is better to be smarter than looking as if you don’t take the interview seriously. Again if you are working with a recruitment consultant ask them what is appropriate; if not telephone the employer and ask the receptionist what their dress code is – they are invariably helpful and will probably tell someone you took the trouble to ask.

During interview look to mirror the interviewer. If they are vibrant and enthusiastic make sure you respond in a lively manner; if you are being too loud and they are backing off tone down a little.

Research indicates that what you say accounts for only around 7% of communication; your tone, facial expression and body language account of the other 93%. Whilst we do not suggest you have to be an expert in body language you should be aware of signal you may be unwittingly giving off. It is not uncommon for an employers and candidates to come out of interviews with entirely different views of what happened. Perhaps the candidate is excited about the role but the employer didn’t think they were interested or the client thought the candidate was a bit arrogant and the candidate comes out saying they think they could learn so much in the role. It is important therefore just to take a moment to consider how you present and portray yourself.

Below are some of the more common elements of body language and their interpretation.

NONVERBAL BEHAVIOR INTERPRETATION

Brisk, erect walk = Confidence

Sitting with legs crossed, foot kicking slightly = Boredom

Walking with hands in pockets, shoulders hunched = Dejection, Lack of self confidence

Hand to cheek = Evaluation, thinking

Touching, slightly rubbing nose = Rejection, doubt, lying

Rubbing the eye = Doubt, disbelief

Pinching bridge of nose, eyes closed = Negative evaluation

Tapping or drumming fingers = Impatience

Patting/fondling hair = Lack of self-confidence

Tilted head = Interest

Biting nails = Insecurity, nervousness

Pulling or tugging at ear = Indecision

Looking the part will not in itself secure you a position but attention to these details can ensure you don’t waste your potential by failing to present yourself and your skills and experience effectively.