Interview Questions UK

THE IMPORTANCE OF BODY LANGUAGE

SHAKE HANDS THE PROPER WAY

One of the first things you’ll probably do in an interview is shake hands with your interviewer. The handshake is a simple symbol of introduction. But it can also be an unspoken gauge of personality. Hiring managers say that while a limp or unenthusiastic handshake won’t destroy an interview, it can cause one to start off on a bad note. The same goes for a sweaty palm. To alleviate the latter problem, be sure to keep your hands open, not balled into fists, prior to your interview. This will reduce perspiration. Put a handkerchief or a few tissues in your pocket, just in case. Also remember that while a limp handshake is bad, a bone-breaking handshake isn’t much better. Clasp your interviewer’s hand firmly and confidently, but don’t overdo.

MAINTAIN EYE CONTACT

A lack of eye contact during an interview can lead your interviewer to think that you’re shy, disinterested, or dishonest. Likewise, shifting your eyes to and from the interviewer’s face can also send the wrong message. It’s no wonder “shifty-eyed” is a term used to describe a character who is deceitful or insincere. While you don’t want to stare at your interviewer to the point making him uncomfortable, do maintain eye contact as much as seems appropriate. If you are speaking to more than one interviewer, you can shift your gaze, but be sure to look each interviewer in the eye for at least a couple of seconds.

WATCH YOUR BODY LANGUAGE

The term “body language” includes just about any manner, gesture, or posture that conveys meaning to the observer. Body language is especially meaningful in an interview as your interviewer will be paying attention to nonverbal cues as much as to what you have to say Body language to avoid in an interview includes repeatedly crossing and uncrossing your legs or arms, fiddling with your hair or clothes, touching your face, scratching your head, or playing with a button or pen. Constant or bold gesturing is also to be avoided. Some of these mannerisms may be triggered by nervousness. Interview preparation and rehearsal may help you to feel more relaxed. Body language that might give your interview a boost includes leaning forward slightly to show your enthusiasm and nodding whenever is appropriate, particularly when your interviewer is making an important point.

SMILE WHEN YOU MEAN IT

Smiling, the universal sign of happiness, is a great way to convince your interviewer that you’re genuinely pleased to be there. On the other hand, an oversized or artificial grin used too often during the interview will lead to the opposite result. Your interviewer will know you’re forcing yourself to act a certain way.

According to Discover Magazine, when a person is sincerely amused, a part of the brain called the basal ganglia is activated, leading to the unconscious contracting of certain facial muscles. A forced smile, however, uses a different group of muscles, which is why it’s generally easy to spot a person who is legitimately pleased from one who is only pretending to be.

During an interview, be sure to smile-but only when you mean it. It’s infinitely better to smile occasionally but earnestly than to smirk constantly for no reason at all.

BE MINDFUL OF PERSONAL SPACE

Individual cultures and even individual people have different interpretations of what constitutes an appropriate amount of personal space. While one person might feel at ease speaking only inches from someone’s face, another person might need several feet of separation. When facing your interviewer, be mindful of how close you stand or sit. Try to maintain a distance of about three feet. Communicating at a closer range may cause your interviewer to feel uncomfortable. On the other hand, sitting or standing too far away is also impolite.

The second step in getting the job is meeting the potential employer for an interview. The first step that an applicant has successfully completed was sending your application and passing the screening process of the company.

The employer got the resume through a variety of sources that can be from an ad that was posted, a referral from a friend or a headhunter, or by a person who simply submitted an application by logging on the company’s website. 

Here are a few tips that will help in having a successful interview;

• Before going to an interview, it is best to do some research about the company one is applying to.

• It is also best to practice with a friend or family member mock up questions that the employer will likely ask so you do not choke during the real interview.

• When you go for an interview, it is best to always arrive 10 to 15 minutes ahead of time. This shows employers that the person is punctual and serves as a good attribute in a potential employee.

• When meeting an employer, you should bring an extra copy of the resume and other documents that are needed if asked certain questions. A good example is architects and photographers who are professionals in the respective fields who have a portfolio of the works done which may impress the interviewer. 

• It is always best to dress appropriately. This shows the employer sincerity on the part of the applicant applying for the job. One must have finger-nails and hair well groomed for the interview. The outfit worn should be professional.  This would mean that shoes must be used to match the outfit. If you typically wear a lot of jewelry, it is advisable to remove and tone it down for the interview.

• When you are in front of the employer, smile and greet the interviewer with a firm (but not bone crushing) handshake  which is always a good start to get the interview moving.

• During the course of the interview, listen very well to the questions asked. Each must be answered truthfully and confidently to be able to sell yourself to the potential employer.

• Afterwards, the applicant should thank the recruiter for the time that was given to meet for the interview.

Many people feel that the interview is the single most stressful part of the job search process. Any number of things can go wrong, and a big part of being successful is avoiding simple mistakes.  The things you should avoid doing are as below:

1. Trying to wing the interview: Practice! Get a list of general interview questions, a friend, a tape recorder, and a mirror and conduct an interview rehearsal. Practice until your delivery feels comfortable but not canned.

2. Not being yourself: Be yourself and be honest! Don’t pretend to understand a question or train of thought if you don’t. The interviewer will pick up on this. If you don’t know an answer, say so. Relax and be yourself. Remember you’re interviewing the company as well as vice versa.

3. Not listening: Focus on the question that is being asked and don’t try to anticipate the next one. It’s OK to pause and collect your thoughts before answering a question. Pay special attention to technical or work process related subjects that are unique to a given firm or organization. The interviewer may have provided information you will need to answer the question earlier in the conversation. Employers will be looking for your ability to assimilate new information, retain it, and, most importantly, recognize that information as useful to you later in the interview.

4. Not providing enough details: When answering case questions, technical questions or solving technical problems, take the time to “talk through” your thought process. Recruiters are much more interested in seeing how your mind works and how it attacks a given type of problem, than the answer itself. Articulate your problem solving process and verbalize your thinking.

5. Lack of enthusiasm: Maintain eye contact, greet the interviewer with a smile and a firm handshake (not too weak, not too strong), and show common courtesy. Don’t be afraid to display your passion for the job/industry and to show confidence.

There is a certain etiquette surrounding interviews and whilst this may seem boring or old fashioned, much of the etiquette is actually based around sub-conscious messages that you send out to the interviewing panel, so ignore these interview tips at your peril.

Do be affirmative with the interviewing panel. Come in, establish eye contact, hold your head eye and when you shake hands make sure that your handshake is firm, not limp (but don’t crush the hand of the person that you are shaking hands with).

Don’t try to be too witty at interviews. Showing a sense of humour is fine, but if you try to make everyone laugh all the time, then you will simply come across as the office clown.

Don’t be too negative about past employers. Even if you left your last job because you hated your boss, don’t let this slip to the interviewing panel, be positive about all your past work settings and employers.

Do make an effort to get to the interview on time i.e. do not be late for the interview and also make an effort with your dress and attire. You don’t want to look like you are going out for a heavy night’s clubbing, but you also want to look just a little bit smarter than normal.

Do relax at interviews and be enthusiastic. Answer in proper sentences as you establish eye contact with the entire panel. Don’t just say Yes or No as answers, but try to excite them with your enthusiasm.

It doesn’t really matter if you are going for an interview with a recruitment agency or for a permanent position. Temping interviews are as important and should be viewed as such.

But if you follow the dos and don’ts of interview etiquette then that dream job should soon be yours and your career will never look back.