I got the job! :balloon::rainbow::cool:
I just got off the phone with HR and am thanking everyone who has contributed to the success!
Thank you expat women! you rock! Wikkid and Beebers and all the others, I noted down your input, down to asking for water to calm myself, which it did!
I'm happy :)
Interviewers use a 'pause' strategy. They don't jump in once you've answered to move on to the next question. They will just pause and wait to see if you add anything. That's where I normally start blabbing to fill the silence. So I now conclude my responses with "I hope that has answered your question" or "would you like me to provide another example" or something like that in order to send them the message - I'm finished responding.
When Im interviewing, I want the person to come across as confident and informed. When I ask a question, I have no issue with the interviewee taking a couple of seconds to think about their response - it makes me feel that they are actually seriously considering the question rather than just blabbing the first thing they can think of (which usually is something they later regret!). And if you dont quite understand the question, dont be shy to ask if they could expound on it a bit, so your answer will be in line with the question. If Im being interviewed, I usually also ask for some water - it gives you something to do at the very beginning, and also it really does help to calm you a little at the start.
And finally, make sure that, without boasting, you put over all your skills and achievements. If you dont actively put it out there, they wont know your capabilities. Honestly, when Im going through CV's, very seldom will I actually read the full detail - its more of a skim, so its up to you to sell yourself to me. A great way to do this is to start with:
"If you dont mind, let me talk you through my CV, and raise the particular high points in my career that I think are what you are looking for in the successful candidate..."
I would also add...listen. I'm naturally on the enthusiastic and outgoing side, and I would tend to talk too much in interviews. In sales sometimes this was exactly what companies wanted, but not always. I had an epiphany at one point where I was fortunate to not "need" a job and had several interviews. I interviewed them at the same time they interviewed me, because I had my pick (or so I felt) and I wanted the best fit for myself. I wanted to know their vision, and how they achieve their objective on a daily, quarterly, and annual basis. I also quizzed them about their office culture and what they value. In addition to researching the companies, I found that when I asked as many questions as they did, and listened carefully, it worked out in my favor. On the flipside, I have always been impressed with candidates whom I interviewed in the past who did the same, as it expressed to me that they knew they were capable of the job, and it was a matter of wanting the right fit for a position to which they could wholeheartedly commit. Not just "find something for now." Good luck!!!
I've always performed best in interviews for jobs I wasn't really keen on, and vice versa (I get so nervous about interviews for jobs I really want that I lose focus). If you can somehow convince yourself in advance that the interview isn't that important and that [i'>they[/i'> would be lucky to have [i'>you[/i'> then you will come across as more confident.
Hi I agree with all of the above, and would also add: a) be yourself - if they like you they will hire you and b) watch how you dress... sounds obvious, but make sure you look professional and in line with the org's culture (e.g. do not show too much leg or any cleavage, esp if it is a govt employer).
Hth xx
Hi again CoffeeBean.
Try psyching yourself up beforehand with the knowledge that you are the ideal, best and perfect candidate for the job, that they NEED you in their organisation, and that within a short space of time after employing you, they will wonder how they ever managed without you! Then, take that confidence (without being too cocky!) in with you and sock it to them!!! :cool:
Thank you so much Amelton :) That's a very good idea. I will do just that and see what they say. And you actually pointed out what could be the culprit, enthusiasm without desperation :) I need to practice on that.
Hi CoffeeBean. How great that you are getting called for interviews, but you must be frustrated that it hasn't come to fruition. Is there any way you can contact your previous interviewers and ask for some feedback? If you are honest with them and say that you want constructive criticism to help you moving forward then they may answer truthfully and give you the pointers you require. You are already doing your research and we assume everything else is correct (dress code, timeliness, eye contact, enthusiasm without desperation!).
Please don't let this affect your confidence as it may be something simple. Fingers crossed!
Learn as much as you can about the company, via their website. Then you will hopefully be able to ask the relevant questions and let them know that you will be a good fit for them.
Can you all lovely ladies please share your interview tips? I have one coming up and would like to do things a little bit different, just don't know how!
In recent months, it has been the case that I reach the make-or-break interview stage and that's it. I must be doing something wrong? Please share your thoughts and tips :)