| You have done the hard work of completing the | | | | try delegating effectively, keeping people motivated |
| application form or CV and you find out that you have | | | | and balancing time spent managing and doing. If the |
| the interview for a job you are keen to land. Often | | | | interviewer wants more they will ask |
| when it comes to the interview stage people perform | | | | 5. Be honest. A typical question is what are your |
| well below their best. Yes nerves are a factor and | | | | weaknesses? Don't under any circumstances say you |
| everyone has them. | | | | don't have any. At the same time don't shoot yourself |
| So how can you excel in interviews? Here are my 8 | | | | in the foot. Try something like I see weaknesses as |
| top tips. | | | | opportunities for development. Some of the areas I am |
| 1. Be prepared. So often candidates turn up for | | | | working on right now are.... |
| interviews ill prepared. They have not found out about | | | | 6. Remember it is a two way process. Candidates |
| the company, its issues and challenges and plans for | | | | often forget that the interview is as much about them |
| the future. Take the time to do this and you will be off | | | | finding out if this is a company and people they could |
| to a flying start | | | | work with as it is the interviewer finding out if you |
| 2. Think about possible questions that might be asked. | | | | could do the job and fit in |
| Strange as it may seem, by spending a couple of | | | | 7. Have 2 or 3 good questions to ask them. Good |
| hours jotting down possible questions and answers | | | | interviewers will always give candidates the chance to |
| you can probably be prepared for about 50% of the | | | | ask questions. Poorly prepared candidates will ask |
| questions that are asked. You might not get the exact | | | | about pay, holidays, benefits. Candidates who excel will |
| question but most likely will get a variation on the | | | | ask about what it is like to work there, how the |
| theme | | | | company will contribute to their development, future |
| 3. Listen effectively. If you are going to give a good | | | | plans for the business and individuals over the next |
| answer you need to listen to the question being asked. | | | | few years |
| Doing so will enable you to give a powerful and | | | | 8. Ask for feedback. Whether you get the job or not |
| structured answer to the question | | | | ask for feedback on what they liked about you and |
| 4. Be succinct. When you are answering questions, | | | | what was missing. Good employers will take the time |
| what you are aiming to do is give the interviewer | | | | to give feedback |
| confidence that you know what you are talking about- | | | | At the end of the day, what makes you stand out are |
| not to give a verbal thesis. For example, imagine the | | | | the small but important things. So pay attention to them |
| interviewer asks you what are the greatest challenges | | | | and go forth and excel in your next interview. |
| in managing a team? You could talk for ever. Instead | | | | |