Your interview technique outweighs the importance of your CV when you get through to the final round. This is all about showing your potential employer that you are the right person for the job, not any of your rivals. You need to convince them truly and utterly that you should be their next hire. So how do you do that?
Here are some key elements for impressing any interview panel, no matter what the job may be.
1. Arrive Promptly
It goes without saying that you should show up on time. Still, some people seem to think it's fine to be late. If you think it will take you 20 minutes to get to the interview location, leave with 40 minutes to spare.
Seriously - don't even take the risk that you might be late. What happens when you get to the right road and realize you can't find the building? Or when your train or bus is delayed? Do some research ahead of time with Google Maps for extra points - that way you will show up with confidence and on time rather than worried and out of breath. You should be sitting in the waiting room, relaxed and prepared when your interviewer comes for you.
2. Dress Well
You certainly have to look the part if you want to leave a good impression in the mind of your interview panel. Think like a professional, and don't leave anything to chance. Instead, pick out every element of your outfit from the ground up.
Also, a watch is a great way to show that you are a serious professional, but don't go for some immature lime green digital timepiece. Rather make it a classic Quartz watch which oozes style and sophistication. This also gives the impression that you will be turning up to work on time - so don't ruin it by being late!
Shoes are another important area to pay attention to: smart brogues or dress shoes are a must. Battered old boots or trainers simply make you look as though you are scruffy with no attention to detail, and can't be trusted with professional matters.
3. Be Concise
One of the key interview techniques that you may be subjected to is a long silence. Interviewers love to leave gaps so that you will start to nervously fill them in, saying the wrong thing or getting in over your head.
Leave those gaps as they are. Answer the questions that are asked of you in a clear and concise way, remaining calm so that you can keep saying the right thing. When you're done, be confident that you are done. Don't prattle on just because you feel awkward that no one is saying anything.
4. Demonstrate Knowledge
One of the best ways to show that you are right for the job is to demonstrate your prior knowledge. Even if this is your first job in the field, you should be able to do some research beforehand, particularly looking at what the company does. Work in your knowledge to your answers.
For example, if you are asked about a conflict situation you have had to deal with, make sure it's a situation you know demonstrates your abilities and your knowledge of procedures. And if you are given the opportunity to ask questions at the end of the interview, you can demonstrate your research into the company by asking a particular question about how they operate.
5. Remain Professional
Even if the interview has a more informal atmosphere, remember that you are aiming for a job, not a casual coffee with friends. Make sure that the language you use is always polite and positive. Don't swear, or use derogatory language. And don't use slang terms, unless they are relevant to your field.
Avoid referencing your personal life in a negative light. Don't talk about drinking, partying, or any bad habits you might have. This one can be particularly tricky if you already know one of the people conducting the interview. But keep your head in a work frame of mind. A good rule of thumb is that if you wouldn't want to say it in front of your grandparents, you shouldn't say it in the interview.
The number one rule for interviews is always to be as honest as possible. But make sure you present as much of the truth as is needed for the position. You might not want to work here for the rest of your life, but you don't need to say that either. Just tell them how excited you are at the prospect of working there now, even if it's just because you need a regular source of income.