Surviving the Interview Process!

• If you read October’s article ‘Dealing with Gaps in your Resume’, you may be interested in wising up on the interview process. Of course this is where our anxiety usually accelerates as we move towards the business end of the application process.
  
  At this point it is best remembered that we are only human and, more importantly, so are the people interviewing us. We all make mistakes and perform badly on occasion and, yes - that includes your potential employer. So, it really doesn’t matter what happens - you will survive. It is not the last job on earth!
  
  Whether you are an anxious person or not, preparation is the key when it comes to blitzing an interview. Think about your strengths and prepare examples of how you have demonstrated these in the past. ‘Interview Stuff’ is an excellent website if you are wanting to practice your answers to potential ‘tricky’ questions. You can access this by typing www.interviewstuff.com into your browser.
  
  Before you attend an interview, make sure you know as much about the company/ business as possible. For example: How big is the company? What products or services do they provide? What is their culture? How did they start up? Remember that this is also your opportunity to ask questions that may help you make a more informed decision about whether or not you will be comfortable working for this employer or organisation. Don’t be scared to take notes!
  
  Be aware that you will be asked questions about your resume, so be clear about your ‘story’ regarding work history before you go in and practice answering likely questions. Remember that you don’t need to divulge your entire life story - you are really providing information on a ’need to know’ basis, so stick to answering the questions and don’t go off on a tangent.
  
  If you have been out of work for a long time be clear about your reasons and put a positive spin on it regardless. For example, you may explain that you were seriously considering your next move and are looking for something in which you can settle and contribute over the long term.
  
  This works particularly well if you are moving from one industry to another or one mode of service to another ie. retail to administration, indoor to outdoor, customer service to behind the scenes etc.
  
  If you find yourself stuck trying to think of a reasonable explanation consider CLAMPS:
  
  Challenge: You weren’t able to grow professionally in that position
  Location: The commute was too long
  Advancement: There was nowhere for you to go.
  Money: You were underpaid for your skills and contribution.
  Pride or Prestige: You wanted to be with a better company.
  Security: The company or your position was not stable.
  
  Once you feel comfortable with explaining where you are at, spend some time thinking about how you might answer some of the following common ‘tricky’ questions:
  
  Why do you want to work here?
  What did you like/dislike about your last job?
  Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
  What are your biggest accomplishments?
  Why should I employ you?
  Tell me about yourself
  What is the most difficult situation you have faced?
  What are your salary expectations?
  
  At the end of the day remember that the interviewer is in the spotlight too. They are ‘selling’ you the company/role. It is important to keep in mind that an interview is, at worst, a learning experience. Don’t be shy about contacting the employer and asking for feedback if you don’t succeed. It is all useful information and it actually shows how determined and adaptable you are if you follow up. Who knows, maybe that same employer will consider you in future should you take the opportunity to imprint your wonderful self on their mind!
  
  By Kate Henderson
  
  For tips on how to prepare for the interview process visit:
  http://www.seek.com.au/career-resources/get-your-dream-job/interview-success.ascx