The end of the interview

This is your chance to show how much you're interested in the company and to find out if the job is really as interesting as it seems. Always ask questions because this demonstrates your prior research and interest in the job. Your questions migh t be direct, logistical questions such as, "When can I expect to hear from you?" (if that has not been discussed); a question to clarify information the employer has presented The job advert mentioned possibilities for advancement. Could you tell me a little more about that?; a question regarding the employer's use of new technology or practices related to the career field; or a question to assess the culture and direction of the organization such as "Where is this organization headed in the next five years?" Do not ask specific questions about salary or benefits unless the employer broaches the subject first. The employer may also ask you if you have anything else you would like to add or say. Again, it's best to have a response. You can use this opportunity to thank the employer for the interview, summarize your qualifications and reiterate your interest in the position. If you want to add information or emphasize a point made earlier, you can do that, too. This last impression is almost as important as the first impression and will add to the substance discussed during the information exchange. Be polite and show enthusiasm: "It was very nice to meet you, and I am excited by the prospect of working for you. I look forward to hearing from you."

After the Interview

After the interview, take time to write down the names and titles (check spelling) of all your interviewers, your impressions, remaining questions and information learned. If you are interviewing regularly, this will help you keep employers and circu mstances clearly defined.

Follow up the interview with a thank-you letter. Employers regard this as evidence of your attention to detail, as well as an indication of your final interest in the position.

Non-verbal communication

A lot of judgements are made about people from visual impressions, and how they say things instead of what they say. And once a judgement's been made, it's difficult to reverse it. The key is understanding what people base judgements on. It really doesn't matter whether they're right or wrong – if their judgement is negative, you don't get the job.

The body

Some people say that it's possible to ‘read' a body – that every small movement has a meaning, that will tell you something about a person's personality and mood. Even if that's true, though, some of the ‘language' changes from culture to culture – and in any case you're not likely to be interviewed by someone with such detailed knowledge.

Much more important, in a situation like an interview, is the possibility of someone seeing movements of yours caused by nervousness and thinking they have another meaning. For example, a person who doesn't make eye contact is often regarded as having something to hide. Someone sitting back in a chair gives the impression of not being very interested. (Next time you're in a long discussion, look at the way someone who's bored leans back into their seat.)

The solution is not to make nervous movements – easy to say, of course, but the point is to be sufficiently prepared for an occasion like an interview that your body language is natural. You simply try to avoid the sort of body movements that can be misunderstood, or those – such as fiddling with a ring, or a shirt button – that simply say you're nervous.

Appearance

This can be a tricky area. From your point of view, your clothes might just be what you feel comfortable in. To someone else, they may seem to be making a deliberate ‘statement', such as "I dress to be comfortable, not smart". Again, it really doesn't matter who's right. What's important is the impression that's given.

Unless you know otherwise, it's safest to assume that in a business environment clothes should be formal - whatever ‘formal' means in a particular culture (and in a particular type of climate, especially where it's hot and humid).

At a first meeting – such as an interview - most business people are likely to think of your appearance in terms of words like ‘tidy', ‘clean' and ‘unobtrusive'. They may add ‘smart' or ‘business-like', depending on the job you're applying for, and also the industry it's in.

For example, if the job would mean dealing face-to-face with customers, a company will have standards of appearance. Even if they provide uniform, they rely on employees to look after the rest of themselves.

If in doubt, ask what's expected before you arrive for an interview, rather than guess.

Voice

Anyone listening to you, either face-to-face or on the telephone, is interested most in what's being said, and then in the words and expressions used – can you express yourself clearly? is there a lot of slang in what you say? and so on.

But the way we say things is also bound to be noticed. Being quiet is taken to mean lacking confidence, being loud the opposite. Speaking fast, especially if you have a strong accent, can make you difficult to understand. Put yourself in the other person's place: if you were hearing your voice for the first time, would you seem too soft, too loud or too fast?

Date: 2015-12-11; view: 831