5 Interview Strategies for Introverts

 5 Interview Strategies for Introverts

 Interviewing for your dream job can be intimidating. To get the best outcomes, there are some steps you must follow. Being you is all that matters, but you cannot walk in with a braggy attitude and except to be nominated for the position; and you cannot keep your head down and avoid conflict either. There are some lines that should not be crossed and some tips to be aware of when interviewing.

Introverts have a hard time making a long-lasting impression. Overthinking might become unbearable and for some, even intolerable. Some people might get lost during the interview and blackout. Being nervous and stressed out about God knows what reason does not help either. If you are an introvert, here are some techniques that might help you focus.

 

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You can book an interview coaching session and/or a Mock Interview with an interview coach by e-mailing employmentking@gmail.comjob interview1. Map Out a Plan Beforehand

Before the day of the interview, map out a well-designed plan. Being in control of what happens will make everything easier for you. Focusing on a strategy is a good method to get rid of unwanted stress. Here is an example (of course, you can plan your days as you want, but that’s how I’d do it!):

• For at least one week before the interview, practice speaking. I know that this sounds terrifying for an introvert, but trust me – the more you practice, the better you become. When shopping, talk to a random person at the supermarket; when a colleague asks you something, ask them out for lunch and conversate; become inherently interested in what other people have to say.

• Two days before the interview, research the company well and come up with specific questions – make phone calls, stalk them on social media, ask a friend, do whatever you find necessary to have as much info about them as you can (nothing must surprise you when interviewing!).

• One day before the interview, try to relax. Even if you have work to do in the morning, take 20 minutes right after you wake up to meditate. Then work! In the afternoon, leave some time for yourself again to do what you like – go for a run, bike, or have a chat with a close friend.

• One night before the interview, read the questions you’ve prepared again. Meditate again if it fits you. Then sleep tight and wake up smiling!

• The day of the interview: BE CONFIDENT. You are prepared. You’re going to nail it!

2. Be Opened to Small Talk

Us, introverts, hate small talk – why would people talk randomly about random stuff? I totally understand your concern. But we must accept society as it is, and most of the times, do what’s required. A little bit of small talk won’t kill you. Here are some tips on how to survive it:

• Remember that the anxiety you’re feeling is not a threat, it’s an experience!
• Don’t force yourself to be in the spotlight – if you are an introvert, you are an introvert, full stop. Accept it, embrace it, love yourself!

• Try to answer questions integrally – when someone asks, “how are you?” tell them! Don’t say “good, how are you?” Tell them about your day, about your night, about your lifestyle – anything that pops up into your mind.

• Ask questions in return – after you’ve opened up to one person, ask them about their life. How are they doing? How was their day? How was their night? Be interested in others! You got the point?

• After ending a conversation, take mental notes of what could’ve gone better and improve your small talk skills with every dialogue you have!

 

3. The First and Last Impressions Matter

Clara Johnson, writer at a professional assignment writing service and life coach, shares her opinion. “Studies have shown that people who look confident become confident! If you have a strong hand shake and a straight posture as soon as you walk into the room, the recruiter will definitely notice your self-assured attitude.”

Another thing to remember is that you want to end the interview in a pleasant way. Show them you are made for the job until the end! Leave the room keeping the same straight posture, smile, and let them know you are truly interested. Shake hands again, be formal, but keep it natural.

4. Keep a Casual Tone

Your tone should match your recruiter’s. If you have a high-pitched tone, you’ll seem exhaustingly nervous. If you have a low-pitched tone, you’ll seem bored and unenthusiastic. Try to keep it somewhere between! I must highlight again: if you cannot figure that out on your own, match your interviewer’s voice.

 

Interview questions and answers

 

 

5. Tell Them the Truth

I know you might not consider this the best choice right now but trust me: admitting that you are an introvert will make them like you more. Not everyone has the courage to own up to their weaknesses. Many people brag about their qualities when interviewed, yet when they’re asked, “what’s your biggest weak spot?” they freeze and have no answer.

And think about it: we are all anxious about being interview! That means we are all introverts in a way or another. Some people prefer to put on a mask and pretend they are completely unaffected by the situation, while others have the nerve to confess their uneasiness.

A complex employee knows his or her qualities and weaknesses and can always admit his or her mistakes. That makes them trustworthy, honorable, and reliable in any situation.

Wrapping Up

Map out a plan before the interview, be opened to small talk, make a good first and last impression, keep a casual tone, and be honest – these are the rules to getting your dream job!

AUTHOR BIO

Looking for an article full of depth, yet easy to comprehend? Barbara Mitchell has been involved in writing for a good amount of time. Being a part of media marketing on the net has also impacted on her life.

 

 

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Footwear Designer Job Interview Questions

 Footwear Designer Interview Questions

Working in a creative industry, footwear designer interviewers will ask job interview questions on innovation, idea formation and how to take an idea to market.

The footwear industry is massive, with footwear designers working for high street brands; Nike, Adidas, Ecco or specialising in, as an example mountain footwear working for companies like Northface or Alpkit.

Some designers also work designing trainers and shoes for catwalks, the sports profession or for the Army.

Depending on the sub-sector footwear industry, the job interview will have specific questions related to the field the job is advertised in.

All footwear designer interveiw, do, however, ask questions relating to:

  • Working with design teams to review styles, trends and materials.
  • The design process.
  • Quality checks and overseeing production.

Footwear Designer Job Interview Questions and Answers

Tell me about your experience as a footwear designer?

  • First state the length of industry experience you have and what industries you have worked in; fashion, sports, mountaineering.
  • Explain what duties you have performed. Have you been involved in just the design phase or overseeing production?
  • Highlight any key successes and talk about designs that become popular – where you part of the team that designed the ‘Nike Air’ brand?

How is technology developing the footwear design industry?

  • Prior to the job interview, research footwear technology as some job interveiwers will ask questions to test your knowledge of technology that currently use.
  • List different footwear technology widely used in the industry, stating the pro’s and con’s of each of them.
  • Finally, give an example of you using technology in your business as usual duties.

Give me an example of using computer-aided design (CAD) software and graphics packages to create a strong product that creates buy-in from a client?

  • When answering this interview question, give a detailed description of the whole process:
  • Talk about receiving the client brief, and the creation of ideas – what was on the brief that helped to shape the footwear you designed?
  • Discuss which technology you used to create a sample shoe or trainer. If designing a specialist shoe IE for a disabled person, what did you take into consideration?
  • Explain how the shoe sample was presented to the customer and anything you said to encourage the order.

What factors do you take into account when designing footwear?

  • Link the factors to the position you are applying for. IE, for mountain shoes, you would consider waterproofing, grip and ankle support.
  • Talk about the project cost, materials and timeframe.
  • Discuss how you look at the design to the production project plan.

What considerations do think about when a client asks you to design footwear based on a theme (ready-to-wear, high street)? 

  • State how you first discuss the design with the client to ensure the specifics are correct – as this saves time.
  • Next, explain how you review older designs and market research to help ensure the new design will be popular.
  • Finally, list the common factors; cost, material, timeframe.

What questions do you ask when reviewing the project brief with a client?

  • What is must or desired
  • Materials and quality vs cost
  • Is the project for design only or does it include production?
  • Timeframes
  • Any project risks.

Give an example of collaborating with a design team?

  • Answer this interview question with a real-life example;
  • Discuss the project brief and any discussions with the client
  • Talk about sharing ideas with the design team, and how a final idea was chosen.
  • Explain the process for creating a sample shoe and how the design team looked for faults.

Interview questions and answers

Share a time when you worked on a product to improve the design?

  • Explain the original problems with the current design and what the show wasn’t selling
  • Discuss how you look at the fault to find possible solutions
  • Talk about sharing ideas with the design team and quality check measures you undertook
  • Finally, give a positive outcome to the -redesign. This could include how the new shoes sold well.

How do you handle stressful situations, especially when having to meet deadlines?

  • Answer this question with a real-life example;
  • State the situation; the design brief, timeline and any pressure the design team was under.
  • Talk about how you prioritised tasks based on urgency and importance, and how this process keeps you calm and under control.
  • Give an outcome – how the shoe was designed on time to a high quality

Do you have any questions for me?

  • Ask about company expansion
  • Ask if the company is looking to enter a new shoe market
  • Ask about training and development
  • Ask about company culture.

10 Job Interview Questions for a Ceramics Designer

How to Prepare for a Ceramics Designer Job Interview

There are a number of different ceramic designer job roles from a ceramic sculpture to garden ceramics, from wall tiles to commercial tableware.

In all these roles, and of course in the job interview, you need to show that you have a flair for art and design.

Many ceramic designers are self-employed but to gain a commission you will still need to pass a job interview.

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Ceramic Designer Job Interview Questions

Ceramic Designer Job Interview Question 1

Please start by giving me an overview of your experience in ceramic design, the type of work you have produced and if you made one of the products or commercial work.

Ceramic Designer Job Interview Question  2

How do you interpret a customer design brief?

Ceramic Designer Job Interview Question 3 

Do you have experience of using various materials; bone china, porcelain, earthware, stoneware?

Ceramic Designer Job Interview Question  4

How do you decide on decorative techniques and glazes?

Ceramic Designer Job Interview Question  5 

How do you select materials for one of the pieces?

Ceramic Designer Job Interview Question 6 

What equipment are you skilled in using?

Ceramic Designer Job Interview Question  7 

Do you have experience in direct selling to customers?

Interview questions and answers

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Ceramic Designer  Job Interview Question 8 

Give an example of how you have developed your skills over the years?

Ceramic Designer  Job Interview Question 9 

What is your approach to planning a job from the design stage to the production of the pieces?

Ceramic Designer Job Interview Question 10

Do you have any questions for me?

Interview Questions for an Industrial Cleaner Position

Industrial Cleaner Job Interview Questions

An industrial cleaner cleans large facilities; factory, plant, warehouse or other industrial setting.

This job requires safety knowledge, understanding of chemicals and industrial cleaning equipment as industrial cleaners may be required to use special equipment or chemicals to complete their cleaning duties.

The key to passing job interviews in preparation and practice, this sounds obvious but is often overlooked with the average interviewee spending around only 60 minutes preparing for their job interview.

For industrial cleaner job interviews, applicants will be asked, around, 8 job interveiw questions during a 30-45 minute panel job interview.

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10 Interview Questions for An Industrial Cleaning Interview

Industrial Cleaner Job Interview Question 1

  • Can you tell me a little bit about your experience as an industrial cleaner and what you bring to this role

Industrial Cleaner Job Interview Question 2

  • What is your understanding of COSHH?

Industrial Cleaner Job Interview Question 3

  • Why is  a good working knowledge of health and safety an important part of an industrial cleaners duties?

Industrial Cleaner Job Interview Question 4

  • Why cant you mix cleaning chemicals together?

Industrial Cleaner Job Interview Question 5

  • How do you motivate yourself to work in haphazard conditions?

Industrial Cleaner Job Interview Question 6

  • Name 3 different types of high pressure equipment you can use to clean walls and ceilings?

Industrial Cleaner Job Interview Question 7

  • What type of specialist persoanl equipment can you operate IE harnesses, abseils, etc

Industrial Cleaner Job Interview Question 8

  • What precautions do you take when cleaning up a haphazardness spillage? 

Industrial Cleaner Job Interview Question 9

  • How do risk assess each job before you start cleaning? 

Industrial Cleaner Job Interview Question 10

  • Do you have any questions for me?

Good questions to ask interviewers at the end of the job interview include questions on the company growth or expansion, questions on personal development and training and questions on company values, staff retention and company achievements.

3 Job Interview Mistakes You Make Without Knowing You Are Making Them

Are You Making these Job Interview Mistakes Without Knowing You Are Making Them?

As an interview coach in Manchester, I have completed thousands of mock job interviews, analysed the common interview errors and helped failed applicants create job interview success.

This is because most interviewees make mistakes in the job interview without even realising they are making these common interview errors. Have you ever walked out of a job interview feeling on top of the world, as the interview went better than you thought it would, only then to be sent an interview rejection email?

By being aware of these 3 common job interview errors you will then have the conscious choice to make a change in your next job interview.  Remember if you continue to interview in the same way, you will get the same result.

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Job Interview Mistake 1

Talking about the organisations achievements, not yours.

One of the biggest mistakes interviewees make is not making it clear what they did to achieve a successful outcome. A large amount of job interview questions will be “give me an example of….”

Often, the best way to answer this is question is with a story or example. The problem here is that many interviewees use generic stories that are ambiguous in terms of who created a successful outcome.

When answering these types of interview questions you need to make it really clear that it was you who

1) had the idea

2) took action

3) made an impact on the positive outcome.

Job Interview Mistake 2

Focus on the little things.

Many job applicants only spend around 45 minutes preparing for the job interview, compared to successful interviewees, who on average, spend around 4-5 hrs.

Due to this lack of preparation, many failed interviewees, only focus on the big task, IE Googling common asked interview questions, reviewing their CV, etc.

With more interview preparation time you can take your job interview to the next level by focusing on the little things.

It is these little tweaks that have a real impact on the job interview. The tweaks could include changing the words used in your answers for power words, adding gestures to your answers creating real impact and having a focus on how you use your body language to complement the tone of your job interview answers.

Interview questions and answers

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Job Interview Mistake 3

Add value

We know that most successful job applicants are successful because throughout the job interview they highlight past experiences and successes. But what is missing, or what you can add (that has a massive influence in the job interview) that others don’t is how you can add value to their organisation.

It is taken as read, that by stating you have done X, that you will do X in the new company. But to influence people, to make the interviewer have a real emotional attachment to you, you need to state that “if I worked for you I could implement the same process which will increase your profits while saving overhead cost”

By stating what you do is more powerful than stating what you have done.

3 Ways To Advance Your Job Interview Techniques

Advance Your Job Interview Techniques

The internet has changed the job interview.

For all job sector interviews, you as the candidate can simply Google “sector job interview questions” and within seconds you can have a list of potential questions that you will soon be asked. Following on from this, you may Google to the company history or even as on a forum for potential answers.

So why with all this information at your fingertips why aren’t you successful in the job interview? This is because you are searching for basic interview tips to secure the job interview. This isn’t good enough, as everyone else is using these same strategies.

Instead, ADVANCE your interview techniques

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You can book an ONLINE Interview Coaching Session and/or a Mock Interview with an interview coach by e-mailing employmentking@gmail.com all you need is a webcam.

  • Learn The 3 Step Process for Killer Interview Answers 
  • Double Your Interview Confidence with Specialised Techniques  
  • Mock Interview – Get Really Feedback on Your Interview Skills 

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 Advance Your Job Interview Techniques #1

Focus on Delivery

A job interview is a communication sales pitch. Where job applicants go wrong in the job interview is they always concentrate on only their interview answers, the words they use, rather than the delivery style of interview answers.

Communication isn’t just words. Communication is created with tonality, volume, gestures, body language and facial expressions (plus much more) What you say is important but as any orator will try to impress on you is the power of how you say it, the packaging to the delivery of your job interview answer.

Create a strong job interview answer, then focus on the delivery style; say it with confidence, say it with purpose, say it with emotion.

Advance Your Job Interview Techniques #2

Create a dialogue

An interactive interview creates rapport, increases likability and becomes more memorable

Failed interviewees will reflect and realise that they couldn’t stop talking. Their waffled answer turn the interviewer off, creating disinterest. To have a real impact in the job interview, talk less, ask more questions and create beautiful dialogue.

When asked a question give a string answer (focusing on your delivery style) and follow up by asking the job interviewer a question, relating to the question they asked you. As an example, if they asked you about your knowledge on a certain ICT system, ask them if they know about a new time-saving ICT system.

This style of interviewing is advanced and creates positive interaction. The interviewer, having a break from the normal interview style that they have heard for the past 2 days, creates a memorable job interview.

Interview questions and answers

Advance Your Job Interview Techniques #3

Key the glass half full…always

Time and time again when I deliver interview coaching sessions, clients tell me, how in the job interview they discuss sector problems, barriers and mistakes. I can never understand this perspective.

The job interview is the one place where you need the glass to be half full, no, over spilling with punitiveness. Explain your successes, show enthusiasm for your sector, answer problem questions with the frame of enjoyment – you enjoy solving problems.

Whatever you do in the job interview, do it with a smile, with positiveness and enthusiasm.

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10 Job Interview Questions and Answers for PA (Personal Assistant)

10 Job Interview Questions and Answers for a Personal Assistant

A personal assistant (PA), sometimes referred to as an ‘executive secretary’ will work closely with senior management team members providing administrative support.

The personal assistant is responsible for the support of a senior manager, supporting them with their time management, dairy management, and internal and external communication.

Employers are looking to hire a personal assistant who is deemed to be trustworthy, well organised, a strong administrator and someone who is able to take on extra responsibility in the absence of the managerial team.

It is these key skills and duties, as well as the personal assistant’s work ethic that needs to shine through during the job interview.

The key to passing job interviews in preparation and practice, this sounds obvious but is often overlooked, with the average interviewee spending around only 60 minutes preparing for their job interview.

This article will help you to prepare and to pass your next job interview in 3 separate ways.

1. You will learn over 10 common asked interview questions for a Personal Assistant position.

2. You will be given an explanation of the type of answer the interviewer is looking for ( a guide to what the employer wants you to discuss )

3. You will be given an example job interview answer for each individual interview question, allowing you to tweak this answer, making it relevant to your own experiences.

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Job Interview Questions and Answers for a PA (Personal Assistant) 

Job Interview Question 1: 

“Tell me about yourself?”

One of the most common asked questions in interviews normally asked at the beginning of an interview, this question gives you the opportunity to deliver a short statement about your experiences and skills relevant to the job position you are applying for.

  • Start with a “selling” line that will cover your duration as a PA as a whole 
  • Discuss 3 key points/experiences that will make you stand out 
  • Keep each point brief as you can explain each point again in more detail throughout the interview
  • You want to interest the interviewer and get them to want to know more about you
  • End this answer with a reason why you’re looking for a new job

Potential Interview Answer 

“I have over 15 years of experience as a personal assistant. During this time I have learned 3 key skills that I use in all PA roles, increasing efficiency. My key achievement during my 15 years of experience is (add key achievement)  I feel I would be an asset for your organisation because I can bring X (add unique selling point) to the organisation.  

Job Interview Question 2: 

“Why do you want this position?”

Your research will pay off with this question; explain you have always wanted to work for their company and the reason why. Discuss how your goal has always been to work in this organisation as you always wanted to (job criteria) and finally finish by explaining how your previous experience or qualifications will add value to the company.

Potential Interview Answer 

“I have worked as a PA for over 15 years in a variety of sectors. For me, my goal has been to work with your organisation, as I believe my vision is in line with your company mission. I know I can excel in any office environment, and some sectors offer a higher salary. But my work goal is very important to me, which is why I am applying for a position with yourself. I know we will collaborate successfully together  and for me being able to work with your company where you (add a key company value/goal) will give me job satisfaction. 

   

Job Interview Question 3: 

“Do you work well within a team?”

Some people are thrown when they are asked this question when they are applying for a PA position to work alone/under management. Every company works as a team,. To excel in the job interview give an example of when you have worked well within a team with a successful outcome. Explain the current situation (or problem) how the team approached this and the positive outcome)

Potential Interview Answer 

“In my previous company, I was involved in a new innovative project. The management team was concerned with a drop in profit over a 6 month period. A new innovative solution was required. At the ideas meeting everyone came up with different ideas but none was picked. This led to tempers being frayed. I then suggested that we wrote each idea of a flip-chart and everyone had to record the pro’s and con’s of each suggestion. This led to clarity and an idea being taken on-board. My manager said to me, that if I hadn’t made that suggestion they will still be there no arguing. 

Job Interview Question 4: 

“Did you get on well with your last manager?”

A personal assistant has to have the skills to build rapport and communicate strongly with the management team. If a PA and management team don’t get along it will create stress in the overall team. This question is to check if you can fit in well with a team, with their team. 

Potential Interview Answer 

“Yes, I always get on with everyone. I have found over my career that managers, as all people do, have different personalities, different motivational and stress indicators and work in different ways. My success comes from being able to work in style the manager preferences, rather than disrupting well-placed systems with my own method.”

 Job Interview Question 5: 

“What are your strengths?”

This is one of the most common questions you will be asked in a Personal Assistant job interview. Give an answer relevant to the skills and qualities relevant to the position you are applying to. The interviewer is trying to find if your strengths match the job. For example, if you are applying for a job where accuracy is an important issue, one of your strengths could be that you have an eye for detail. It may useful to find different words to describe similar attributes and qualities in order to avoid repetition.

Potential Interview Answer

“I have often been told that I have an eye for detail and that I am very accurate and precise. This was very important during my last role where I worked on large business accounts. An example of this was when (give example- state problem, your solution and outcome)” 

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Job Interview Question 6: 

“What are your weaknesses?”

Again, another commonly asked question. A frequent mistake to make when answering this question is to say something negative like “I can sometimes let things get on top of me”. Be positive and sell yourself with every interview question, turn a negative into a positive. For example,

Potential Interview Answer

“In the past, I felt I needed to improve my typing skills because I aspire to be the best I can, I have recently enrolled on a typing course”.

This will show that you can identify your weaknesses but at the same time, you are willing to improve. Most importantly: do not mention a weakness that is any way related to the job you are being interviewed for! This might sound obvious but it is a common mistake!

Job Interview Question 7:

“Do you know anything about this organisation?”

Often one of the first questions you will be asked during the interview, employers want employees who will stay with the company, this question and answer will show the employer that you know the company’s history and feel they will be a good employer to work for.

It also shows the employer that you think ahead and carries out research. Answer this question with:

  • The length the organisation has been operating for.
  • How the company started
  • What services/products the company offers
  • Where they are going (have they won any new contracts)
  • All this information is normally found on the internet; on the company home page or about us page.

Potential Interview Answer

“I know a great deal about your organisation, before I applied for the job position I researched the company. I really like how the company started as a partnership company is an environmentally friendly company. I know the companies aspirations are (add aspirations often found in the company mission) and I feel with my experience we can collectively achieve these”

Job Interview Question 8:

“Do you think you have enough experience to work within a senior management team?”

If you’re asked this, then the interviewer does not believe you have enough experience. If you have you need to make this clear, explain about your previous experiences and give detail to the parts that are relevant to this new job role.

If you do not have the experience they need, you need to show the employer that you have the skills, qualities and knowledge that will make you equal to people with experience but not necessary the skills. It is also good to add how quick you can pick up the routine of a new job role.

Potential Interview Answer

“Altogether I have 15 years of experience in this industry with over 9 years working within senior management teams. My skills include exceptional written and oral communication skills, excellent word processing and IT skills, including knowledge of a range of software packages and the ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines.  I have always had an eye for detail and an ability to find errors easily, allowing me to be pro-active rather than reactive”

Job Interview Question 9:

“What is your biggest achievement?”

Pick one key achievement, something that you have undertaken that other PAs wouldn’t have. Keep this example work-related and think about your unique selling point. This is the question that when answered correctly will allow you to stand out from other job applicants. 

Potential Interview Answer

“I was once asked to give a presentation, at first I thought I wouldn’t be able to deliver it without embarrassing myself. I wrote the presentation and practiced it in front of small groups, until I had the confidence to deliver it to a large group. I was really pleased with the result on the day and I was good feedback from my line manager.”

Job Interview Question 10:

“Do you have any questions for me?”

Good interview questions to ask interviewers at the end of the job interview include questions on the company growth or expansion, questions on personal development and training and questions on company values, staff retention and company achievements.

Conclusion 

Many people are afraid of job interviews. The truth is if you prepare for your job interview, by predicting the job interview questions, you can easily prepare your job interview answers. If your job interview answers highlight your unique selling point, are stated in the positive and are said in a confident manner, then you can influence the job interview to increase job offer.

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3 Key Things You Must Remember About Job Interviews

What You Must Remember About Job Interviews

I work with a lot of clients who fear the job interview.

It is this anxiety that ruins their job interview performance, resulting in another, often less skilled, applicant receiving the job offer. Often it’s  not the best suited interviewee who is successful, rather its the person who impresses in the interview that receives the job offer.

In the job interview you need to be on your A-Game. There are 3 things that you must remember about the job interview, 3 things that will help you feel more at ease, increasing your interview confidence.

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It is rare that the interviewer is trained to interview

The first thing to remember about the job interview is that the interviewer is just as nervous as you are.

We become anxious when we are in unfamiliar territory. In most cases the job interviewer hasn’t been trained to interview applicants. Because they don’t want to be seen as weak, they will try to mask their nervousness in the interview itself. But by knowing that they are just as anxious as you are will help you feel more confident.

Due to the lack of interview experience for most interviewers, you need to ensure that they hear and record all your key selling points. Use repetition for this. Throughout the interview give several examples of using your key skill/selling point to make the point clear – if you hire me I will do X for you.

Likability Influences

People who have a likable personality or more likely to be offered the job.

During the job interview you need to build rapport, find common ground and use intrigue and stories to create a likable and remember-able job interview.

It simple isn’t good enough to have 10 years experience, the employer is looking for someone with experience but also someone they believe will fit well within the team and someone with good work ethic.

Interview questions and answers

If you have it, say it

When  explaining what you can offer in terms of skills, qualities and experiences you need to state everything in detail.

So many failed interviewees skip over key criteria because they see it as an everyday task. It is these everyday task that the new employer require you to complete.

Remember they don’t know, they have never meet you and they have no idea of what your daily task are.

The employer wants to hire someone who can hit the ground running. Explain all the daily task, and then add on your unique selling point.

Most interviewers use a point system. If you say X, Y and Z you get full points. If you miss one out your points are reduced. The more you say the more they will know what you can bring to the team.

3 Psychological Tactics to Sell Yourself at a Job Interview

Th Psychological Tactics You Need to Sell Yourself in a Job Interview

Marketers, sales professionals and big brands use sales psychology to influence your spending habits.

These same psychological tactics can be employed in the job interview, giving you the upper hand. Here are 3 psychological tactics to sell yourself at a job interview.

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 Psychological Sales Tactic #1

Emotional by-in

Many studies have repeatedly highlighted that people by goods, ideas and recruit staff due to how the product will effect the person.

In the job interview you are more likely to be hired by using emotional stories to highlight your skills and experience, rather then just listing your qualities, traits and successes.

When answering “give me an example of….” questions, start by stating the pain of the current situation, explain what steps you took and then highlight the positive and emotional outcome.

Psychological Sales Tactic #2

Offer out your weaknesses

The “what is your weakness?” interview question is asked less and less these days, due to applicants searching on YouTube for the best answer. But when buying any product we are naturally suspicious, just as the interviewer is when you only state positives.

By stating your own flaws (don’t go overboard) you create credibility. Credibility, especially when mixed with likability will lower the interviewers defensive. The employer at this stage is more likely to buy in to you, believing the following interview answers.

Interview questions and answers

Psychological Sales Tactic #3

Create fear

At some stage during the interview if you are using all the rules from influencing the interview, you will know that the employer is impressed, they want you.

Scarcity is a powerful motivator. People on eBay, will purchase more for a product then they originally stated they would due to the thought of losing out.

You can use the same psychology in the job interview, if the interviewer, who by now wants to offer you the position, believes you may take an offered job from a competitive company they will compelled to desire you even more.

At some stage in the interview let in slip how you have been successful in other interviews.

Job Interview Questions for a Procurement Officer

How to Pass a Procurement Officer Job Interview

To prepare for a procurement job interview you first need to predict the job interview questions. To do this simply read the job spec and turn each duty or essential criteria into a job interview question.

As a procurement officer, your average salary will be between £30,000-£45,000. At this level of salary an employer will expect a high level of knowledge to be expressed throughout the job interview.

Being responsible for sourcing and procuring quality equipment, goods or service at competitive prices inline with an organizations strategic strategy, means interviewers will want to hear how you can build relationships, finding new suppliers, negotiation skills  and record keeping.

In addition, throughout the job interview, ensure you  show an awareness of risk management and ethical issues.

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Job Interview Questions for a Procurement Officer

Interview Question 1 tell me about your experience as a procurement officer and the required skills you need to be successful in this role.

Interview Question 2 how do you deal with a supplier who states that your order will be late?

Interview Question 3 What is your approaching when dealing with a disgruntled customer?

Interview Question 4 how do you review your performance?

Interview Question 5 how do you negotiate successfully with a supplier?

Interview Question 6 are you enthusiastic and a good team player?

Interview questions and answers

Interview Question 7 give an example of taking the initiative

Interview Question 8 what skills do you need to be a procurement officer?

Interview Question 9 how will you make a really impact if you were successful?

Interview Question 10 do you have any questions for me?