Onsite Interview Tips
When you are applying for a job an onsite, or in-person interview normally happens at the intermediate or final stages of the selection process. It is where an employer gauges your confidence, your attitude and your ability to think on your feet. Interviews are an opportunity for the applicant also, allowing him to gauge the prospective work environment and his potential future bosses and co-workers. They can often be intimidating for job hunters.
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First Impressions
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It is vital to show a good first impression. The easiest way to do this is to look your best. Wear your best suit, clean your shirt and shoes, and make sure you have shaved.
Another good way to show that you are keen is to arrive early for your interview. By showing up in plenty of time, you will be able to relax more, and the interviewer will take it as a sign that you are taking the interview itself seriously.
Body Language
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Expressing confident body language is a key skill when going for interviews. Interviewers allow for minor nervousness, as the interview is an inherently uncomfortable position for an applicant. The trick when it comes to body language is to strike a balance between relaxed and formal. If you look too relaxed, then the interviewer will see this as a sign that you are not taking the process seriously. On the other hand, the interviewer will think you are uncomfortable with the interview, and possibly the job, if you lean too far forward.
Hand gestures are a good thing in interviews. A common mistake for applicants is to fold their arms. This is commonly seen as a very defensive gesture. It is best to keep the hands on the arm rests of the chair, or in your lap, so you can easily use them to support what you are saying.
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Practice Makes Perfect
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Interviews will often ask what are called "competency based questions," where an interviewer will ask you about a time in your work or educational life when you've had to display a certain quality. Common examples of this line of questioning include "Tell me about a time you've not reached a goal," or "Tell me about a time you've had to lead a team." For someone with little working experience, these questions are tough. If you cannot think of a time when this has happened, then you will give the impression that you are inexperienced or arrogant.
The best way to get around these is through practice. As you complete more and more interviews, it is easier to think of a situation that ticks multiple boxes. For example, think of a time where you were in a team and you failed to meet a target. Once you know what experiences can be used for what questions, you can highlight the parts of the story to suit your needs.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit la rencontre image by Yves Damin from Fotolia.com
