People can perform brilliantly at interviews by applying certain principles

When faced with unexpected questions, whether as a graduate seeking employment or as a professional granting press interviews or during a proposal presentation, research has shown that people, due to lack of preparation for certain questions, tend to lose their composure.

As such, they may give inappropriate responses to relevant questions which may be embarrassing to both parties.

Experts posit that tension felt during interviews is because some amount of control is given up thereby making most people feel uncomfortable. This, according to them often prompts wrong or incoherent responses from the interviewee.

For job seekers, experts say the challenges of getting a decent job after graduation are two fold, which are – getting invited for job-selection process and scaling the process. They say these processes can involve writing tests and answering questions accurately at interviews.

They say being able to answer interview questions confidently and accurately has nothing to do with being a good orator, but being in control and applying it to have an edge. They say it should be viewed as selling their competence and qualifications to the interviewer.

Human resource experts say while some candidates are able to maneuver through it successfully, it is difficult for others to.

In order to feel comfortable, confident, and in control, experts have highlighted principles to apply regardless of the type of interview.

Be prepared

Experts say preparation can help in overcoming shock from unforeseen circumstances. They say preparation process in interviews can be in form of research on the topic of discussion beforehand in order to have an in-depth understanding and a projection of likely questions that will emerge from it.

For job interviews, ehow.com states that just as much as candidates must prepare the answers to give to their interviewer, they must also come prepared with questions to ask of the interviewer about the position and the company. Experts say employers want to see people who think on their toes and are interested in the position as much as possible.

In addition, they advise that candidates should scribble down a few quick questions that they can ask at the appropriate time of the interview to avoid embarrassment by thinking on the spot.

Get enough information

Through adequate research on the focus of the interview, experts say executives giving expert opinion on an issue can be better prepared. They say further information on its duration and the target audience will also suffice.

According to professionals, interviewees should confirm the time and location of the interview. Don’t assume it will take place in the same location as your previous interviews. They advise a verification of the format of the interview so they can prepare for the number of people sitting in and understand what will be expected of them.

Use descriptive language

Public relations professionals say communicating personal experiences can be dramatic and powerful. They advise that interviewee should employ them as often as possible. A proper description of an experience with a client or the impact a product, service or change in policy as the case may be will explain what influenced your position on an issue, they say.

Moreover, they say negative questions or comments should be countered with positive answers or statements.

In addition, they say certain questions which are asked to assess a candidate’s level of experience require descriptive response. A brief description of a challenging situation encountered in previous employment and how it was resolved it will do.

According to experts, such behavioural questions are designed to see how you intend to approach and solve problems. They advise candidates to select a simple scenario and focus on how they worked collaboratively with others to find a solution.

Doing this, they say will help to show the hiring manager how well they will fit into the company. Use the specific examples from your experience and your knowledge of the company to demonstrate that you are a qualified candidate who will excel in the position.

Think before responding

Experts say dealing with silence at an interview can be challenging. They have observed that many, in an attempt to immediately fill the silence, respond too hastily to posted interview questions. They suggest that interviewees should not allow their rush to answer to lead them to give less than perfect responses.

Instead, after hearing the question, they say interviewees should pause and take a moment to organise their thoughts. This will allow them to give a well-crafted response.

As regards press interview, they say it is best to answer even tough questions, to build credibility with the audience. However, they note that professionals are not obligated to agree to the interviewer’s statements, but they should focus on passing the message across.

Body language matters

Studies have shown that voice inflection and body language are even more important than the words themselves when it comes to how messages are received. PR professionals say body language plays an important role in how people communicate with each other.

According to them, in order to help people focus more on messages, they advise a natural posture by keeping the arms loose. This, they say will help to appear calm and confident. They oppose a posture that involves clasping the hands together, crossing the arms or legs, putting the hands in pockets, or adopting any posture that prevents natural movement.

They say using appropriate body language will show the interviewer that they are interested in the job, intelligent and able to communicate in an effective and efficient manner.

Maintaining eye contact and nodding the head occasionally to indicate their concentration, according to them is the most important aspect of body language once the interview starts.


Source: http://u.punchng.com/13r0