Our executive CV writer in New Zealand explains that interviews have always been an important part of landing any job, all the more so today, where increasing competition means more people will be the prospectives for a particular job. This means that you would need to prove your worth, and exert your competence in a way that the interviewer is impressed and gives you the job over the several candidates. Interviewing is a skill, and important to make a good first impression. Studying the following strategies will help develop your skills while giving an interview:
- Practice non-verbal communication: Posture and gestures are as important in an interview as what you say. It’s all about demonstrating confidence – a firm handshake and maintaining eye contact can go a long way to bringing you a step closer to your dream job. Check out this helpful article: https://www.thebalance.com/how-to-use-nonverbal-communication-at-an-interview-2061345 for more information about executive interviews and using non verbal communication
- Use language wisely: In addition to non-verbal communication, it is important to pay attention to your verbal cues and the language you use: ensure you use professional language during the interview and are not too casual. Take especial care to not use inappropriate slang or make references to race, sexual orientation, age, and so on.
- Bring your CV with you, and preferably take two copies of your CV. This will help you refer to your experience calmly. If your CV has not been professionally written at this point, contact us for help.
- Dress to impress: It is important that you go to an interview well-groomed and well turned out. What you wear depends on the company you are interviewing for, as well as the position you are applying for. It would also be wise to find out the dress code of the company before you go for the interview.
- Answer questions precisely: Interviewers tend to ask examples from previous experience; these behavioural interview questions are designed to help them gauge how you deal with situations and how you will thrive within the company. It is important to answer such questions precisely, and ensure they have a specific focus. Lack of this would be counter-productive and might cost you one, if not several, jobs.
- Ask questions: Proactively asking questions will communicate your interest in the company. It will also allow you a chance to gauge whether it is the right company for you, and if it fits your long-term goals.
- Don’t appear desperate: When you approach the interview with desperation, it usually makes the candidate appear less confident. Instead, work towards convincing the recruiter that you will be perfect for the job and the position.
- Keep cockiness aside: It is important that you take care of your attitude during the interview. Maintain a balance between confidence, professionalism and modesty. You may have some stellar achievements up your sleeve, but overconfidence is something you should be extremely wary of.
- Listen: Pay close attention to what the interviewer is saying; from the very beginning, everything the interviewer says to you will be beneficial to you within the context. They may communicate information to you directly or indirectly. Therefore, it is vital you listen to and observe the interviewer very carefully.
- Don’t talk too much: This will make you seem desperate, and leave you with fewer opportunities to observe the interviewer.
- Don’t be too familiar: An interview is a professional discussion in a professional space, not an event to socialise. Recognise this and behave accordingly; your behaviour should mimic the interviewer’s. While your enthusiasm towards the job should be communicated, make sure you don’t overstep your bounds.
- If you get asked “have you used an executive CV writer” or “have you used a professional CV writer”, answer the question truthfully. Tell the interviewer that you take your career seriously and believed they were great in helping you structure your experience for the job.
And finally, remember the three Cs for any interview: Cool, calm, confident.
