Peter James Field

What You Need To Know About Interview Preparation

Nowadays interviews may be held in person, in a group, by phone, or over the Internet. It can be extremely hard to know what to expect when you're being interviewed in this manner, so you need to be prepared for any eventuality. Sound impossible? Here are some tips to get you ready for any kind of interview.

For most people, employment interviews can be a stressful experience.

Nowadays, with economic challenges, and rising unemployment, every interviewee needs to be absolutely certain that they are putting their finest foot forward in the interview process. It can often be difficult to anticipate when you have an interview, so you need to be prepared for everything that is presented. Sound impossible?

Check out these tips to get you ready for any kind of interview.

-- Prepare for the Skype call

These days, job and business interviews are taking place over Skype. As someone looking to be hired, you need to be sure your Skype interview blows them away. Get online half an hour before your interview is scheduled.

Be sure you look as nice and presentable as you would if this became a face to face interview. Make sure that your camera is working correctly and check to see what your surroundings look like on camera. Make sure the area the camera can see is clean, tidy, free of any personal items, and quiet, and you're set to go.

-- Getting the phone interview right

This alternative interview approach is being used more and more by employers wishing to save time and whittle down their list of applicants. That being said, it's essential that you make a positive impression as quickly as you can. Use a reliable phone line (land lines are best, if you have access to one) and disable your call waiting. Speak slowly and clearly and you'll create an excellent impression.

-- No interupting.

When using the telephone or Skype, it can sometimes be difficult to know your cues, but as a rule of thumb you should never interrupt the interviewer. You'll want to come across as eager and enthusiastic, as if you are truly interested in the questions being asked. Be as prepared for your phone interview as you would for a face to face one. Prepare questions, take notes, and be confident.

-- Surviving the dreaded group interview

The group interview is an all too often dreaded encounter, but you can't let yourself be psyched out by the group interview dynamic. Remaiin calm and relaxed. You want to make sure that you speak and represent yourself well, but don't get caught up in competition with your other interviewees and end up taking the spotlight or dropping back into the wings. Don't rush to always be the first one to answer the questions. Just as in an individual interview, give yourself time to consider your answer and articulate it well. Make a list of pertinent questions and ask them during the interview. This should help set you apart from the crowd.

For any sort of interview, there are a series of things you should always do, no matter what form the interview takes.

Be attentive and pose questions. Carry a notepad, make notes and refer back to them if necessary. Dress to impress, even if you won't be meeting your potential employer in person. It will make you appear as the professional that you are. Remember to send a follow up thank you email after the interview. Express your thanks and your real interest in the position. Let them know you're available for a follow-up interview if necessary.

Interviewing really doesn't need to be an ordeal. If you are well prepared then you have all the tools you need to make your interview a resounding success.

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