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Leisure Newsletter - Issue 1 - March 2011

Interview Tips to Really Impress your Potential Employer

• Know the job description and the company off pat
• Prepare clear answers to some questions that the interviewer could ask
• Why would you like to work for this organisation?
• What is your future plan career?
• Why are you the most suitable person for this role?
• 5 words to describe you Etc.
• - Arrive early. Aim to arrive around 5-10 minutes early, but no earlier; it can be annoying and leave you 'stewing' for too long.
• Bring extra resumes and a list of questions to ask.
•  Be professional with a smart appearance (ironed clothes, ties for men, suits etc.)
• Speak clearly, enthusiastically and smile.
• Try to explain what you will bring to the company (skills, enthusiasm, new ideas etc.)
• Talk about your successes and achievements without appearing boastful.
• Explain what you learned from your past experiences.
• Make sure you are well understood.
• Follow up the interview with a thank you letter or call.

To view more SEE OUR INTERVIEW ADVICE!

The Power of Body Language

Remember the power of the 3 body language elements:

Verbal = What you say (the words you choose)

Verbal communication is fundamental to your success in an interview. It is very important to prepare what you want to say and how you want to say it before the job interview. For example, it is better to say “I possess excellent verbal and written communication skills” than “I speak and write very well”.

But did you know that it represents only 7% in the understanding of the message. Intonation is 38%, and gestures 55%!

Vocal = How you say what you say (volume, intonation)

The intonation and the volume of your voice are really important. They prove that you know what you say, and are calm and confident in your abilities.

Here are some useful tips to improve your speaking:

• Do not speak too quickly. This show you are nervous and anxious.
• Be careful of your tone of voice. Do not mumble but do not shout either!
• Add some inflection to your words and emphasise relevant phrases.
• Add pauses between sentences.

Visual = What you look like (body language)

The messages we send out through our body language are very powerful. They can show whether we are insecure or self-confident, whether we are lying or telling the truth, and whether you are stressed, amused, confused, interested or sincere. Moreover, if your visual message is positive, a recruiter assume that your other aspects are equally positive. On the other hand, if your visual message is negative, a recruiter may not spend the time to discover the talented person inside.

Here are some useful tips to improve your body language:

• When you see the interviewer for the first time, approach them with self-confidence.
• It is very important to maintain eye contact even if you receive an uncomfortable question.
• Control your gestures. Use your hands reasonably to express yourself.
• Do not show any signs of shyness, stress or nervousness such as tapping your feet or drumming your fingers on the arm of the chair.
• Do not sit on the edge of the chair or like a sack of potatoes. You have to sit upright!

While verbal communication is important, be aware of your vocal and visual signs when in an interview. The success of an interview is based on all 3 of these elements. And to ensure you are comfortable, take the time to practice before the interview. Best of luck!