Was I in the right frame of mind? Defi nitely Ok Not really
Perhaps you had received some bad news that day, or you were worrying about something. If we are distracted by something it means it is hard concentrating so don’t beat yourself up if this was something outside of your control.
Was my eye contact right, did I smile? Defi nitely Ok Not really
Making warm and friendly eye contact helps to build rapport but sometimes we are shy and fi nd it diffi cult. If you struggled to do this,
remember to look at the space just above their nose and practise smiling. It doesn’t have to be a huge grin!
Did I prepare myself for the interview? Defi nitely Ok Not really
This book has talked about the importance of preparation; sometimes people think they can ‘wing it’ but this is a dangerous approach to take. It’s much better to do your research on the company and to have some clear examples about yourself.
Did I demonstrate I knew enough about the company? Defi nitely Ok Not really
Were you able to demonstrate what you knew or were you kicking yourself when they asked you what you knew about the company? It’s really important to do some research, as it shows your interest in the company.
Was I a good candidate?
Defi nitely Ok Not really
Did I answer questions in enough detail? Did I have questions ready to ask? There is a bit of a game to the interview and you need to have performed your role well.
Having seen the people in the company, was I appropriately dressed? Defi nitely Ok Not really
It’s always a good idea to dress smartly at interview so were you look- ing smart enough? It doesn’t have to be a suit; an open neck shirt with chinos, or skirt and jumper for a woman, should look good for many jobs. Do make sure your clothes are clean and pressed with clean pol- ished shoes.
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After the interview
Did I answer the questions thoroughly? Defi nitely Ok Not really
It can be tempting to answer just yes or no to certain questions but you do need to give more detail. Did you give enough?
Did I emphasise how I can use my skills in this job? Defi nitely Ok Not really
We’re back to research again and knowing how you can relate your skills and education to the job. There have been plenty of suggestions for how to know your skills and answer relevant questions were you able to do so.
Was the interviewer interested and involved in what I was saying? Defi nitely Ok Not really
It’s the tone and pace of our voice along with what we actually say that makes people interested in listening to us. If you aren’t sure how you sound, record yourself and listen critically.
Did I answer the questions in a way that stressed my most important characteristics? Was the interviewer clear on my strengths, ability and suitability for the job?
Defi nitely Ok Not really
Being clear on your strengths helps you to answer questions in a way that lets the interviewer know how great you are.
Did I present an accurate and favourable picture of myself? Defi nitely Ok Not really
Did I avoid putting my foot in it and giving examples of where I wasn’t so good? Remember you mustn’t tell people more than they need to know and don’t be too truthful about your weaknesses.
Did I look my best?
Defi nitely Ok Not really
It’s not just about the clothes you wear but also if your hair is clean and styled and any makeup is discreet If you have piercings did you reduce them to a minimum unless you were sure it would be acceptable? Was I relaxed and in control of myself?
Defi nitely Ok Not really
Or was I nervous and unsure? If so read this book again carefully and do the exercises to help you prepare for next time.
Did I appear confi dent and show genuine enthusiasm? Defi nitely Ok Not really
Interviewers want candidates who are confi dent and enthusiastic for the job. If you are only applying for the job because you think you have to and are not very interested in it then you are unlikely to show enthusiasm. You don’t demonstrate interest and enthusiasm solely by what you say but also by how you say it.
Did I talk just the right amount, neither too much nor too little? Defi nitely Ok Not really
There’s a need for balance – you must answer the questions in suffi cient details but also allow some space so the interviewer can ask further questions. If you just answer the absolute minimum you have not really demonstrated much aptitude for the job.
Did my answers satisfy the interviewer? Defi nitely Ok Not really
If your answers to questions were a bit vague, the interviewer may have asked a follow-up question but they may also only give you one chance to answer. You must listen to the question and answer it as best you can.
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After the interview
Was I able to discuss my strengths and weaknesses? Defi nitely Ok Not really
You should have these prepared in advance, these are the easy questions! Were you ok with them? If not do a practise session with a friend. Did I show that I was listening to the interviewer?
Defi nitely Ok Not really
Active listening means looking attentively, with some nods as the interviewer asks questions. It’s not avoiding eye contact and looking a little shifty! Remember, if you struggle with this, to look at the space be- tween their eyes, you shouldn’t feel as self conscious about it.
Did I say why I wanted to work for the organisation? Defi nitely Ok Not really
If they didn’t ask you the question, you needed to make sure you cov- ered this at the end when it was your time to ask questions.
Does it still sound fresh, despite having to regularly repeat it? Defi nitely Ok Not really
If you have had quite a few interviews you many fi nd that you have answered the same question over and over again. You have to sound enthusiastic and make your answer sound like it is the fi rst time you have said it.
Did I ask some good questions at the end? Defi nitely Ok Not really
The previous chapter gives details on a number of questions you could ask, plus how to ask questions which can demonstrate your strengths, so you should have done well. If not, what happened?
Scoring
Let’s see how you have done. Give yourself 2 points for each time you chose Defi nitely, 1 point for each time you chose OK and 0 for any time you chose Not Really.
Total up your scores.
40–44
If you have rated yourself accurately you have done all you can possibly do to be a great interviewee.
30–39
You should do well, but there are some areas where you feel less confi dent. What do you need to do to help you to improve?
20–29
It looks like you need to do quite a bit of work to help you to come across well. I suggest you re-read this book and make sure that you do all the exer- cises to help you to prepare.
19 or fewer
If you have signifi cant improvements to make you need to re-read this book carefully, but it might also be nerves that have affected your performance. You might fi nd it valuable to do a mock interview to overcome your nerves and may benefi t from some career coaching.
Other questions to ask yourself
Which questions did I handle well?
Make a note of the questions you handled well and do congratulate yourself.
Which questions did I handle poorly?
The questions in this book will have been great preparation. Did they help and did you think before you answered or was there a bit of panic and you maybe gave a vague and woolly answer? If you can remember, make
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After the interview
a note of the diffi cult questions and think about how you would answer better next time