Killer Interview Tips.com

Posts Tagged ‘Tips’

Medical interviews (ST interviews, consultant interviews and GP interviews) can be daunting if you are unprepared. Here are a series of medical interview tips that you can apply to ensure that your answers stand out.

 

1 – Keep your answers between 1½ and 2 minutes

 

No one can listen to a speaker for more than 2 minutes unless that speaker is absolutely fascinating or has some visual aids to help retain concentration. There is therefore no point in giving answers that are much longer otherwise you run the risk or boring the interviewers.

 

2 – Avoid long introductions. Answer the question directly

 

In my experience of interviewing and coaching candidates for interviews, I have always been struck by how few people actually answer the question directly. At an interview, it is crucial that you get to the point quickly, that you address the core of the question and that you avoid lengthy introductions that serve no purpose other than allowing you to buy time.

 

3 – Structure your answers in 3 or 4 points

 

One of the problems that plague interviewees is lack of structure in their answers. This makes it difficult for the interviewers to identify the different ideas that are being presented.

 

The human brain finds it difficult to remember more than 3 or 4 ideas at a time, so there is no point giving your interviewers 10 different ideas in the same answer. It will only confuse them. Stick to 3 or 4 points maximum. If you feel that you need to use more points to say what you want to say then your answer needs to be structured differently.

 

4 – Illustrate each point with examples from your experience

 

Making broad statements not only makes you sound vague, and at worst arrogant, it also makes it difficult for interviewers to differentiate you from other candidates. It is therefore crucial that you back up all the claims you make with examples drawn from your personal experience so that that there is no doubt in anyone’s mind about your abilities.

 

5 – Signpost each point clearly – Make your points clear

 

Once you have a structure in mind, make sure that it clearly shows in your answer and that the message that you are trying to convey is clearly announced clearly within each section that makes up your answer.

 

6 – Use power words

 

Selling yourself is not just about stating your message clearly and describing your experience. It is also about sounding confident, mature and, generally speaking, in control. Most people tend to understate their experience. In order to appear more confident, you will need to adopt a vocabulary which may be slightly different to that which you are accustomed to on a day-to-day basis, and which will sell yourself in an active and enthusiastic manner.

 

For example, Consider this sentence: “After a few attempts, I was able to reach a compromise with my colleagues” . On the surface, it sounds like a good thing to say. However, “After a few attempts” and “I was able to” sound weak. They make is sound as if the candidate didn’t try that hard or is not particularly proud of his/her achievement. The sentence could have a much stronger impact if it were reworded as follows: “Following several discussions where I encouraged my colleagues to review their position, I was successful in helping the team reach a compromise”. In this revised sentence, the words “encouraged” and “successful” present a much more proactive candidate and make a big difference in the manner in which the answer is being received by the listener.

 

7 – Talk about yourself rather than everyone else

 

Candidates who feel uncomfortable at interviews usually compensate by talking about everything else but themselves. They talk repeatedly about “we”, “the team” and, although it does present a good team playing attitude, it fails to tick the boxes when it comes to personal skills and competencies.

 

In your interview, it is perfectly fine to introduce some collective actions and say sentences such as “As a team, we were charged with conducting an audit on waiting time in A&E”, but only as an introduction to the rest of the answer, which should remain focussed on you and no one else.

 

8 – Bring objectivity into your answers

 

If you feel awkward talking about yourself or you don’t want to appear to be boasting, one good way to counter this problem is to bring objectivity into your answers. This can be achieved firstly by bringing examples from your experience into your answers but also by discussing the feedback that you have received, either informally or through 360-degree appraisal forms.

 

9- Avoid vague statements

 

Keep to statements that provide real information. Avoid vague statements such as “I went into paediatrics because I like it” unless you can back up your statement. What really matters is why you find it interesting or why you like it.

 

10 – Don’t bore them with spurious detail

 

Avoid going into too much detail when giving examples unless they have asked you to describe a specific example in the question. If you provide too much intricate detail, you will make your answer very long and you will create confusion by concentrating on one issue whilst the question may be much broader.

 

11 – Stay positive

 

Whether I coach people who are applying for ST, Consultant, Clinical / Medical Director posts or even higher up, many candidates incriminate themselves by delivering answers with a negative undertone right from the start. I have lost count of the number of people who start their answers to the question “What is your research experience?” by saying “Well, I haven’t done much research”; or those who describe their communication skills as “above average” i.e. nothing special. To make an impact, you must sell what you have rather than what you don’t have. If you don’t show that you believe in yourself then no one will.

Being unprepared for a job interview can be a terrifying experience. Most people think they are well prepared but in reality they have only reviewed some general employer interview questions they think they’ll be asked, but during the interview, when asked different ones, their palms start to sweat and they feel their heart pounding faster. But you don’t have to go into an interview feeling this way! We’ll give you some tips to answer employer interview questions and help you feel relaxed and confident during the interview process. Employer Interview Questions – Tips for Introduction and Initial Preparation: Preparation is very important. It is key to do your research and know how to best represent yourself during your interview, doing so will help you look more professional. Employer Interview Questions – Tips About Interview Questions and Practice: You can never be sure what kind of questions your interviewer will ask you. These questions may include some about what you plan to you in your future, what are your weaknesses, what have you heard about their company, what happened in your last job, why are you searching for a job, or just about anything else you can think of. You have to come into the interview knowing exactly what you need to know! Employer Interview Questions – Interview Day: Your Time Has Come to Shine!: You have to go into the interview well organized, prepared, and confident. Be positive and smile. It’s important to completely understand how to act in and out of the interview room and make sure you have questions to ask! Again, you’ll look more professional doing so. Employer Interview Questions – Post Interview Tactics: Giving a compassionate thank you to your interviewer is a very important part of the post interview. Always let your interviewer know you are still interested in the position. After all is said and done you can negotiate, continue your mission, and hopefully get the good news “You’re Hired!”. It’s an embarrasing situation going to an interview unprepared, but by following these tips you can avoid this embarrassment…

The need for employment is a fundamental requirement of every individual. The difference in this requirement is that there are those who know what they are doing during the hiring process and those who are just winging it. For those who are unprepared finding the ideal position for them is typically lost to an individual who may not be better skilled at the job but knows how to master the opportunities in the job hiring process. Hired on how they will adapt into the company instead of on their incredible experiences or education is often why an individual is hired. Before endeavoring the job interview process, it is imperative when you are accepted to join the job interview process that you learn the tips and lessons of others experiences.

The first key to the job interview process it to prepare for an interview. There are numerous steps that should be taken in job interview preparation; unfortunately many people reduce this preparation to business dress and a fresh copy of a resume. When conducting job interview preparation remember to take into account the perspective of the interviewer. Calling you in for a job interview makes it certain that they are aware of your abilities.

This phase of the hiring process often allows the interviewer to see how you will fit into their company. A broad review and knowledgeable understanding about the company is essential for a victorious interview for this reason. Establish for yourself how you would be a benefit for their company so that you can express that clearly at the time of the job interview.

Next, it is clear that you establish your skill strengths during a job interview. Any individual that take part in a job interview will be asked the age old question of defining your weaknesses and strengths. Knowing that this question will arise presents you an opportunity during the job interview process to have a clear and detailed answer to a very serious question. When you identify the strengths that you have in a job interview remember to only focus on the few that are relevant to the job that you are applying for. Identifying a strength that has no impact on the position you are applying for will only lead the interviewer to the conclusion that this is not a position for you.

History has shown that termination from a job often reflects poorly on an individual’s ability to be employed. The recent economic crunch has resulted in an acceptance of terminated individuals since there are so many factors currently that can result in termination.

When asked to explain a termination be forthright about the experience. Just as importantly display the event as an opportunity for growth and bear no ill will towards the previous employer. A termination is no longer a negative aspect of a job interview when you can place a pleasant tone to the situation.

1) Have a Personal Branding Statement

The first question most employers will ask you during an interview is “Tell me about yourself.” The way you answer this question will set the mood for the rest of the interview. That is why you develop a personal branding statement. Explain where you are from, your passions, what strengths you as a person bring to this position and what benefits your previous employer(s) have gained because of your employment.  The Personal Branding Statement should be about one minute long.

Personal Branding Statement Example:

“I am a seasoned marketing expert in property retail management, strong in driving traffic to mall retail centers through effective media buying and event planning. I grew up in Philadelphia and I have a passion for continuous learning.”

You should do this for three reasons:

1. It demonstrates that you are comfortable with yourself. This places both you and the interviewer at ease.

2. It will help you begin to control the interview.

3. A well-delivered Personal Branding Statement will increase the interviewer’s interest in to you.

Be careful not to show off – simply tell a story about yourself.

2) Keep a Positive Attitude

“I can get this job!”

The key to a great interview is keeping a positive attitude. The interview is about you. This is a major advantage for you. You are the one that shows the interviewer what is great about you. Keep in mind, your resume got you the interview, it’s the interview that will get you hired.

Be prepared for tricky questions and unexpected happenings, such as setbacks. Don’t let these affect your positive attitude.

3) Dress for Success

There is a saying that clothes make the man (or woman) and it is certainly true. You only get one chance make a first impression, and if you want to compete with the rest of you need to dress to impress.

4) Follow Up with a Thank You Letter

After you conduct your successful interview,it is important to follow it up with a thank you note. This is the time acknowledge the interviewer’s time and to remind him or her why you are the best person for the position. You are only remembered if you show the interviewer that you can create value for the company. You should try to write a thank you as soon as the interview is over. You can personally write it and mail a note to the interviewer or email them.

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The best way to make sure everything goes smoothly at your interview is to be prepared. This page should give you a helping hand to get ready for your interview.

DressFirst impressions count. As much as many of us would like to believe that we are unaffected by appearance this is not true for the majority. You should always dress appropriately and smartly for an interview, paying attention to your appearance to create the best impression.

ResearchBe prepared. Try to get as much information before the interview, on the job, company, and even the people who will be interviewing you. Corporate information is often readily available through the Internet, either on the company’s own site. If the technology approach fails, you can always phone the company directly and request a copy of their corporate and sales literature.

PunctualityTurning up late creates a bad impression before you even start the interview. You should plan to arrive with enough time to prepare yourself. Familiarize yourself with the journey beforehand, and if you need to find out how long it will take you to get to your interview you can always do a practice run.

Ask QuestionsYou should always have some questions prepared to ask your interviewer, not only to show that you have a genuine interest in the company and job, but also to help you evaluate them. Does the company culture suit you, are there enough career progression opportunities, will you be given sufficient training, or allowed enough independence?

What Should I Bring? Always bring spare copies of your resume with you in case the interviewer doesn’t have the latest version. This will demonstrate to your prospective employer that you are both professional and organized. You should also bring a pad of paper and a pen (you may need to complete a test or application form), a portfolio or examples of your work, and for some positions, a calculator.

Where did I go Wrong?If you do fail to get the job, it is worthwhile phoning up and asking for a few pointers as to where you went wrong, and what skills you may need to develop to succeed next time.

Here are some great tips for your job-interview:

- Stress your achievements for each job listed in your resume.- Always conduct yourself professionally (no slang language).- Show enthusiasm with in replies and body language.- Do not answer questions with simply “Yes” or “No” be elaborative.- Do not show any negativity towards your past or present employer.- Do not raise salary discussions on your first interview – this is usually done on the second interview.

 

Frequently Asked Job Interview Questions

If you haven’t been to many interviews before, it may be worthwhile preparing answers to some of the following frequently asked questions:

With all the hustle and bustle of the newest and latest job interview tips and secrets springing up every day (especially online), people can forget that sometimes, simpler is better. These concepts might be said and done, but these are the real essentials to acing any interview, ideals that are universally effective.

Mastering each one of these seven old school tips should provide all the job interview help you’ll need in order to seal the deal and get any job you desire (provided you’re qualified):

Start things off as positive as you can. You should arrive at the interview with a cheerful and pleasant demeanor. Exuding a positive aura ensures a friendly start and sets up the foundation of a good interview.

The first question will be an inquiry of who you are. This is the interviewer’s way of asking you to reveal your strengths, weaknesses, intentions for joining the company, expectations, limitations, etc. All in all, it’s a way for you to take charge of the job interview and steer it towards your favor.

Everyone appreciates sincerity, and the interviewer is no exemption. By answering truthfully any question that comes your way, you’re showing that you’re dependable and open to objective and constructive criticism –good qualities to work with should you be chosen for the job.

Good communication skills equal instant marketability. Listen intently, think hard & quick, and speak plainly and honestly. Don’t waste the interviewer’s time with too many side-dishes and segues. The key here is to just answer questions as simple as you can. The more the interviewer understands you, the more they relate to you, and the more they’re likely to take you on. Job interview preparation means good and honest communication.

Be aware of your non-verbal cues. Your body language reveals a lot about your intentions and the emotions you’re currently feeling. Be careful not to look weak by biting your nails, or disinterested by slouching lazily. Try to appear confident and sure of yourself with a straight posture and consistent eye contact. Use your gestures to express yourself more vividly; use your mannerisms to subtly convey positive attitudes. Where words fail to bring meaning, the body provides.

Dress the part. Perhaps the simplest yet most neglected piece of advice in handling an interview is looking the part. A good roster of job interview skills works best if packaged appropriately. Suit up if you need to; you don’t want to be the only person there not wearing a suit. Or maybe it’s a good idea to dress down. Call ahead, ask if there’s a dress code, and stick to it.

What’s your unique selling point? Of the dozens of other individuals applying for the same job as you, you need some way to be remembered. Your qualifications might be enough to get you an interview, but that’s just half of it. You need some way to distinguish yourself from the pack.

While more eccentric methods have worked for some, a simpler way to be remembered is sending a job interview thank you letter after the interview is done. Not only will this show professionalism, but it’ll keep your name in their heads for a longer time.

Facing an interview is a really tough task. Facing interview is becoming tough as the world economy is going down. There are extremely low job opportunities offered in the market. Therefore, you must make sure that you are exploiting your maximum skills and expertise while facing the interview. It is also crucial to know some of the significant tips that will aid you to make your interview simple and easier.

Understanding some crucial tips can help you drastically in facing the interview. You have to look decent, smart, and confident as well as poised while you attend an interview. The impression you give about yourself to your interviewer must be good. Focus on showcasing your talents and credentials that can be utilized by the company. You must give the interviewer a feeling that you are the correct person for the job.  Be sure of yourself and about the things that you can offer to the organization, you are planning to join. The educational qualifications, talents and work experience can be mentioned in the interview. Be ready with the usual answers for the questions that the interviewer will ask you. You must know the replies to some of the usual interview questions like, what will you contribute to the organization once you are appointed and what you know about the organization etc.

It is also significant to display a positive attitude during the interview procedure. This means you have to provide positive responses to the negative-based queries that are asked by the interviewer. You should also remember that you are not giving any type of negative criticisms about the previous company. No matter if you are making any mistake, just keep going. This is the main problem that many individuals will make during their job interview. Proceeding even after you commit a mistake will impress your interviewer. This display that you are positive and most of the companies are searching for optimistic candidates.

Being truthful and tactful will provide a positive sign to the interviewer. Honesty and tact are the signs of good breeding and professionalism. Try answering all the questions sincerely. Most of the interviewers are experienced and trained when it comes to assessing the personality of the people. A good interviewer will understand when you are telling him/her a lie. This will certainly affect your chances.

Body language and the expression are also very important aspects of an interview. Always have eye contact with the recruiter you are talking with. Remember that the eyes are most powerful parts of our body. Most of the recruiters and the executives will take notice of body language of the potential employees and this will also include the posture, mannerisms and the eye contact. Maintain an eye contact and a normal smile during the opening part and also when you leave the room after the interview.  This can show the honesty and friendliness. You can also find a lot of job interview techniques and tips on the web.

Nowadays, looking and earning a permanent job can be a very daunting task. For you to be recruited you have to be scrutinized from head to toe and you must have the best of the best credentials. Abilities and experience are the two requirements for you to get a job and these two must always be at the top of the line. However, having the abilities is not the only thing required, but also for you to pass the interview. During the part of the job interview, many people fail to cope with the appropriate answers. Here are a few tips that would help you in interviews:

Research well

Gather as much data as you can about the company in which you want to work – that is crucial. A company which is looking for employees would always test your knowledge about them and for what reasons you would like to work there. The tricky job interview questions like these are often answerable with proper research about the upbringing goals and the past deeds of the company. Be sure to have enough knowledge on the position you aspire such as its qualifications, work expectations and the likes. Check the internet if you have to. Search the company in the web and its strengths and weaknesses.

Hone your skills

It may be cliché, but practice really makes perfect. It is applicable even to interviews. It can be very advantageous to have practice before the interview. One way of doing so is through videotaping yourself, asking a friend, recording your voice or looking at the mirror while you answer questions that you expect in the interview. Watching, reading or listening to a sample job interview can also be helpful. Through practicing, you hone your job interview skills and increase the rate for you to get hired.

Prepare properly

Always make sure to have a job interview preparation before you go through any interview. Remember that a job interview is formal thus; you are expected to look as decent and formal as much as possible. Avoid being overdressed. Reach the venue before 15 minutes as punctuality is a must. Know the place to gain advantage. Know the name and position of the interviewer and address him properly. Reproduce your resume and references because you can never be sure if the interviewer looks for another copy.

Observe proper behavior

Be formal not just in the way you dress, but also in the way you act. Bear in mind that mannerisms are minus points in the interview such as nail biting, scratching the head and stroking the hair. Make sure to sit straight but not stiffly. Speak each word with wisdom and confidence. Recheck your details before saying them if they are true and correct. Make your responses detailed and not stereotypical. But, do not overact your statements.

Be cool and calm

Be cool in the interview, no matter how hot the issue may get. Once a tricky question is thrown at you, ponder about it with poise. Ask the interviewer to repeat the question politely if you need it to be said again. Always keep your answers concise and direct to the point as it would mean a turn-off if you do not do so. Keep a hold on yourself even if the topic becomes aggressing. Always be calm during the job interview.

As part of  the process of writing your resume, you thoroughly researched the company and the job description.  Review your notes on this research and you will have some basic company information freshly planted in your memory bank.  Be familiar with the company services, products and needs.  Be prepared to tell the interviewer how you can successfully meet those needs.  In general, during the interview:

                    Keep your answers brief                    Be sure your responses are honest                    Never bad mouth a former boss (you may be talking to a sister, uncle)

As part of preparation, it will be helpful to get a good book with typical, and not so typical, interview questions.  This is an excellent investment in your job search.  Write down your responses to a mix of these questions and then rehearse with someone you trust.  First, role play as the applicant and repeat the process as the interviewer.  Time your answers to be sure each answer is about two to three minutes long.  You should also be prepared to ask questions when the interviewer gives you that opening.  Again, if you have prepared and rehearsed, you can quickly and confidently pose good questions. 

Depending on the interviewer, you may only be asked very straightforward questions but without preparation and rehearsal, even direct questions can be daunting.  A few of the most common questions and example answers:

1)  Tell me about yourself.  Provide a concise answer that targets the job position.  This is not the time to provide your personal autobiography.  This is your opportunity to briefly cite some experience, skills and/or education relevant to the open position.

Example answer:  My past experience (or education) in_________has prepared me for your position. 

2)  What are your weaknesses?One of the best ways to respond is to describe a former area of weakness and explain how you have made improvement.

Example answer:  There was a time when I had a problem delegating some of the work load to others.  I now understand that it is more effective to use the strengths of everyone on the team.  The results are faster and it builds team spirit.

3)  Why should I hire you?This is your time to sell yourself.  Speak with confidence, make eye contact and point out your very best assets.

Example answer:  I’m sure there may be other applicants that have the ability to do the job.  But, along with ability, I am motivated to provide excellence.  In every position I’ve held, my personal drive for excellence has resulted in achievement.  I have the qualities you are looking for in an employee.

Each question should be viewed as an opportunity to sell your product – you.  Remember that when you discuss your accomplishments, you are providing facts.  Short honest answers are important.

Most interviewers will give you the opportunity to ask questions.  Be prepared with a few intelligent questions.

 It is unwise to simply say you have no questions.  Here are a few ideas:

1)  What will be my biggest challenge if I’m hired?2)  What do you expect me to accomplish if I’m hired?3)  What advancement opportunities can I expect?4)  When can I expect to hear back with your decision?

Get a good book and you’ll find other great questions to ask the interviewer.

There may be things you want to know, but the interview may not be the appropriate time to ask.  The following questions may give you a laugh, but keep in mind that these are VERY BAD questions.

Some examples of VERY BAD questions:

1)  What are your psychiatric benefits?2)  Would anyone notice if I came in late and left early?3)  What is the zodiac sign of my immediate supervisor?4)  How am I doing?5)  Are you going to hire me?

Believe it or not, these questions and others equally bad or worse have actually been asked in interviews. 

Intelligent questions will keep the spotlight shining on you and, hopefully, help you “seal the deal”.  Bad questions in an interview will guarantee your spot in the unemployment line.  Again, preparation and rehearsal are big keys to success.

After the interview, be sure you send a brief thank you note. 

 

This article is going to be very different from all the usual articles on job interviews in that I am not going to go into the specifics about what questions you may be asked or what kind of answers you will give, instead I am going to talk about ‘that first impression’ and how you can get the interviewer to fall in love with you from the moment you walk in the door.
You may have all heard the phrase ‘be yourself’ well the job interview is one place when this is not helpful! Instead I am going to explain to you how you become the person that the interviewer must have working for the company!
The techniques I am about to share with you are extremely powerful and can be used in all walks of life (especially dating!) and not just for job interviews.
They come from a science called NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) and are the basic techniques used by some of the world’s greatest influencers such as Tony Robbins, Al Gore etc.
Have you ever had that feeling when you are on a roll and nothing can go wrong? Well that’s the feeling you need to have when you enter the room for your interview.
To elicit that state you first need to remember a time when that happened to you, maybe it was a sport you where playing when you could do no wrong and won easily or a meeting you had where everything fell exactly in place just like you wanted it to!
On the flip side you may have had days were nothing has gone right for you, everything you did was a complete disaster. So what’s the difference between having a great day and one that’s terrible? The difference is the neurological state that you were in.
Now I need you to access that state you were in when you were at the top of your game, to do this you need to go back in your mind to the time when you felt absolutely awesome, undefeatable, on top of the world!
What we are going to do is make a ‘personal’ video production of those events in your mind so that whenever you want you can replay your video and feel as great now as you did then.
So take that image of a time you felt awesome and visualize it, what does it look like to you? Try changing the picture in your mind, make it brighter add more colour keep playing with that picture until you get the best representation of the event you possible can.
Next I want you to listen to the sounds that you heard at the event, maybe someone was praising you or a crowd was cheering, whatever it was play with the sounds like the volume, tempo, uniqueness etc until you get the best possible sound ‘quality’ for your production.
Now I want you to physically feel what was going on at the time, were you stood ramrod straight, had a big smile on your face? If you are doing this now along with reading this then I bet you can already feel a difference in the way you feel?
I want you to play this ‘personal’ video every time you need to be in a state of resourcefulness, if you walk into a room feeling like that then unconsciously everybody around you will feel the aura that you have and immediately perceive you to be a winner.
In the second part of this series I am going to give you some tips on how to create immediate rapport with everybody you come into contact with.
Good Job Hunting.