Key strategies for a successful job interview

Interviews are without a doubt high on the scale of one of the most stressful times, nevertheless as stressed as you might be you will have to appear confident and competent and present yourself in the best possible way if you are to succeed and come out a winner. There is not much can be done if you are anxious and stressed other than trying to remain calm or at least project calmness and control, here are some key strategies and tips to help you remain in control:

Your resume was a success

When you are preparing to walk through the door to come face to face with the interviewer remind yourself that your resume was a success and that because of this you are here right now.

Appear confident and relaxed

However you might feel inside try to project a sense of calm and self-confidence as you walk through the door to greet the interviewer, walk with your head up making eye-to-eye contact with the interviewer and shake their hand with a firm handshake. Maintain eye contact as the interview proceeds and answer with firm decisive answers which show you in the best light possible and which focus on your achievements and skills which relate to the position.

Turn negative into positive

Sometimes a spanner can be thrown in the works if the interviewer asks you something which you have no knowledge about, this could occur for instance if the interviewer asks about any experience you have using a specific piece of software. When this happens remain calm and try to turn this negative aspect into a more positive one, you could do this by explaining that you are more experienced in a different type of software which is of similar nature and that you pick up things very quickly and would have no problem changing software.

Highlight your major accomplishments

If you are asked about accomplishments in a specific area then start with your biggest accomplishments in that area first and if need be then go onto relating smaller ones. By getting the biggest out there first you will make sure the employer hears them in case time runs out or the interviewer moves onto another question.

Don’t be afraid to speak up to get a point out

If the interview is closing and suddenly you realise that you forgot to mention an important point which is relevant,then don’t be afraid to open your mouth and say something, you could simply say as you are shaking hands “before we part I would just like to mention that.” and proceed to get your point across.