On the Job

Take documents, reports, work samples, letters of recommendations along with you to interviews. Dropping a portfolio that includes examples of these items with your interviewers again helps your case.

In addition, this information will outlast the interviews, meaning that you will get a chance to leave them with some positive ideas about yourself as well as some quality items that proves the claims in your resume. Watch out, however. Many people put together such collections in a hurry or for a particular job, and fail to update them for the next job opportunity. It may not be a big deal if the employer sees that you are applying for other jobs, but this oversight may bring your attention to detail and focus into question.

Answers

If being interviewed by more than one person, the group probably will be watching you as your respond to questions.

Be conscious of body language and focus. For example, always maintain eye contact with the person you are speaking with, but don’t ignore the others. If one interviewer is taking the lead in asking questions, make sure your direct some of the answers and attention to the others.

Despite the typical pressure that comes with any interview, try to respond accurately to questions. If you don’t fully understand a particular question, feel free to ask the person to repeat or rephrase it.

Giving a vague answer to avoid asking for a clarification may give interviewers an impression you are simply manoeuvring or avoiding a straight answer — both don’t make a positive indicator of how you handle pressure.

Find a balance

There is always a fine line to walk in terms of presenting yourself as interested but not desperate. In all cases, err on the more interested side.

Many people who try to negotiate hard or to claim to have many other options end up excluding themselves from the process altogether.

Although you should not be begging for the job, giving the employer good reasons for why you want this job is a statement of confidence not only in your skills but in that you’re the right fit for this position.