complaining about a previous employer or putting yourself down by going into detail on your “greatest weakness”. If you are asked to describe a weakness, choose something which you don’t have a lot of experience in, but which is not crucial for the job, for example, you might say that you need to brush up your skills in a particular computMany people are extremely anxious before a job interview. However, if you prepare your answers and technique in advance, they can be a lot less stressful. Here are some tips to make interviews a more pleasant experience.

Any job interview is a 2 way process, with both parties assessing the other to see if there is a good match. However, although you will be given the opportunity to ask questions towards the end of the interview, the employer should do most of the questioning up to that point. You should only ask questions to clarify whatever has been asked.

The interview is likely to begin with a question to put you at ease and will be followed by questions to cover precise tasks, problems and developments related to the job. You will also be asked about your work history and possibly your education. Be sure that you have a good explanation for any unusual moves or gaps.

When answering questions it’s advisable to be brief and to the point – it’s easy to ramble on when you are nervous, but if you prepare short answers to common questions in advance, you should be fine. If the interviewer wants more information on a specific point, he’ll ask.

You should always focus on the positive aspects of your work experience and student days. Employers may ask questions which seem to invite negativity, but don’t fall into the trap of complaining about a previous employer or putting yourself down by going into detail on your “greatest weakness”. If you are asked to describe a weakness, choose something which you don’t have a lot of experience in, but which is not crucial for the job, for example, you might say that you need to brush up your skills in a particular compute

er, although you will be given the opportunity to ask questions towards the end of the interview, the employer should do most of the questioning up to that point. You should only ask questions to clarify whatever has been asked.

The interview is likely to begin with a question to put you at ease and will be followed by questions to cover precise tasks, problems and developments related to the job. You will also be asked about your work history and possibly your education. Be sure that you have a good explanation for any unusual moves or gaps.

When answering questions it’s advisable to be brief and to the point – it’s easy to ramble on when you are nervous, but if you prepare short answers to common questions in advance, you should be fine. If the interviewer wants more information on a specific point, he’ll ask.

You should always focus on the positive aspects of your work experience and student days. Employers may ask questions which seem to invite negativity, but don’t fall into the trap of complaining about a previous employer or putting yourself down by going into detail on your “greatest weakness”. If you are asked to describe a weakness, choose something which you don’t have a lot of experience in, but which is not crucial for the job, for example, you might say that you need to brush up your skills in a particular comput

ver precise tasks, problems and developments related to the job. You will also be asked about your work history and possibly your education. Be sure that you have a good explanation for any unusual moves or gaps.

When answering questions it’s advisable to be brief and to the point – it’s easy to ramble on when you are nervous, but if you prepare short answers to common questions in advance, you should be fine. If the interviewer wants more information on a specific point, he’ll ask.

You should always focus on the positive aspects of your work experience and student days. Employers may ask questions which seem to invite negativity, but don’t fall into the trap of complaining about a previous employer or putting yourself down by going into detail on your “greatest weakness”. If you are asked to describe a weakness, choose something which you don’t have a lot of experience in, but which is not crucial for the job, for example, you might say that you need to brush up your skills in a particular comput

you prepare short answers to common questions in advance, you should be fine. If the interviewer wants more information on a specific point, he’ll ask.

You should always focus on the positive aspects of your work experience and student days. Employers may ask questions which seem to invite negativity, but don’t fall into the trap of complaining about a previous employer or putting yourself down by going into detail on your “greatest weakness”. If you are asked to describe a weakness, choose something which you don’t have a lot of experience in, but which is not crucial for the job, for example, you might say that you need to brush up your skills in a particular comput

complaining about a previous employer or putting yourself down by going into detail on your “greatest weakness”. If you are asked to describe a weakness, choose something which you don’t have a lot of experience in, but which is not crucial for the job, for example, you might say that you need to brush up your skills in a particular computer program - one which is insignificant in the job you’re applying for.

Remember that the purpose of the interview is to determine whether or not you are the best candidate for the job .Your answers should therefore reflect your ability and experience and should be designed to give you the edge over the competition. This is not easy if you are not well prepared. So make sure you have done your research and are familiar with as many aspects of the company and the job as possible.

When it is your turn to ask questions, don’t ask about salary, holidays or other perks. Although everyone knows that most applicants are attracted by a bigger wage packet, discussing it at interview gives a very bad impression. If you are offered the job you will be able to negotiate pay before accepting.

Positive questions to ask at the end of the interview would be about training opportunities available, or about future development of a specific product or project.

Interviews can be nerve-wracking but with careful preparation you should find they get easier.

© Waller Jamison 2007