What way do you talk in a job interview ?

Video

I've had a few interviews the last few months and have failed to get the jobs each time . I have years of experience in most roles i apply for and feel i did well in at least a few interviews.

I prepare for them by trying to predict what i could be asked and writing my sample answers then rehearsing before the interview. I generally list what i'm good at and try to provide examples.

I'm wondering if people who have successfully got a job after a recent interview could give advice on their approach and the type of answers you gave during your interview.

The last one i had was the closest i've come but still didn't get the job and really need one.

skallywag

Perhaps you are coming over as a bit over rehearsed? Assuming that you have the base skills to do the job, then most interviewers will really be impressed by someone who they find to be genuine, and not just singing from a hymn sheet. Try to be as relaxed as you can, and open and honest about things. A lot of interview candidates make the mistake in thinking that the interviewer just wants to hear all about how they are great in x, y and z. However do not be afraid to go into details on things which did not go so well, in particular if you can place emphasis on things you learned from that which improved your performance in the future etc.

djcubedmofo

As someone who has rarely had a poor interview and as someone who has interviewed people, it's not what you say, it's how you say it.

Smile, smile and make sure your eyes are smiling. Eye contact and move eye contact to each member of the interviewing committee. Be succinct, don't yammer on and on.

I always try to assume a confident at home demeanor, like you belong there.

That's my two cents worth*.

*If you want more, it's a fiver a session! lol

GalwayGrrrrrl

If the questions are competency based “give an example of a time when you showed..... skill” always give your answer using STAR
Situation
Task
Action
Result

and then state how that example relates to the job you are applying for.
Google STAR method for examples.

Video

I may have jumped the gun on this , got an offer a few hours after this post and im employed again , thankfully ! i appreciate the tips and hopefully others will take something from this thread.

MarkR

Congratulations.

BraveDonut

In a lot of cases if you have the required skills and experience, the person may be trying to determine if you would be good for 'team fit'. Trying to figure out if they could work with this person every day.
So, try to be human and personable.

Also, always ask questions - even if you already know the answer - it shows an interest in the role/company and getting the interviewer talking uses up a lot of the allotted time of the interview.

Beechwoodspark

It depends on the company/role in my experience

I’ve had extremely casual informal “chats” with senior owners of businesses (I mean millionaires) and been offered jobs

And I’ve had very formal structured unnatural interviews with “middle managers” - I prefer the first option

Jim2007

BraveDonut wrote: »

In a lot of cases if you have the required skills and experience, the person may be trying to determine if you would be good for 'team fit'. Trying to figure out if they could work with this person every day.
So, try to be human and personable.

This is a very big part of it, employers will often go with a candidate that might not have all the skills, as they can be picked up along the way, but if they feel the person will not fit in with the team it will not happen.