Established, since 1997, leading UK based training provider.
Celebrating 25 years in business! CPD Member - The CPD Certification Service ilm Recognised Provider

Return to Work Job Interview Skills

Return to work job interview skills

Return to work job interview skills

People often say: "You shouldn't judge others" and "You can't judge a book by its cover"

But the truth is the just the opposite. You must judge others (ie you must judge whether to do business with them or not).

They must judge you (they must judge whether to hire you or not).
The only means they have to make such a judgement is by the evidence of their senses.

They will judge you based upon the evidence of three things:

  • Everything they see you do.
  • Everything they hear you say.
  • How all that makes them feel.

It is your job to manage your communication so that the interviewer:

  • Sees you at your best.
  • Hears you at your best.
  • Feel a sense of confidence in you.

During a job interview, the panel of judges will make a decision about your future

The judging panel are interested in you only to the degree that you can demonstrate evidence that you will add value to their organisation.

  • They won't give you the job simply because you really need it.
  • They won't give you the job simply because you really want it.
  • They won't give you the job simply because you are highly qualified to do it.

Why not?
Because Llke everyone else, the judging panel are mostly "self-interested individuals".
They are looking to hire those people who are likely to add value to their situation.

Your number one task is to give them sufficient evidence to believe you are the person who will add value and simultaneously show that you won't be the cause of any trouble, cost or misfortune.

We all share the same tools of communication
We all communicate through: words, voice tone and body language and through our attitudes.

Words...

Obviously you use words to communicate, But

  • Which words do you use?
  • How well do you use language?
  • Are you able to express your meaning or not?

During interview situations some people let themselves down by using the wrong words

Examples

  • They swear in situations when they should not swear.
  • They run down their previous employer, to their prospective employer.
  • They talk for too long about the bad luck and upsets that they have had to suffer.
  • They even embroider the truth or tell lies in order to make their past look more impressive.

Reverse these trends:

  1. 1. Don't use profane or slang language whilst in an interview situations.
    You can never know whose sensibilities you are offending.
    Why risk it?
  2. Never run down or denigrate your previous employer:
    When you do that, you demonstrate your willingness to run down your employer, which is something that your prospective employer will not value in you.
  3. Don't talk for too long about the bad luck and upsets that you have had to suffer
    If you do, you advertise the fact that you go sick or that you may be "unlucky" these are not attractive for any future employer.
  4. Don't tell lies
    I learned from a business leader that if he sees any sign of fabrication in an application he immediately eliminates the candidate:
    "From the very start, fabrication of any element of an application shows the candidate to be untrustworthy".

Never embroider the truth or tell lies in order to make their past look more impressive.

Your mission

Your mission is to orchestrate your performance so as to leave the best possible impression in the minds of your listeners:
We call this process: "Impression management".
Learn to talk only about the positives
Make a list of the positive attributes in your personality and character.

This means the things that are over and above your education.
Make a list of your beneficial attributes.
Obviously that means that you should talk about your formal qualifications.

But it means more than that.

Make a list of all your positive character traits:

  • Your enthusiasm
  • Your high degree of honesty
  • Your high degree of team spirit
  • Your ability to learn new skills
  • Your ability to master new technology as it comes onto the market
  • Your willingness to add value to the organisation in any way that you can

Make a list of at least ten attributes that will give the judging panel reason to believe that you are good for the organisation.

Practice talking about your positive attributes, so that you can make a good case for the judges hiring you: even though you may not be the most highly educated person who is applying.

Try to create one illustrative story that will prove each attribute.
This procedure demands that you discover ten true illustrative stories that you can draw upon to prove your suitability and value adding potential.
Make your list so as to be relevant to the needs of the organisation you are trying to impress.

About the Author: Chris Farmer

Chris

Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years’ experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.

Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.

Blogs by Email

Do you want to receive an email whenever we post a new blog? The blogs contain article 5-10 minutes long - ideal for reading during your coffee break!

Further Reading in Personal Development

  • Learn From Your Mistakes
    Criticism is good for you. Don't get upset when you receive negative feedback, instead use the criticism to make adaptive changes. Learn from your failures and you will be on track to succeed.
    Read Article >
  • Develop Your People Management Skills
    In order to manage people you need to use the right approach. You need to develop your people management skills.
    Read Article >
  • Develop Your Mind, Body and Spirit
    Don't wait for random chance to operate in your favour, take action to improve your life for the better.
    Read Article >
  • What Skills Do I Need To Improve?
    Learn from expert trainer Chris Farmer the skills that you need to improve to progress in your professional life. Read advice in our online training blog.
    Read Article >
  • Personal Development: Wise words from Jim Rohn
    Discover the one reason you are not doing very well.
    Read Article >

Looking for Personal Development Training?

If you're looking to develop your Personal Development Skills, you may find this Personal Development Training Course beneficial:

Open Training Course Pricing and Availability

7 - 8 May
Online - Teams
£900 +VAT
12 - 13 May
Birmingham
£900 +VAT
14 - 15 May
Gloucester (M5 J11)
£900 +VAT
Course Full
21 - 22 May
London - Central
£900 +VAT
More dates and locations available
Save £100 on this course

Next Open Course Starts in 23 days, Online - Teams, places available Book Now >