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Network Charity Recruitment's guide to interviewing

Preparation, preparation, preparation!

It might seem obvious to us, but some people don't do even basic research prior to attending an interview. Obvious starting points are to use the internet. You could also ask the organisation's marketing department to send you information.

Most organisations will have useful websites - interviewers will expect you to have researched it.

Rehearse if you can!

Interview practice can help calm nerves and increase focus. Ask family or friends to do a mock interview with you. Demand honest feedback! Before the interview, make sure you are fed, watered and relaxed. (Though it might be best to avoid the garlic sausage!) Dress comfortably and appropriately (this is not the time for new shoes or that unique Vivien Westwood outfit!)

Body language

What you say only counts for 7% of your credibility. Non-verbal cues, such as the tone of your voice, count for 38%. But visual cues, (facial expressions, gestures, pupil dilation etc), can make up to 55% of your credibility rating.

Whilst most of us can control what we say, it is harder to control our body language. It's reckoned that we each have a 'vocabulary' of over 100,000 non-verbal and visual cues, but we can only control 150-200 of them, and then only for about 20% of the time.

When you prepare for an interview it's important not just to practise what you have to say, but how you say it. The best way to see how you appear to others is to practise in front of a mirror. The more prepared you are, the more relaxed and confident you'll feel - and appear.

When it comes to the interview itself, adopt an open posture. Sit up comfortably and lean slightly forwards so you look alert and attentive. Breathe slowly. Make sure your clothes aren't too tight. It won't give a good impression if you make a gesture and your jacket buttons fly off! Just remember the mnemonic 'ROLE', which stands for relaxed, open, leaning and eye contact.

Don't lie or exaggerate in an interview. Be yourself. If you say what you mean and mean what you say your verbal and non-verbal communication will match. Any interviewer worth his salt is interested in who you really are.

Questions to ask

Before you pick and choose from the following top 10, be sure to consider the culture of the organisation you are hoping to join and the nature of the person doing the selecting. Be careful to adopt the right tone and to convey a positive attitude:

  1. "What are the most enjoyable and the least enjoyable aspects of the role?" This can show that you like to know what sort of challenge you are going to face and that you like to get properly prepared for it, all in the expectation of being able to rise to it.
  2. "You mentioned there will be a lot of presenting/researching/liaising; what do your most successful people find most satisfying about this part of the role?" This question can serve two purposes. It can demonstrate your listening skills. Also, it can associate you with being successful in the role and finding it satisfying.
  3. "What types of training opportunities can you offer?" This is one of the classic questions as it can highlight that you are keen to advance your skills and add further value to a company.
  4. "Is there a chance for promotion in the future?" This is another classic question, and in a similar vein. It can emphasise a determination to make progress and to do so over the long term.
  5. "Can you please tell me how the role relates to the overall structure of the organisation?" With this question you are drawing attention to a preference for teamwork. It looks as though you want to know where you would fit in and how your contribution would affect the rest of the company.
  6. "How would you describe the work culture here?" Here you are signalling that you want to be able to operate at your optimum and understand that for this you require a positive environment. In turn, this can indicate you are a good self-manager who is aware of how to get the best out of yourself.
  7. "In what way is performance measured and reviewed?" This question can flag up that you appreciate the importance of delivering real results. You can be seen to be someone who understands the value of commitment, reliability and returns.
  8. "What are the most important issues that you think your organisation will face?" or "You have recently introduced a new product/service/division/project; how will this benefit the organisation?" These variations both show that you are interested not just in the job but in the employer behind it. It will be apparent you have done some research, done some thinking, and are now eager to hear their analysis.
  9. "May I tell you a little more about my particular interest in communicating with clients/developing new ideas/implementing better systems..." Okay, so this is a cheeky and obvious way of getting permission to blow your own trumpet but then that's what this interview is all about.
  10. "Do you have any doubts about whether I am suited to this position?" This is a rather more brazen way of emphasising some of your strengths. It suggests you are open to constructive criticism and willing to learn from the experience of others. In addition, it gives you a real chance to address any weaknesses the interviewee may think you have. Finally, it allows you to finish on a high, re-stating why you think you are the right person.

If you want the job tell them!

At the end of the interview, if you have been impressed with the organisation and really want to work for them, please let them know!

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