4 Tips to Improve Your Interview Skills
Hi everyone! Today we will be going over some hints and tips to help you better improve your interview skills.
Let's jump right to it!
Tip #1 - Appearance
You would think we wouldn't have to mention appearance since this is the single biggest interview of your life right? Well, we will anyway.. just in case.
Make sure you have a cleaned and pressed suit and tie , your shoes are polished, your hair is groomed and put away the shiny objects.
Do you have a fancy watch? Leave it at home. You want the attention on you and your answers. Not your shiny new gadget.
Tip #2 - Know The Interview Panel
It's very important to know who will be interviewing you. If possible, find out who they are and their rank. If you haven't read the article named "Smart Questions To Ask During Your Station Visits", that would be a great place to find this type of information.
Another important note is to introduce yourself from top rank down to the bottom rank. For example from Fire Chief, Deputy Chief and then HR representative.
Don't sit down until either everyone has already sat down OR you are instructed to have a seat.
Article continues below...
Mock Interview Service
If you don't feel prepared for your interview, we are here to help. Don't just "wing" an interview, the best thing you can do to improve your chances is to be prepared. We record, critique (twice) and save all mock interviews to ensure you are prepared come interview day.
Tip #3 - Be Nervous
This tip might be a little odd but just remember that the interview panel knows that you are nervous. So don't be nervous because you are nervous, it's normal!
When you provide your answers, take a breath and wait 10-15 seconds before you answer the question. It might seem like an hour but at least it will give you time to gather your thoughts and articulate properly.
Tip #4 - Use the Acronyms
There are two acronyms that come to mind when answering questions:
K-I-S-S: Keep It Simple Stupid
S-T-A-R: Situation Task Action Result (More on this in the coming weeks...)
Conclusion...
When it comes to interviews, preparation is key. Make sure you gather all possible tools at your disposal and practice, practice, practice.