The Interview: The Four Ps - Plan, Prepare, Participate and Be Positive.
As
individuals who are looking to find employment the interview proves to
be the most daunting task. But this doesn’t have to be the case using
the four Ps system: Plan, Prepare, Participate and Be Positive. This is
a system that was devised by CV Satisfaction which covers all areas of
the interview from the beginning to the end. Let’s look at each one
individually.
Plan
Planning
for the interview is more significant than attending the interview
itself. Without successful and careful planning you have given yourself
no chance to progress further as you would have made a bad first
impression. Remember you only have one chance at making a good first
impression.
Plan
how you are getting to the interview. Car, bus, bike or walking are all
good options depending on the distance and location. Do a trail run to
give you an estimate of the time it takes to get to the location so you
don’t arrive late on the day of the interview.Always
make time to arrive early; you can wait in the reception area to get a
feel of the company. Remember, once in the reception make sure you are
sat up straight and are concentrating as you don’t know when you will
be called into the interview room.
It
is essential that you research the company you are going to have the
interview with. The worst thing you can do is go into the company
unsighted. You need to see what the company does, what services or
products it provides and the history of the business. The best way to
do this is by checking their website.
Prepare
Preparation
for an interview can be as hard as you want to make it. But the simple
solution is don’t make it to hard for yourself. By being fully prepared
you are reducing your stress levels and giving yourself the best
opportunity to shine in the interview. A couple of points that you need
to consider when preparing for the interview:
·Make
sure you have the correct attire. If not go and purchase what you
require. By dressing correctly you come across presentable and show
your desire for the job.
·Do
a mock interview with a family member or friend. By doing a mock
interview it will allow you to get used to the sort of questions that
might be asked. Make sure that the person interviewing you takes it
serious and puts you on the spot as many times as possible to make you
think about your answers.
·Have
a fully complete CV with you. Even though you have sent your CV it’s
always good to have a few spare copies with you to give out to the
other interviewers. This shows you are organised and prepared. Make
sure you can explain everything on your CV from your grades to your
achievements. Also at the end of the interview you can give them your
CV to help them remember you if they haven’t already got one.
By taking these 3 easy steps you are giving yourself more of a chance to make a lasting impression.
Participate
When
in the interview don’t be afraid to talk. I strongly recommend opening
the conversation with these effortless phrases such as "how are you?”
or "how is your day going”. By asking these questions you are getting a
feel of the way the interviewer is feeling and have broken the ice.
Also be the person that offers their hand for the handshake. By doing
these two simple actions you are coming across as approachable and
confident which will impress the interviewer from the start and settle
any nerves you may have. Once in the room you should wait to sit down
until the interviewer has taken their seat. This shows respect and
responsibility.As the interview
is taking place make sure you are always sat up straight to show you
are concentrating and absorbing all the information from the question.When it comes to the questions make sure you answer in detail and not just a yes or no reply.The
response should be detailed and quick. You should talk about your past
and focusing on the relevant skills to answer the question. Don’t be
afraid to talk about yourself in great detail after all that’s the
whole point of the interview – to sell yourself to the business.
Be Positive
Before,
during and after the interview remember to stay positive. If you go in
with the attitude I’m not going to get the job, you won’t. Interviewers
assess your body language along with your answers. So if you have the
correct attitude you will be on with a winning combination if you are
fully prepared. This will show throughout the interview and will be
noted by the interviewer. The interview is also a time for you to find
out about the company and what it can offer you. Ask about what
training courses are available and what the bonus scheme is like.
Remember, ask when you will be informed if you have the job or not and
if you haven’t been informed by that date, ring up and ask. Employers
welcome this as it’s sometimes done as a test and by responding you are
showing being proactive and that you’re interested. Always
keep your options open, if you see a job your interested in when you
are awaiting your response apply for it as you don’t know what the
answer will be.
This
technique is a tool that we strongly recommend to everyone. It has been
used by first time interviewees and people that have experienced
interviews before. Both would agree that this technique is well worth
using and by following these steps you are giving yourself the best
opportunity possible to get the job.
Contact info@cvsatisfaction.co.uk or visit http://www.cvsatisfaction.co.uk to find out how we can help get you your dream job.
