Persuasive Interview Technique

In today's job market, the stakes are higher than ever at each interview. Having the skills to do a job well means little without the skills to first land the job. Employers have their pick of well-educated, qualified applicants for even entry-level jobs. As a candidate in this market, you must use persuasive techniques to convince potential employers that you are the person for the job.

1.   Comfortable Communication

Nerves and a lack of confidence tend to show, even if you don't realize it. A discerning interviewer knows immediately if you are uncomfortable. This gives off a negative vibe, as though you don't feel that you belong there. An effective technique is to think of the interviewer as a friend. Be respectful, naturally. But greet him with friendly ease, as if you're happy to see him. Compliment his office, or the building. It's always a good way to break the ice and helps start the conversation. Most importantly, assuming you are indeed qualified for the job, remember that the interviewer wants to hire someone. He wants to find the strongest candidate. This will help you relax and see the interviewer as "on your side." This turns the interview into a friendly conversation, as opposed to a test to pass or fail.

Be What They Need

o    Never go to an interview without a proper understanding of what the company does. Find out specifically what your role will be. Research is the best weapon you can be armed with in an interview. Often the interviewer asks about prior experience. This is to see how you will react in a given situation. She may say "tell me about a time when you had to solve a last-minute problem." She wants to hear about how well you respond to stress. Your answer should be truthful and concise. State the details of the situation and your reaction to it. If possible though, use a situation and results that could happen at this company. This demonstrates that you have the proper experience and qualifications. It show you will be an asset. You cannot do this without understanding the workings of the company.

Confidence, Not Arrogance

There is a fine line between confidence and arrogance; there is, however, a big difference between them. Confidence draws people in, while arrogance repels them. An interviewer wants to know you will be a good addition to his team. He doesn't want to feel like you're gunning for his job. Present your skills and past accomplishments in a way that relates to the company's specific needs. Do not prattle on about yourself just to be generally boastful. Remember, this interview is about what you can do for him and his company. It isn't about your life story. Do not imply that you are better than the company's current employees. And never put down the other candidates in an effort to build yourself up. This will backfire and make you look petty. It also insults the interviewer by implying that he needs to be told who is a good or bad candidate.

 Source: www.ehow.com/list_7459838_persuasive-interview-techniques.html-27.09.2013

Interview Techniques

1. Non-verbal Messages: Non-verbal language speaks larger than words. As you walk in the interview room, here are a few things that you must keep in mind:
   Start it off like a winner.
• The handshake: Offer your hand, and give a firm handshake, a pleasant smile and a positive and confident attitude. Introduce yourself. 
• Posture: Stand and sit erect 
• Don't Fidget: There is nothing worse than people playing with their hair, clicking pen tops, tapping feet or unconsciously touching parts of the body.
• Eye Contact: Look the interviewer in the eye 
• Move your hands: Gesturing or talking with your hands is very natural, but keep it in moderation.
2. Be comfortable. Take a seat facing the interviewer, however, slightly off center. Be sure that you are in a comfortable position
3. Listen attentively. Look at the interviewer directly, but don't get into a stare down! Sit up straight. Try to relax. It's okay to take a few notes if the questions are lengthy, or you need to remind yourself of something you want to stress
4. Avoid nervous mannerisms. Pay attention to nervous mannerisms. Everyone is nervous to some extent, the key is to appear calm and composed
5. Speak clearly. Use good grammar and a friendly tone. Never answer just "yes" or "no" to a question. Always clarify, expand on your answers. Be sure not to go on rambling
6. Be positive and enthusiastic.Pump up your enthusiasm prior to the interview. Never whine, gripe or complain about past employers, jobs, classes etc
7. Ask pertinent questions. Be prepared to ask a few questions. Do not monopolize the interviewer's time, particularly if you know they have appointments scheduled following your interview. Do ask thoughtful questions. Don't ask about salary and benefits, this can be discussed when the company is definitely interested in you
8. While giving answers to questions:
• Be Concise: Listen to the questions carefully and answer to the point. An interviewee rambling on is likely to turn off the interviewer.
• Provide Examples: Support your contentions with examples. Think of recent strong strategic examples of work you've done, then when the question is asked, answer with specifics, not in generalities.
• Be Honest: It is always better to state the truth than beating about the bush. If you don’t know something then state the fact.
• Keep Your Guard Up: Always maintain your professionalism. Don’t get swayed by the friendly behaviour of the interviewer and disclose everything. For all you know it might be a trap laid out by him.

Interview Techniques

• Your interview is a chance for us to get a picture of you and your abilities, and to see if you have the innovation, drive, and ambition we're looking for
• Remember that it's a two-way process – you need to get an insight into how we work too. Feel free to ask questions
• Be punctual – turning up late never leaves a good impression
• We're not looking for "right" or "wrong" answers. We'll avoid using closed or leading questions, and give you the opportunity to be honest and realistic about what you think and know. If you're open with us, it's a much more constructive process and will help both you and us decide whether we're right for each other
• We'll ask you about situations you've experienced, so you should be ready to give real examples. Your roles and responsibilities don't all have to be work-related. Think about achievements you've had in other contexts as well – socially, academically, or in the community
• Do some background research on Unilever, and give yourself an understanding of our business and spheres of interest
• Finally, try to relax! Interviews are an important part of the process and can be nerve-wracking. Smiling and looking confident and comfortable creates a great impression

Sources:www.unilever.com.lk/careers/carreerschoices/interview_techniques.aspx‎-25.09.2013