There are a whole multitude of ways to answer a question. Some are long and other short, complex or simple. What can seem perfectly sensible and logical however i.e. your response can become your worse nightmare. Those who have frozen during an interview with their brain locked in tense concentration which is going nowhere know only too well what a very dark place it is.

If you are fortunate enough to be asked for an interview, here are some pointers to help you avoid are feeling of hanging by your fingernails on the cliff edge;

» As with a key theme with earlier tips, preparation is everything. Look at the role, look at your CV and attempt to write down any obvious questions that you would possibly ask someone in the same position. It is a good idea to put yourself in the role of interviewer and from that perspective ask yourself, what questions would be obvious to you? The main aim is to match your CV with the role so much that you are able to see the interconnecting similarities between them. After all this is precisely why you feel you are right for the position. When you achieve this you will be able ask the obvious, start simply, and work your way to more complex questions.  For example,

'Why do you feel you are the right person for this position'?
'What experience can you bring to this role'?
'Can you provide examples of your work experience which matches what we are looking for'?

If you match your CV to the job role correctly them these types of questions should not present any issues to you, and go over them constantly because this will reinforce the similarities, and over time should

» It is very rare that the interviewers are out to make life difficult for you, but that said, they do have a right and will test you under pressure. But your response in preparation will make the difference to how you deal with that, which will in turn demonstrate your capability to forward plan for given scenarios.

» A good tip to remember is right from the start of entering the interview venue, speak to as many people as possible because the more you speak the more you will relax, and your brain and responses will become more communicative. That does not mean just talk for the sake of it, but when the opportunity arises with a Good Morning, Hello or where is the toilet please?

» If you have followed the advise above then you are already warmed up. Continue with smiling and greeting your interviewers with a handshake. This will be appreciated and will set a good tone for the interview.

» During the interview, make sure you sit comfortably. Do not crunch up your body language thinking you won't be seen. Relax and breath steady. After a short introduction by the Chair of the other interviewers, which you must smile and acknowledge warmly, the questions will start.

» Try to answer each question as directly as possible in the shortest time but not rushing. It may be tempting to want to make this first question last until the end of the interview, but you must avoid this at all costs. If you finish your answer, then be satisfies by that. If you need to elaborate further then you will be asked to.

» If you do not understand a question, ask the person to repeat it. NEVER start to answer a question you are unsure of. Sometimes even if you are sure, but there is the slightest doubt, do not take the chance. Your request will not be used against you, in fact it demonstrates common sense, as no one in their right mind would provide an answer to a question they did not know.

» Eye contact is good contact. Remember they want you just as much as you want them, you just have to demonstrate it that's all. Eye contact shows confidence, whoever asks the questions, face them full on, it also shows respect. By all means whilst you are replying look to others in the room but essentially your answer should be directed to the person who asked it.

» Just before you answer, there is nothing wrong in pausing for a few seconds. That is seconds, not minutes, in order to gather your thoughts and to structure the response you are about to give. Again if you have prepared you may of already captured this question or other variation which will provide a good start.

» If your mind tells you the answer appears to be going nowhere, then it probably is. If you are paying attention to the interviewers opposite then their facial expressions will be a telling you something. If this happens stop. Generally if the answer is going nowhere it is because you have forgotten the question. If this happens ask for a repeat of the question again and begin your response process again........do not continue!

» It is perfectly reasonable to ask that a question is clarified, if you do not understand it. This will give you more time which you should take advantage of to consider it further as it is being done so.

» After the questions to you, you will be invited to ask your own questions, which should be easy because of your preparation earlier. Now this is the easy part which you should take full advantage of. Always ask relevant questions, about the role, organisation or yourself in what further career opportunities there are within the role. Do not ask, when the next pay rise would be!

» When it is all over, before you leave the room, thank everyone for their time, as convention is that surely they will thank you.

Summary;

» Confidence & understanding is in the preparation

» Relaxed behaviour [but not to much] is in communicating verbally greeting, by eye contact and open body language.

» Authority can come from the presence you communicate to others in what you know and understand.

» Honesty is not being afraid of asking for help during the interview.

» Your worth will be demonstrated by speaking confidently as an equal within the recruitment process, and not as a victim of the process.

And finally, remember whoever you face for the interview, they have been there, and know what you are going through all too well. Take comfort in that.