In a job interview a strong handshake and a happy, confident approach is a positive move, but be sure to communicate what you want and prepare questions to ask because not doing so turns off the interviewer, a survey has found.
The Hays survey of employers in Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand asked over 100 employers to list what turns them on and off a candidate in a job interview.
It found thetop ten turn-ons were:
1. Confident, happy and positive attitude
2. Strong presentation, in terms of communication skills, dress and/or handshake
3. Provision of real life examples to demonstrate answers
4. Ability to illustrate how they stand out as a candidate
5. Clear career plan or aspiration
6. Enthusiastic and passionate about the role
7. Communicate the benefits they can bring the business
8. Prepare questions in advance to ask the interviewer
9. Displays a good understanding of the role
10. Is an active listener
The top ten turn-offswere:
1. Poor verbal communication skills
2. Not answering the question asked
3. Not researching the company or role before the interview
4. Leaving a mobile phone on
5. Inability to provide solid examples of previous experience
6. Exaggerating experience or skills
7. Focusing on the negative rather than the positive in situations or experiences
8. Inability to answer technical questions
9. Arriving late
10. Not displaying an interest in the role
“While each job is different, it seems that being happy and confident in a job interview does help improve the interviewer’s opinion of a candidate,” said Emma Charnock, general manager of Hays Hong Kong. “If you smile, maintain eye contact and speak clearly, you present yourself as self-confident and assured about your ability to do the job.
“Poor verbal communication skills, such as giving short answers, struggling to articulate answers, speaking quietly or not thinking before speaking, are all big mistakes.
“Equally, not listening properly to the question asked, giving an unrelated answer or being unsure of the question and so launching into a long and unrelated answer rather than asking for clarification, is also disadvantageous. If you can’t answer a question, say so,” Emma said.
The survey was conducted with 102 clients across Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong. There was no limit to the number of responses each client could give.
Source : Hays Hong Kong