The interview system is actually pretty straightforward, but getting yourself up to a good level of interview performance isn't easy. We recommend training for all new job seekers, to ensure that you get both skills, advice, feedback, and most importantly, practice.

The average new job seeker has some degree of training for job interviews, but usually not much else, and the levels of training vary from appalling to reasonably good. Overall, the standards of training are relatively poor. New job seekers usually start at a serious disadvantage.

The interview techniques given in training are also very mixed. Some are hopelessly out of date, others are up to the minute to the point that they're ahead of the employment market. In advanced employment markets, they're good, but in the average level interview, they're not necessarily even understood by interviewers.

All new job seekers need to concentrate on these fundamentals in their interview techniques:

• Speaking to interviewers
• Constructing good interview answers
• Learning to be fluent in an interview
• Learning to “engage” with interviewers

This translates into being able to communicate effectively. All interview techniques are based on giving good quality information, and achieving good performance standards.

Sounds simple enough, but new job seekers suffer from lack of confidence, and some people can barely speak at interviews. Defects like this in your interview technique makes job hunting a lot tougher. A quick way of dealing with any shyness is to consider the interview differently.

Good interview technique is:

Getting interview training

You're strongly advised to get training anyway, from a professional trainer. There's no real substitute for practical experience, and that's what you get.

You need training if:

• You lack confidence doing interviews
• You've been getting interviews but not getting the jobs
• You haven't done an interview for more than 3 years
• Your performance isn't up to par, in your opinion
• You've had feedback from interviewers indicating problems

Special problems and personal issues: Getting specialist training

Even expert professionals have a few flaws in their interview techniques. But some people have particular difficulties. Speech, body language, behavioral issues, and actual fear are among the truly tough problems, and you may need to consider getting specialist training in these areas.

• Speech: Elocution training, in some cases public speaking, is advised.
• Body language: Professional trainers can deal with this, but in difficult cases it might require more work.
• Behavioral issues: People on medication for psychological or behavioral disorders often find interviews oppressive. They can't perform at all, and this requires qualified medical advice.
• Fear: This is far more common than generally admitted. Severe cases require specialist training, with qualified psychological counseling.