Preparing for your interview...

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Prepare! Prepare! Prepare!

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In any interview, the best position to be in is one of preparedness!  Even if you’re not exactly sure what the interview is going to be about or the context of the questions, it’s up to you to be as ready as you possibly can be.  Below are some key areas to consider before your interview:

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• Understand the interview process and what is expected of you during the process, if the interview has come through a headhunter, make sure you get all the information related to the interview.

 

• Arrive early to manage stress. 

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• Research those who are on the interview panel.  What is their role / connection to the organisation?

 

• Know your CV inside out.

 

• Review and reflect on your offering against their requirements.

 

• Spend time researching the employer and department you would be in.  This adds to your motivations for the job opportunity.  Visit the company or recruitment website or search on LinkedIn and ensure you convey your knowledge of them and how your personal experience and expertise would add value to their organisation.

 

• Develop rapport as quickly as possible (80% of decisions are made in the first 10 minutes), maintain eye contact.  What topics could you discuss to help build rapport and show your interest in the role?

 

• Listen carefully to questions and answer succinctly. 

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• Focus on your potential contribution to their needs. 

 

• Try and get into dialogue and prevent the Q&A scenario. 

 

• Focus on the 3 things you want them to take away about you from the interview. 

 

• Be positive about your current employment and your reason for leaving. 

 

• Underplay your need for the position. Demonstrate confidence, interest, enthusiasm because that’s the way you are, not because you need this job. 

 

• If you don’t know the answer to something, say so. Don’t make up facts as you will be caught out. Promise that you will look into it and come back as soon as possible.

 

• Prepare questions in advance and if you think of any additional ones during the interview you can jot them down.

 

• Do not discuss salary packages until an offer is made. 

 

• Always leave the interview on a positive note, e.g. “I’ve really enjoyed the interview and this job has real appeal for me, I would love the opportunity to do this role” (using your own words).

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• Closure needs to leave the interviewer knowing you really want the job, do this by having some searching questions to ask of the interview panel.

 

• Agree timescales and understand next steps. 

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• Those that will be interviewing will be looking across four key areas:

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1. Can you do the job?

2. Are you up for it?

3. Do I like you?

4. Will you fit in?

 

Remember First Impressions - you never get a second chance to make a first impression.