The interview will be the primary method of selection for the majority
of positions we recruit. Below are some suggestions that, together with
guidance from our staff, may help you to improve your interview performance for
the greatest chance of success.
What is a potential
employer commonly trying to assess?
In every interview, no matter how
junior or senior the position, the interviewer will likely be probing for the
answers to three basic questions:
- Can
you do the job well? (Your skills, qualifications, experience) - Will
you do the job? (Your motivation, attitudes and career goals) - Will
you fit into the team? (Your cultural match)
Preparation
The better prepared you are, the more relaxed and comfortable you will
be when the interview questions begin.
Developing an understanding of the business before the meeting can be a
vital component of securing a role. Handy information can often be found from
the company website, annual reports, and a simple internet search. LinkedIn is
another valuable tool but don’t be tempted to send a LinkedIn connection or
Facebook friend request to your interviewer!
It is common for one of the first interview questions to be “what do you
know about our us?”.
It is also valuable to spend some time reviewing your own CV and have a
clear understanding of how the key responsibilities and achievements of your
prospective role link to your previous employment.
Focus on the skills you believe offer most value to your prospective
employer. Whenever possible, relate your skills and experience to the role
requirements and always have practical examples ready to support your
statements. Be aware, particularly for senior candidates, there can be an idea
that “my experience or results speak for themselves”. Remember that job
interviews are a competitive process, so give yourself the best chance by
explaining not only what was achieved but how you made it happen.
Review some probable answers to likely questions in the interview. Provide
answers that are tailored to the position and paint a picture of you as being
positive and with the potential to add value. It is also essential that you
prepare your own questions so that, not only can you be sure that this is the
right opportunity for you but also so that you can demonstrate you are
particular in regard to the opportunity you are looking for.
Always treat the interview as a two-way discussion and answer questions
honestly, directly and keep to the point. Everyone present will be focusing
their attention on you, so clouding your answer with jargon or evading the
issue will be more obvious than you think. If you are not certain about a
particular question, do not be afraid to ask if it can be rephrased. Listen,
never interrupt and answer only what is asked.
The little things
- Presentation
can have a large influence on first impressions. Always attend an interview in
corporate attire and if in doubt always err on the side of more formal as
opposed to underdressed. - Be
clear about the exact time, date and location of the interview as well as who
you are meeting and be there five to ten minutes before the interview. - Listen
as well as talk. This will give you valuable clues as to the responses
required. Wait for the question to be concluded before commencing your
response. - Be
aware of your body language. Interviewers will pick up on a lack of congruence
between what your mouth your body are saying. - Answer
questions informatively but briefly. Never embellish the truth but don’t be
afraid to sell your skills and accomplishments. - Avoid
negativity in statements and body language. Interviewers look for positive,
likable people and any persistent negative characteristics such as a lack of
interest, enthusiasm or purpose regarding your career will reflect poorly.
End of the
interview
At the end of your interview, smile
and thank the people involved for their time. While decisions and job offers
are usually made some time after the interview(s), so it would not be
appropriate to ask for an assessment of your performance.