How To Succeed In Interviews

Having succeeded in getting to the interview stage you have demonstrated that you have something the potential employer either likes or feels they could develop, and you have managed to get that across through your CV so well done.

Now the fun starts. The interview can be the most daunting part of the recruitment process for many people. However there is no need to feel anything other than some excitement towards the up and coming meeting.

Let us start by thinking about what an interview is. In simple terms it is an opportunity for a potential employer to meet, get to know and assess an applicant. It is also an opportunity for applicants to do exactly the same thing with potential employers.

Very often people will be nervous about the interview and allow this to impact on their performance. In my experience this mainly happens when the applicant has not prepared correctly for the meeting. Remember very often the interviwer is just as nervous as the applicant. The nerves are based around uncertainty for both parties, therefore if you have prepared well then there is very little than can happen you are not expecting.

Preparation

So the starting point is preparation, preparation, preparation. You need to know what the company does, their values, their aspirations and their successes. You need to know about the role, what is involved, responsibilities, operational skills required and behavioural characteristics sought. You need to know where your skills match those sought by the company, how you have demonstrated these in the past and how your personal aspirations can be met in the role.

So where do you find all this information? Simple, you ask.

I have never come across an employer who would not provide information to applicants which would help in these types of situation. This may be in the form of websites, marketing material, company reports or just by asking the right person. On several occassions before going for an interview I have booked an appointment with someone in the company currently in the role and interviewed them to gain a true insight into the company and the role.

Think about the type of questions you are likely to be asked, then what you are going to say. It is important to be able to demonstrate examples when you answer so be prepared to do this. A very common technique used by interviewers now is criteria based interviews. Sounds very impressive but in basic terms they are looking for you to provide evidence of the skills you say you have. So, if the position is in management of a customer service team, be prepared to demonstrate how you have organised a team of people, how you have developed and trained people, how you have ensured compliance to company procedures, how you have resolved customer complaints, how you have improved customer service etc. You will get very few questions you can answer yes or no to.

Having prepared your questions, answers and examples get someone to ask you them until you are comfortable that you have remembered them all.

What happens if you get asked a question you haven’t prepared for? Well it will probably happen. However improvise. You will have undoubtedly got an example prepared that can demonstrate several skills. If you have never experienced what they are asking be honest and say “well I have never come across that up till now but what I think I would do in that situation is...”

Remember think... You do not have to answer as soon as the interviewer has stopped speaking. Time seems to stand still but it only seems this way. It is better to pause, think and give a sensible response than blurt out the first thing that comes into your head.

You will also need to prepare some questions to ask the interviewer. Do not overlook this as many interviewers see this as an important indicator into your preparation. Think about questions about the specific role, what an average day involves, what the interviewer enjoys about working for the company etc. remember this is your opportunity to find out if this is the right company for you.

Ensure you commit enough time to preparation, it is too late when you are sitting in front of the interviewer.

The Interview

It is important to create a good impression on the interview. Hopefully the work you have done in preparing for the interview will ensure that your answers impress the interviewer. However if you are late this could all count for nothing. Here are a few basic pointers to help you:-

• Be on time, arrive 10 minutes early, no more, to allow you to relax before starting. Don’t make the common mistake of not allowing for traffic or missing the bus.
• Make good eye contact and give a firm hand shake. This shows your confidence.
• Be aware of your body language. Appear relaxed but attentive and alert.
• Be polite and courteous. Do not interrupt the interviewer.
• Be positive and talk about what you like, enjoy, do well.
• Be honest. There is no point in lying a good interviewer will see the signs and dig further.
• Ask for clarification if you do not understand a question, it is better to answer the question correctly than waffle on about the wrong subject.
• Don’t say anything negative about your current or previous employers.
• Ask your prepared questions.
• Thank the interviewer for seeing you and reiterate your interest in the position.

Hopefully if you have done all of the above you will be successful. You will certainly have given yourself a great chance. We have listed a few common questions below to help you in your preparation.

Good luck.

• Why did you apply for this job?
• What do you know about our company?
• Why should we give you this job and not someone else?
• What would you describe as your key qualities?
• What would you describe as your development needs?
• How do you envisage your career progressing in the next three years?
• Why do you want to leave your current job?
• What do you most enjoy in your current role?
• Give me an example of a time when you have had to deal with a difficult customer?
• What is your ambition?
• What is your biggest achievement?
• How do you handle rejection?
• How do you handle tension between others in your team?
• Give me an example of a time when you had to lead a group?
• What would your last boss say about you?
• What areas of your last job did you least enjoy?
• What have you done that shows initiative and willingness to work?
• What do you see as the main responsibilities of a ___________?