For some an interview can be the worst part of a career move, for others it is the best part - after all you are never treated with more interest than when a business is trying to on board you (in some organisations anyway!).
Here we list 5 tips for you to nail that next interview, whether first stage or final.
1. Research
Take some time ahead of the meeting or call to look into the company, relevant team members and ideally the interviewer(s). Using resources like their website and platforms like LinkedIn should provide you with a better understanding of the organisation and will demonstrate both your ability to find information but also that you are interested!
A simple Google search of the company may give you a piece of recent news that can serve as a differentiating introduction or even be used for your questions at the end of the conversation - see point 5.
If you do have the time and depending on the function of the position, it may also be worth a quick bit of reading into the competition.
2. Anticipation
Although no two interviews are the same, there will be overlap with many of them and this includes the questions you will be asked.
Make sure you have anticipated and prepared for some of the most common questions, from specific and situational (e.g. describe your strengths/weaknesses) or even very vague and open (e.g tell me about yourself). Having even a rough outline mentally prepared for these questions can save you having to think on the spot.
It is also an idea to read company and interview reviews on websites such as Glassdoor to see what previous applicants had to say about their experience - you may find questions that could be asked again.
3. Selling Yourself
In some cases it can be easy to answer a question simply and without using it as an opportunity to really convey your strengths and ability.
But remember, while an interview is the chance to learn more, it is also the opportunity to demonstrate that you are the best person they will speak to. Make sure that when you are answering a question that you identify any points that can be related to examples of your experience and knowledge.
It can be massively frustrating to finish an interview and feel as if you haven't brought attention to your best points.
4. Take Notes
We have all been in a situation where we have made a "mental note" to remember something or ask for clarification on an important point, only to lose it after a couple of minutes of conversation.
Go prepared with a pen and paper and have it out and in front of you before the talk begins. We would recommend that if you are looking to make notes on a laptop, tablet or even your phone that you inform your interviewer at the start of the conversation to avoid them thinking you are lacking interest!
This will also save and pauses or awkward silences while you search your brain for the point you were looking to make.
5. Questions, Questions, Questions!
If we were to identify the most common piece of negative feedback given by hiring and leadership teams, it is that candidates do not come prepared with questions. The invitation of "Do you have anything that you would like to ask?" is not a test to see if they have explained everything about the company and position (and who could get it all?), but an opportunity for you to show that you are seriously evaluating this as an option for the next step in your career.
This should be the point at which you highlight that you have an interest and have given thought to the people you will be working with and the expectations on both sides. It may seem like obvious advice but at all levels, developing an interview into a conversation with questions from your side is crucial.
The best questions will entirely depend on the circumstances, but some general questions include:
These are just some quick but important tips for your next interview. But for more in-depth advice about making that next move get in touch at info@roystonsowe.com.