Do's and Don'ts
An invitation to a face-to-face meeting is the best sign that you have prepared a successful Resume! However this can quickly go bad if you fail to plan properly for the interview itself. Preparation is the defining factor in the success or failure of the interview process. Below are a few interview tips to assist you.
Understand your Resume -
Your Resume is the document the interviewer will be referring to so it is essential you are fully versed in all aspects of it. A good interviewer will work through all sections of your Resume and ask you to refine various details relating to your experience as well as enquiring into any inconsistencies. Be prepared to elaborate on specifics you have described and have some supplementary examples ready to underline your experience. It is also imperative that you can contextualise your background with “real world” examples.
Know your strengths -
Listing your main strengths can be very helpful. Aim for ten key strengths that make you an ideal candidate for the position. Then if asked to list your strengths, you can do so with confidence. It is always a good idea to be able to give context and demonstrable achievements of how you are able to apply your key strengths with reference to previous positions.
Do your research –
Prior to interview research the organisation you are applying to. This is of the utmost importance. In this day and age there is a myriad of information available on any company. Familiarise yourself with all of this. It will make all the difference in your ability to help your interviewer understand how you can fit into their organisation. If you are applying to a number of different positions it can be easy to overlook this step. Don’t! Your ability to demonstrate how you can add specific value is the most salient aspect of the interview process. You must show a strong interest in the position and the company so you create the right impression.
Understand the position you’ve applied for –
This is an extremely important aspect of an interview- you must understand how the position you are applying for fits into the company. Review any job descriptions or positional information in depth and ensure you are able to cover all aspects in depth. It is also important to understand any supplementary or ancillary information about the organisation and utilise this with discretion. Highlight your skills and relate them to the organisation!
Dress to impress -
Use your discretion. Always wear formal, contemporary, corporate attire to any interview unless there is a specific reason not to (i.e. you have been asked not to, or the organisation has a “casual” reputation or you are required to wear work specific clothing). You can seriously spoil your chances in an interview if you present in the wrong attire, don’t let this happen to you.
Know where you are going –
Have a full knowledge of where you are going well before time. It is advisable to plan your trip in advance. Check train times, bus schedules and traffic reports. Make sure you have an exact idea of the interview location and you use a service like Google maps to obtain specific directions. If you are unsure of any aspects, contact the company and verify exact details prior to your interview. The last thing you want to be doing is rushing around looking for a map or driving in the wrong direction, and arriving 15 minutes late!
Don’t be late -
When attending an interview it is always better to be very early than late. If you arrive very early wait elsewhere and announce yourself 5 minutes before time. In the event of arriving late give your interviewers as much notice as possible. Always make sure you have the contact details of relevant people so if an emergency happens you are able to advise them.
Initial impression -
Hopefully, you will have already dressed to impress, always try to project a confident image and stand or sit straight. Give a firm handshake and introduce yourself with confidence.
Techniques
Confidence -
Focus on your ability to add value and sell yourself! An interview is an opportunity to differentiate abilities and a forum to position you as the stand out candidate. Confidence is the cornerstone to achieving this! There is no benefit in underselling your skills, engage in an honest dialogue based on how you can excel for them. You will be asked challenging questions so be prepared to respond!
Don’t be distracted-
Cool, calm and collected is how you must present yourself. Do not fiddle with jewellery or items of clothing. Look your interviewer in the eye and answer questions succinctly.
Be honest-
Always be honest when discussing your employment or educational history. Prepare for questions regarding gaps or anomalies in your Resume. Don’t be phased by tough questions and answer honestly giving relevant history and information as required. Present any gaps or issues in your history in a concise and factual manner and be prepared to provide references or examples if necessary. It is always best to be honest when discussing your employment or educational experience. Present your experiences in a positive way, even if there are certain areas of concern. If there are any issues with past employers do not attack them. If it is absolutely essential to mention something please illustrate how you feel constructively and be professional. If you are asked if you have a specific skill set and you do not, be honest but relate how your other experience can relate.
Be positive –
Never bad-mouth a previous employer, no matter how tempting it may be. Focus on positive achievements obtained under adversity instead. If you are asked why you are leaving a role state that you are looking for career advancement or that you have identified that you are not able to enhance your skills. They are perfectly acceptable reasons. It is never looked upon as a bad thing if you have the desire to progress your career!
Speak correctly–
Speak slowly and confidently in an interview. Answer the questions you are asked and allow the interviewer time to respond to any questions you ask. It is perfectly acceptable to consider a question before you answer as it is also acceptable for an interviewer to compose themselves before they frame a question to you. Try and focus on giving them the information they have requested.
Question time –
If you have researched an organisation prior to interview you will have prepared some questions to ask about them. This is an essential part of demonstrating your desire to be part of the company. This illustrates your prior knowledge and the consideration you have put into being part of their team. Ask about specifics, the culture and the environment and prepare specific questions relevant to your ambitions and you will set yourself apart as an individual with a desire to add value to the company.
Politeness –
Always remember to say thank you and that it has been a pleasure meeting the interviewer. If you feel that you want the job make it apparent to the interviewer there and then. This will demonstrate your enthusiasm and desire to join the company!
Types of Interview
Interviews can take a variety of forms, the more you know about how you will be evaluated, the better your chances of success.
Behavioural
You may be asked questions like: Describe a situation when? Can you give me an example of a time when?
The focus of this type of interview is that you are able to provide a “real world” response that makes sense to the interviewer. Be prepared with specific examples of past successes in relation to the role.
Situational
Very similar to a behavioural interview, in this instance you will be asked to provide an answer to a hypothetical question and be required to underscore this with reference to actual examples in the past. A specific problem will be posed and you will be asked to provide an adequate solution. If you have prepared and understand the key responsibilities within the job description, this could be a great advantage, as many situational questions revolve around specific responsibilities.
Unstructured
Often intended to highlight specific personality traits this type of interview can be very informal in nature. Be aware that you are still being assessed for suitability but try to portray a natural demeanour as this type of interview is usually intended to assess your culture and personality fit.
Group Assessment Centres
Generally an example of a large company, mass-screening technique. This type of interview can be chosen if there are a considerable number of applicants required for several positions. It is a great way to see how applicants act with one another and can highlight specific areas of strength and weakness.
Group interviews can be very complicated so it is advisable to bring a note pad with you to highlight discussion points. The key is not to come across like you need to rely on your preparation but having notes gives the impression that you are organised, professional and prepared.
It is always a good idea to make sure you have spoken to the other candidates and made eye contact, thus showing that you have an ability to get along with all types of people and are able to be inclusive of others.
Wherever possible it is wise to ask questions. This demonstrates that you are interested and engaged in the topic of discussion. However beware! Do not ask too many and give the other candidates a chance! Be aware of group dynamics. Some of the people within your assessment may end up being your co-workers so be sure to assess whether or not you see yourself fitting in with the group.
Panel Interview
Normally this entails several people from various areas of the company asking questions based on specific operational disciplines. This can be quite tricky! The key is to be confident and make eye contact with the interviewer actually asking the question and to be aware and scan the other interviewers whilst giving a response. This will give the impression that you are able to present your answers to the entire panel.
Does this all sound confusing?
No problem! Contact Global CV Solutions to receive a no obligation assessment of your Resume or if you prefer you can purchase one of our great Resume Packages today and one of our expert consultants will be in touch within 24 hours
