interview advice

Ever feared an Interview Disaster? 

Missed the perfect opportunity to shine?

Let´s make sure this doesn´t happen to you ….

                “When we read Kirstie´s CV we thought great!  But, ten minutes           

                 into the interview, we knew we’d have to continue our search.”

                                                       Ann, Senior Consultant, A Perfect Career

What went wrong?   

When Ann invited Kirstie for a job interview, she wanted to hear what set her apart from other candidates.  Moreover, she wanted proof.

 

Unfortunately, Kirstie´s interview technique lacked preparation and she failed to convince Ann of the value she had to offer and missed the chance to get the job. 

An all too familiar interview scenario! 

 

It helps to know exactly what interviewers look for.

As MBAs, HR managers and recruitment consultants, we understand what the interviewer is looking for.  But, to be honest it is not a mystery!  Whichever recruitment job site,  whichever employer website or whichever vacancy column you read, the same key competencies and `soft skills´are specified time and time again …

Initiative Flexibility Self confidence Orientation to change Management of pressure Consistency of performance Customer service orientation

Creativity Solutions driven Ability to influence Relationship building Cultural / Diversity awareness Interpersonal understanding Teamwork and team leadership

Just look at extracts from job advertisements – all seeking people who will ..

·       provide value added …       

·       be influential and credible

·       have a solution led approach

·       demonstrate a flair for communication

·       possess outstanding influencing skills

·       be business and performance focused

·       take a commercially strategic approach

·       collaborate and build relationships across the business

·       be capable of devising and delivering successful strategies

·       be able to inspire confidence, and make balanced judgments

·       have ambition - a self-starter, with enthusiasm and fresh ideas

·       be able to inspire and lead your team to deliver first rate results

·       be a team player but able to work and make decisions independently

 

So when conducting job interviews, recruiters have clearly defined expectations!  They know what they are after – and rest assured, they never ask a question without knowing the answer they want.

 

While some deceptively simple interview questions might be easy to field, others are more subtle.  Your answers to interview questions will speak volumes about your capabilities, personality and style - whether you fit the job profile and employer's culture -  and whether you get the job.

 

Here are a few tips to ensure a Perfect Interview . .

The best way to prepare for a job interview is to research the company and market in depth to enable you to answer questions relevant to that particular work environment. Visit the company website to gain an insight into their business, culture, market environment, goals and the challenges to be overcome. Successful candidates are the ones who have really done their research and can express genuine interest! Don't try to "wing it"!

Review sample interview questions and answers and carry out a mock interview by formulating and perfecting your own answers to potential questions.