1. Mental and Practical Preparation
Remember why you are there, you need this job but don’t forget they also need you, ultimately that’s why you are really there. The guys interviewing you don’t want to see a well-rehearsed performance as it’s unnatural and fake. They want to see an honest interview, your skill set, and a confident you that is capable of explaining and convincing them why they should pick you over other candidates. It is also important during the course of the interview that you make them feel through your answers and actions, that you are already doing the role and are one of their team. How do you do this? Take time out days in advance of the interview, read as much about the company and the industry as possible. Understand the role/job spec inside out and go through in your mind what your day would look like if you were working in this position already. I know it seems a bit crazy, but it works, and by doing this preparation you are much better equipped to address interview questions effectively in a manner that will impress the panel.
2. Know your CV
This is probably one of the most important of the 5 interview tips. Up until the moment you walk into the interview room, the interviewers will only know you from what is written in your CV and the description of you given to them by your recruiter. Rest assured there is always one interviewer in the room whose main aim is to catch you out, so be prepared. While you are answering someone else’s question, he or she is waiting in the darkness to pounce with a humdinger of an interview question e.g. why you left a certain employer or why there is a one-month gap on your CV. To avoid any possible hiccups, know every nook and cranny of your CV and be prepared to elaborate on each and every bullet point when required. If possible, make your answers relevant to the position you are applying for.
3. Relax it's Showtime
Ok, so you have reviewed and executed the top 5 interview tips and are walking into the interview room looking at the interview panel. Now is a good time to take a deep breath, relax, smile and relish in the fact that all your preparation and hard work will now pay dividends. After all, you are a fearless assertive smart and charming individual and they would be lucky to have you as part of their team - now go and shine.
4. Ask Questions
There is always a section at the end of an interview for you to ask questions. Usually, this part of the interview is a relaxed stage for you as you have made it to the end in one piece, but that’s not correct. Use this time to turn the tables with some intelligent well thought-out questions that are both engaging and thought provoking. For instance, you could ask them a question about the future of the business regarding a recent change in the industry they operate in, or you could ask them about the organisational structure and the management style they adopt. Remember not to be too intrusive and only ask a question that you know they have a good chance of answering, you don’t want to showboat!
5. Reflect
So how did it go, did you use the interview tips fully? Take this time after the interview to reflect on your interview. Although at this point you may not know the ultimate decision, it is the perfect time to identify areas you need to improve on for future interviews, reflect and improve, reflect and improve.
“If you do tomorrow what you did today, you will get tomorrow what you got today”.
Benjamin Franklin.