Modern
life can be extremely complex. Job interviews can feel the same. So it's worth
spending a few moments making things simpler for yourself the next time you prepare.
Here
are a few practical ideas to “spring clean” your approach and to succeed at
interviews.
First impressions start days before
you enter the room
How
you reply to your interview invite will make an “impression” on whoever
receives it.
Think
tactically about the words you use in the phone call, email, or online
acceptance you send back to your prospective employer. You need to appear professional and as much
like the organisation’s ideal candidate as possible.
Remember
also to spell and grammar check everything you write. Clarity, correctness and attention to detail are
paramount - especially if these are skills required in the job.
Remove any “mystery” before
the big day
Take
as much of the “surprise” out of the interview as you can by researching the
organization and asking well crafted questions in advance of the day to ensure
you know exactly what's expected of you.
Make
a list of things you need to ask that will help you to be properly
prepared. The answers should dispel the impression
that this is some mystical process where they want to catch you off-guard. Generally they're not trying to do this.
Beside
the “where…”, “when…” and “who…” questions you could consider some of the
following:
E.g.
how long should I expect the interview to last? Are there any tests? Can I prepare anything beforehand? Is it ok
for me to refer to notes?
Take your notes with you
Most
interviewers will allow you to use notes.
They'd rather have someone who refers briefly to notes and answers a
question, than someone who looks blank and struggles to know what to say. It also shows that you've arrived properly
prepared.
Add
to your notes a list of the questions you will ask at the end of the
interview. In the heat of the moment,
with the prospect of being near the end, you may forget what you were going to
ask. It's really important that you
have questions because it shows you care about the job and it allows you to
demonstrate the level of your motivation and the depth of your preparation.
Key words and bullet points
Make
notes in the days before your interview to help you structure your
answers. Use single words or short
phrases rather than sentences and paragraphs.
That way you can keep your replies more natural and instinctive.
You'll have to listen carefully to the question and, with only key words to refer
to, you're then more likely to talk conversationally and sound less like you're reading
a script. The result should be that your answers are more focused and sound
more believable. The added bonus is that
it ensures your answer will be different at every interview.
Make it simpler for your interviewer
too
Filling
staff vacancies is expensive and time consuming. Make it as easy as possible for your
interviewer to picture you in the job and also being successful in the role.
When
explaining what you achieved in a particular project concentrate on the “so what?”
factor. What happened as a result and
how does your interviewer know that this was a great outcome?
If
you can do so then give some facts, scale or context to help your interviewer. Use numbers or percentages where they
strengthen your answer. For instance if you had great customer feedback or praise
from your boss then mention that too.
Simpler is clearer
Keeping
your approach simple will help you and your interviewer.
Spring-cleaning
your preparation may take a little extra effort the first time you do it - although
it should improve your overall technique and how you present yourself at your
next interview.
Remember
- they want you to be the perfect candidate for the job. If you are the ideal person then their search
is over and their vacancy is filled – simple!
