Why do some people almost always get the job they want? Because they know precisely how to truly excel at an interview!

 

Why do some people almost always get the job they want? Because they know precisely how to truly excel at an interview!

Plan and Prepare

The best person for the job, in terms of the right skills, experience and achievements, does not always pass the interview. The best person for the job does not always get the job. Sometimes the most suitable candidates on paper really shoot themselves in the foot when they get to the interview

The interview is one of the most critical points in the job search process. Whilst you might look great on paper, you need to be great in person. Many other factors that are not directly related to the person’s ability to do the job are going to be picked up in the interview. You’ve got the skills, now you need to demonstrate to the recruiter that you’ll be a good fit with your future co-workers and employers. It’s so easy to sabotage this valuable opportunity if you’re unprepared.

On average there are likely to be at least five other candidates being interviewed for the same vacancy. So, everything else being equal, that gives you, at most, a 20 percent chance of getting the job. But there’s so much you can do to improve your odds of success when you prepare and plan

Researching the Job

If you are to convince the recruiter that you are right for the role, then you need to first get it clear in your own mind why you are right for the role, and you can’t do this unless you have properly researched and understood what it will involve. Not knowing the ins and outs of the a job is one of the worst blunders you can make in an interview – another is failing to demonstrate to the interviewer how you meet the requirements for the job. A very large proportion of the questions you can expect to be asked will focus on the following two areas:

  • Your understanding of what the job will entail, and
  • Your suitability for fulfilling the demands of the job

Your CV and the job description are vital documents. You need to study them carefully because they will inform the agenda for your meeting.

Researching the organisation

Try to find out as much as you can about your prospective employer. The more information you have at your fingertips the better. The internet is an excellent research tool. Most organisations will have websites where you can read all about their history, structure, products/services etc. Some will even list biographical details of key employees, maintain archives of press releases, provide downloadable financial accounts etc. In the space of half an hour you should be able to brief yourself thoroughly.

Besides researching the organisation itself, you should also try to understand the environment in which it operates. Again, the Internet is a valuable resource, as are specialist trade journals, which can also yield a wealth of useful information

  • What industry or sector does the organisation operate within?
  • How is the industry or sector currently evolving?
  • Who are the main players within the industry or sector?

The better prepared you are the less likely you are to feel panicky, but you’ll never completely eliminate nerves. The secret is to channel your nervous energy and use it to your advantage. Take a deep breath, focus, concentrate and don’t let the nerves spoil your day. In any case. Most professional recruiters are trained to make allowances for the fact that you are likely to be a little on edge. Here are top 10 key tips for calming the nerves:

  • Stop thinking about yourself. Focus your attention on your interviewer(s)
  • The interviewer is not your enemy
  • Talk to the interviewer as you would in a one-on-one conversation with anyone alse, not as someone interviewing you
  • Ask questions to reinforce this – don’t just let them ask all the questions.
  • Have a glass of water to sip from just in case your mouth (or brain) dries up
  • Take slow, deeper breaths. It’ll calm you down and help get more oxygen to your brain
  • Smile; it’s a natural relaxant, and it’ll make a good impression on your interviewer too
  • Limit your caffeine intake; you definitely don’t want to appear overly manic
  • Visualise the end of the interview and walking back out to freedom!
  • Ask yourself, what’s the worst that could happen; after all it’s just a interview!

Confidence is critical to a successful interview. It is important not to go to the other extreme and appear overconfident or arrogant, which is a surprisingly common mistake. You simply need to appreciate what your strengths are and to value yourself accordingly. If you have been invited for an interview then you obviously have something that appeals to them. Interviews are an expensive and time consuming process and they wouldn’t be making the effort unless they felt you had significant potential

Everyone is different, fashions change. At the end of the day it’s up to you to dress as you deem appropriate. However here are some useful guidelines:

  • Make sure that you have an outfit that is smart, presentable and fits you well
  • Clothes that can be ironed or pressed certainly should be
  • Clean and polish your shoes

On the big day

Surveys show that having your phone ring during an interview, or worse, actually answering a mobile phone during an interview, is a top ten reason for a recruiter to reject a candidate. Make sure your phone is switched off before you get to the interview, make sure it stays off during the interview

You are on show the moment you arrive at your employer’s premises. Try not to look like you have just arrived for your own execution. As you enter the interview room you will be invited to sit down. Take your seat, sit up straight and face the interviewer(s) as if you are most eager for the first question to be asked. At the end of the interview you will normally be escorted out. Give the interviewer a final handshake, smile and leave with your head held high!

By James Innes