How do you ace an interview?
Is this you below in an interview?
One of my recruitment flaws is sometimes making the assumption that candidates are as familiar with interviewing as I am. I think that just because someone has experience, that they should know what to expect and will knock it out of the park.
With redundancies being a common occurrence recently, I have had to pull myself up a few times and remind myself that giving thorough interview prep is super important for everyone. So, I thought I would share some helpful advice that applies to a grad or a seasoned veteran who hasn't had to think about an interview for 10+ years.
1. Remember the basics.
It's better to overdress than underdress; It's better to be too early than risk running late; Treat everyone with respect, including reception and anyone else you see in the building.
2. Do your research!
The basic level of research is to look at their website and read of the PD if you have one. If you want to impress, go on LinkedIn and find out who the key stakeholders are and obviously see if you have worked with anyone in the past or know them through shared projects. Really understand what sort of company they are and explain why they are attractive to you.
3. Familiarise yourself with the STAR method of answering interview questions.
THIS LINK explains it in depth but basically be ready for these sorts of questions by thinking about actual projects you have worked on and the good ones and bad ones and how you overcame challenges. This not only demonstrates that the experience you have on your CV was real but also your ability to communicate will be highlighted.
4. Ask questions.
While it can sometimes feel like an interrogation, I always say to treat it like a two way street. Have questions ready to go so that ultimately you can walk out of there confidently knowing what they are about and what to expect if you take the role. For example: "Hypothetically, if I am to get this position, what will I be working on week 1 and where do you see me advancing to in the first 6 months/12 months?"
5. Avoid negative language.
Things don't always end well at previous jobs or perhaps you didn't get along with a former manager. That in itself is not a problem but if you spend the whole time talking about how bad a person or company is, it gives off the wrong impression and nobody enjoys spending an hour feeling negative. Shape these situations into a positive and talk about the great opportunity this has provided you and how excited you are to take the next step in your career.
While this isn't everything, they should give you a good head start and hopefully some confidence to nail your next interview. Of course, if you have any questions or want to go over your situation personally, that's what I am here for.
Contact Nick
If you would like to have a conversation about your career, give Nick a buzz or drop him a line via
📧 nick@vividrecruitment.com.au
You can also connect with Nick on LinkedIn or follow the Vivid Recruitment LinkedIn page for more industry insights, news, jobs and general chit chat and tips!
