Most of us have been through it and have lived to tell the tale. But whether we
like it or not, creating a good impression at interview is vital to the success of
your job search. It’s the critical link between you and your next job. There are
three steps to a great interview: Preparation, Practice and Performance.
Preparation
Preparation enhances your chances of performing well. Here are some tips to help you prepare for that next interview:
Carry out research on the organisation
Read annual reports and conduct searches on the Internet. This shows that youíve done your homework and you are genuinely interested in
joining the organisation.
Identify your strengths
Read your resume carefully to remind yourself of your past achievements and identify areas to highlight at the interview. You got to the
interview stage because the interviewer saw something in your resume that appealed to them. Identify what it is.
Prepare answers
Scan the advertisement and/or job description and list the requirements of the role. This will give you an idea of what questions you may be
asked. Prepare your answers based on the competency or behavioural interview model. This requires you to draw on past experience and
describe specific examples that demonstrate your competence in a particular area. The most effective way to answer these questions is to
describe the situation, the actions you took and the results or outcomes of your actions.
Prepare questions
Prepare the questions YOU will ask during the interview. Remember that an interview is a two way street. An interview is not only a chance for
the company to learn more about you but for you to learn more about the company and the position.
It’s critical to align your needs with the company, otherwise you will be back on the interviewing treadmill before too long.
Practice
Ask friend or family member to conduct a mock interview and ask for feedback on your interview style. If you’ve practiced recently it will feel
more familiar and you won’t feel so nervous on the day.
Performance
First impressions are powerful. Employers often use the interview as a way to confirm their first impression of you. The interviewer will not only
be looking at the content of your answers but also your timeliness, personal presentation, enthusiasm and how you communicate verbally and
non-verbally (facial expressions, posture, mannerisms, etc). This is the time where you put all your preparation into practice. To recap this is
where you demonstrate a good fit to the role and the company by highlighting your key strengths through your answers.
Make sure you ask all those questions you so thoughtfully prepared. Don’t be afraid to communicate your desire for the job. An interested
candidate always gets the offer over the person who doesn’t show any interest.
Whatever happens, don’t be disheartened. See every interview as a learning experience. If you are not successful ask for feedback. Determine
what you did well and where you need to improve for next time.
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