How to succeed in an interview
There have recently been a number of articles that focus on the post-pandemic work environment with many pointing to a significant increase in staff movement. The past Covid-19 lockdowns have given staff time to think seriously about their roles, what they enjoy, what they don’t and what they want to achieve out of their vocation.
While many in the travel, hospitality and retail sectors have already been forced into pivoting into different industries, it is anticipated that many more will be looking for new roles even within the same sectors spurred on by the increased flexibility that now exists through remote working or simply the opportunity of new challenges as organisations struggle to find candidates.
I thought it might be useful to write an article on how candidates might present the best version of themselves at interview so here are some tips for candidates to maximise their chance of success.
1. Prepare properly.
Prospective employers will be looking to determine the level of genuine interest you have in the role so to this end, find out as much as you can about the company before you turn up. Obviously, it is important to check out their website to find out what matters to this business, the nature of their products and services and what differentiates this business from their competition. Also take some time to check out their LinkedIn and Facebook sites if they have them to see what they post.
2. Be punctual.
You only get one chance to make a first impression and being late will get the interview off on the wrong foot from the start. Getting there a few minutes early will give you a chance to compose yourself and find out more about the company itself such as……
3. Find out about the company culture.
Interviews really are a two-way process so you should do everything you can to find out about the company culture, i.e. does the company’s focus and way of working align with your core values? You can do this by asking good questions and asking to be shown around the premises.
4. Listen well.
Good interviewers will have a purpose behind their questions, so it is important to listen well to what is being asked and wherever possible back up your answers with evidence (see below). Avoid the temptation to answer too quickly – if you need time to think about the question, take it.
5. Prepare good examples.
Think about specific things you have achieved I previous roles and the associated situations. Good interviewers will be much more interested in what you have done rather than what you might do and you will find that a few good examples can be used to answer a variety of different questions.
6. Have good questions ready
A good way for interviewers to determine if a candidate is really interested in the role is by the questions that are asked so make sure you prepare two or three that will help you with your decision. Although you will need to know the salary package on offer avoid focusing on the remuneration too much and don’t make it the first question as this may send the wrong message.
Ian Ash ACC, AInstIB
Managing Director
OrgMent Business Solutions www.ombs.co