Interviews are not just about the time spent with the interviewer, but what happens before and after the actual interview too. Taking time to prepare before the interview and following up properly can ensure success, and make it a far less intimidating process.
Before the Interview
Spend some time thinking about the specific skills and experience you have that set you apart from other candidates. Jot down ideas of how these specific skills, work experience, and schooling can help benefit the company. Make connections between what the job asks for and what you can do, and think of specific examples you could provide to illustrate this.
Review the cover letter and resume you sent in for the position to remind yourself of what you have already told the interviewer. The more you know about what you have to offer and how you can explain it through examples, the better chance you have of answering the interview questions concisely and clearly.
Find out as much as you can about the company itself, and the position. Review the job ad (it is always a good idea to print out a copy of the ad) and highlight specific qualifications they ask for. What duties and responsibilities does the job entail? What are salary expectations in that particular field?
Look at the company website and ask around. What is the size of the company? What products or services do they offer? Who is their main client base? What are their future plans? Often interviewers will ask what you know or think about the company, so show you’ve done your homework.
There are plenty of books, articles and websites such as The Riley Guide, that provide lists of standard interview questions. Write down and practice answers to anticipated questions. A common question format is the behaviour based question. For example: “Tell me about a time you had a conflict with a co-worker.” The best way to formulate answers to these types of questions is to organise a reply into an “S-A-R” response:
- S = Situation (What happened?)
- A= Action (What did you do?)
- R=Results (What was the outcome?)
Focus on the positive. How was the problem solved? How did you show leadership? It is acceptable to use examples from school, work or even hobbies (e.g. sports), but keep answers short and to the point. Highlight how you are the best person for the job through these examples.
Prepare answers for difficult questions such as “what is your greatest strength and weakness?” again by focusing on the positive, avoiding obvious answers such as “I’m a perfectionist” and relating your answers to the job itself.
Prepare questions to ask the interviewer. Focus on topics such as questions about the position, daily routines and training offered, rather than salary and socialising! This is a chance to show knowledge of, and interest in, the company.
During the Interview
Think about body language. Greet the interviewer with a smile and a firm handshake and maintain eye contact throughout the interview. Don’t hunch or fidget. Listen to the questions carefully, think about them for a few seconds and respond clearly and honestly. Don’t criticise past organisations or managers (you never know who the interviewer knows!), give supporting details and avoid yes or no answers. Be prepared to initiate some discussion and don’t be afraid of small talk, especially to start.
Focus on how your skills and experience can benefit the company, rather than what you can get from them. For any work related questions, emphasize leadership experience, problem solving, and training of others. For education related questions, emphasize the practical applications of skills as well as team work. Don’t be afraid to ask the interviewer to repeat the question. Don’t be afraid of silences as often interviewers will pause on purpose. Don’t ramble, but answer and then stop.
Be aware of the interview coming to an end. Most interviews end with the interviewer asking if you have any questions for them. Keep it brief as they may have lots of interviews still to conduct. Thank them for their time. It helps to ask for a business card so you can follow up with them directly. Ensure that you ask for a deadline as to when the decision is being made.
After the Interview
Many interviewers say they are impressed when an interviewee follows up with a thank you email or note. Keep it brief, polite and to the point. After an interview it is also really useful to reflect on the interview process. Note any questions you found especially easy or hard, your best/worst responses and anything else that may help for the next interview.
Once the given deadline has passed, phone or email to find out if a decision has been made. If you don’t get the job, ask the company to keep your resume on file for future jobs. It can also help to ask why you weren’t chosen for the position (without sounding defensive) for future knowledge.
Final Interview Tips
- Find out what the company/industry dress code is and dress a step up – a neat, professional appearance makes an excellent first impression
- Know where you are going and arrive 10 minutes early
- Try and find out the interviewer’s name (and its pronunciation) beforehand
- Take a copy of your resume and cover letter, as well as any reference letters
- Have an idea of the salary range for the position in advance
- Take samples of your work if relevant
Job hunting is a tough process and interviews can be extremely nerve wracking. Be realistic – you are not going to get every job you interview for, but the more prepared you are, the more relaxed you can be, and that increases your chances of acing the interview and getting the job!
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