The Interview April 2009 Newsletter

In this newsletter we are going to discuss interviewing skills and preparation.  As you all know, there are two main opportunities to make an impact, your CV and your interview.  Remember, the purpose of your CV is not to get you a job.  The purpose of your CV is to get you an interview. 

When an interview has been secured you can assume someone has looked at your CV, feels that you have something that makes you a good enough fit and wantsonly asked questions:

• Tell me about yourself

This calls for a 1 minute summary of your experience, skills and personality, relevant to the job for which you are being interviewed.  Remember to get to the point and sell your “business” self.

• Why should we recruit you?

The interviewer is really saying tell me about yourself.  Invest time in preparing and have examples ready to illustrate your achievements and accomplishments, the ones that are truly valuable to the company and relevant to the vacancy.

• Why do you want to work for our company/What do we do? 

Research, research, research! Use this opportunity to show off what you know about the company and how you would fit in.

• What are your weaknesses?

We all have faults so don’t pretend you don’t have any weaknesses.  Instead, use your weaknesses to your advantage and turn them into strengths, e.g. “as I am not a born organiser I have taught myself to be a serial list maker so that I don’t forget anything.”  Similarly have a good feeling for your strengths.

• Why did you leave your last job and what did you dislike the most about it? 

Be very careful here.  The golden rule is NEVER fault-find with previous employers.  In fact it is best to make as little reference as possible to previous bosses – positive or otherwise.  In the latter part of the question the interviewer is trying to find out whether the vacancy has responsibilities which will make you unsuitable.  When pressed about aspects of the role you disliked you could try and switch the focus to all the things you did like and how the new job will allow you to contribute in a particular area key to the position.  If your interviewer won’t let you get away with this tactic try not to be too specific, thus drawing attention to your weakneBe very careful here.  The golden rule is NEVER fault-find with previous employers.  In fact it is best to make as little reference as possible to previous bosses – positive or otherwise.  In the latter part of the question the interviewer is trying to find out whether the vacancy has responsibilities which will make you unsuitable.  When pressed about aspects of the role you disliked you could try and switch the focus to all the things you did like and how the new job will allow you to contribute in a particular area key to the position.  If your interviewer won’t let you get away with this tactic try not to be too specific, thus drawing attention to your weaknesses.  Instead focus on a characteristic of your present company such as its size - its slow decision making etc. Answer like someone who takes problems and frustrations in their stride and as part of the job.

• Where do you see yourself in 5 years? –be forthcoming and confident and create a connection in an instant:

• Pay attention
• Ask them at least one open question about what they are talking about. Bear in mind the 6 W's here, How, What, Where, When, Why or Who. These open question types can help build rapport quickly.
• Mirror them – by physically matching you will make a far greater impression.  Ever crouched down to speak to a child because you felt more able to communicate? It works just as well with grown ups.  Generally making eye contact is good, but this does not work with everyone.
• Laugh a lot (when and if appropriate of course)

Always ask some insightful questions – not how much is this job paying/how many days holiday am I entitled to:

• Why is this position vacant?
• What do you perceive to be the most important aspects in this role?
• How does the role fit into the structure of the department/organisation?
• Where is the company going?
• How soon will you decide on the appointment?
• What is the next step?

Listen!  There is a reason we only have one mouth and two ears.  Similarly when you are talking give your listener space to talk and let them fill the silences.

Most importantly, no matter how tough it might get in there, a smiling face is always a winner!

After the interview, remember to follow up and gain feedback about the interview – good or bad.  Even if you don't agree with the impression the company formed of you, something in the interview gave them that perception and it’s up to you to make changes.

Daunted? Don't be, enjoy the interview experience and remember this is a two way street.  It is as much your opportunity to gain their measure as it is for them to gain yours.

For those of you who are despairing, this was a positive response to our last newsletter, from a candidate:

“I was one of the many who had been made redundant!  I have since found employment that I enjoy and truly feel my redundancy was the best thing that could have happened in my life.“  SF

Good luck!