Back to Insights

Refining Your Interview Technique

Have you ever been pipped at the post for that one amazing job opportunity? Ever wondered why someone else was selected, when you know you are more than capable of excelling in the job? Perhaps you need to refine your interview technique, to give yourself the best opportunity to secure what could be your dream job. Although a firm handshake, constant eye contact, and good communication skills are important, there’s more to the interview process than you may think. Here are a few tips to keep in mind, as you prepare for that crucial interview process.

Tip 1 — What’s Your Compelling Story?

So you’ve done your research on the company, you’ve read the job description, and you think you’ve got it covered. Your experience lends itself to what the company is looking for, and there’s absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t get this job.

It’s best to assume that you’re competing for this one position with several other candidates, who have similar backgrounds to yours. Therefore, it is essential that you differentiate yourself from the pack – you need to develop your compelling story.

You must be able to explain your compelling story in an articulate and confident manner. Your career journey has evolved over the years, and this development is what the interviewer wants to hear about from you. It’s all good and well that you can detail your current job; however, it’s paramount that you also disc{nolink}uss{/nolink} the times when you’ve over-achieved or been promoted, as well as those times when you’ve learned from various challenges to date. Your story assures the interviewer that your career has progressed, and that you have grown and developed throughout. Here are a few things to think about, as you deliver your compelling story:

  • Look back at your career to date, and break it down into chapters. Make a note about your jobs, extra-curricular activities, lessons learned – both good and bad – and remember your feelings at those times.
  • Focus on the memorable things, and capture your interviewer as you bring him or her into these moments. This could include a story a mentor has told you, or a time when you turned a corner, or over-achieved.
  • Elaborate on what drives you, and what you are passionate about. This is critical, as the interviewer really wants to know what makes you different from the rest. Take a step back and reflect on your career to date. Think about how you got to this point today. What has kept you motivated? How have your career objectives changed?

Tip 2 — Tailor your Compelling Story to the Job

As they say, ‘You only get one chance to make a first impression.’ Put yourself in the shoes of the interviewer. Think about the types of questions you will be asked, and provide relevant examples of how you have behaved in different scenarios. Don’t be afraid to talk about the odd disappointment, but back this up with what you have learned from the experience, and explain how it has made you a better person. Typically, ‘past behaviour predicts the future,’ so the interviewer needs to know where you have added value with your previous positions, so you can demonstrate where you will add value if given the opportunity with his or her organisation. Prepare yourself prior to the interview, and don’t always rely on thinking on your feet. It may be a good idea to practice with someone beforehand, so you feel comfortable telling your compelling story, and tailoring it to the specific position at hand.

Tip 3 — Anticipate Questions, and Ask Questions

There are a few very typical interview questions you should always anticipate, such as:

  • ‘What are your strengths?’
  • ‘Why did you leave your previous employer/s?’
  • ‘Why did you choose a career in this field?’
  • ‘What do you know about our firm?’

A good interviewer will go far beyond asking these questions, and will dig deeper to ensure they extract as much information from you as possible, in order to assess your suitability for the role. Competency / Behavioural based interviewing has been around for many years, and is still considered one of the most effective ways to interview. Understanding your motivation, key drivers, and where you have added value, should all be communicated to your potential employer. Create a picture for your interviewer of where you can add value to his or her organisation. Providing examples is a great way to gain credibility.

Take a look at your resume, and think about some questions you would ask, if you were assessing someone for the same job. Be prepared to explain any weaknesses, and feel confident in conveying how you have learned valuable lessons in your career. Also feel comfortable asking questions of the interviewer, such as:

  • ‘What will be expected of me in the first six months of the job?’
  • ‘How will my performance be measured?’
  • ‘What skills and attributes are you looking for as a company, and can you describe the people who are high performers?’

Tip 4 — Listen, and Continue Listening

The power of listening should not be underestimated. Often when interviewing, we are so caught up in delivering our own story, that we do not listen enough, which may mean we miss out on vital information about the job, company and/or market. Be comfortable listening to the interviewer describe what they’re looking for, and don’t be afraid to pause and reflect on what was discussed, before providing a suitable and relevant answer. Listening always has been, and contin{nolink}ues{/nolink} to be, one of the most powerful tools in the business.

Tip 5 — Be Aware

The most educated, experienced or even suitable person on paper is not necessarily the one who will secure this job. Often, it is the one who possesses the best ‘people skills.’ Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is the ability to identify, process, and manage emotions in a positive way to communicate effectively, and empathise with others. A simple and easy way to engage with the interviewer is to look for commonalities.

Here are a few tips to increase your awareness on the day:

  • Google the interviewer prior to your interview. Most white collar professionals have LinkedIn profiles, and it is amazing what can be discovered online these days.
  • Look around the office or meeting room. You may see a book you’ve read, a painting you’ve always liked, or a photo of the interviewer’s family. If you look hard enough, you will almost always find common ground.
  • Avoid asking set questions, and let the interview flow naturally. Finding commonalities helps to ensure the meeting goes smoothly, and the environment is friendly, thereby reducing anxiety or awkwardness.
  • Being prepared for your interview is crucial. The aforementioned tips should assist with your preparation, giving you the edge on the competition. Be confident, comfortable, and most importantly…be yourself!

Newsletter

Keep up with the latest HR insights and updates.
Sign up

Recent Posts