Tips for a Successful Interview
You have finally landed a job interview with your dream employer. The impression you make on the employer far outweights how many years experience you have and your overall credentials. The employer will be looking to see your values meet the organisations values, you will fit in well with the team, and you have the commitment and passion that they are looking for. You will be engaging in a conversation with the interview panel, where there will be an exchange of information and ideas. It is very important to prepare for your interview, just dont over think it!
Be Genuine and Honest
Dont just tell the employer what they want to hear. Be genuine, be yourself and be honest. Majority of the managers you will meet will have extensive experience interviewing candidates. When you come off as not genuine or being honest, they have already decided within 5 - 10 seconds of the interview that you will not be a good fit for the organisation. Nobody is perfect and everyone has an area that requires improvement or more development.
Be on time
Dont be late for your interview. Try to be at least 10 - 15 minutes early. Employers are often ready before the appointment and if you are late for an interview, it raises concerns that you are not reliable. Also, dont be to early. The hiring manager and employer are very busy, and if you show up to the interview to early such as more than 30 minutes, you dont want the hiring manager to feel they need to entertain you beforehand
Reasearch about the organisation
Reasearching about the organisation you are job interviewing for is critical. Reasearching about how long the organisation has been in business for, what services or products do they offer, what is the organisaitons mission and values, what is the CEO?
Researching an employer can demonstrated you are interested in the job, you will be able to align with the organisations missions and values, and it will also help you determine if the organisation will be a good fit for you.
Have some questions prepared
Having questions prepared in advance for your job interview shows that you have a genunine interest in the role with the organisation. It shows you have done the reasearch and you want to learn more about the organisation, its culture and specifics of the job you are applying for. Make sure that your questions are well structured, you genuinely want to know the answer, and will provide further clarity if the organisation will be a good for you long term.
Prepare specific examples that demonstrate your competency
In preperation for your job interview, I would prepare at least 4-6 different specific examples or stories that demonstrate you have strong time management skills, have good problem solving skills, ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, and that highlight how your strengths and skills will meet the requirements of the job you are applying for. Use the STAR Method, Situation, Task, Action and Result. Using this structure correctly will significantly increase your chances, and paint a picture to your pespective employer of what you will bring to the organisation. Remember, anyone can speak broadly saying that have strong time management skills, communication skills, and work well under pressure. But having specific examples using the STAR method will set you apart from the crowd and increase your chances of landing your dream job.
Focus on building rapport
You may have extensive experience and the right qualifcations for the job you are applying for. However, if you do not build rapport with the interview panel and your perspective future manager, the manager maybe convinced they will not be able to work with you on a day to day basis. Read the room, actively listen, be respectful and ensure that you have positve body language with eye contact. Rapport will help between trust between both parities, and it will allow everyone to feel more comfortable and connected.
