Is a possible promotion waiting for you in the new year? Do you know how to sell yourself in a job interview or are you inclined to become so anxious that you freeze on the spot? Here are some tips to help you prepare for the interview and also clinch the deal.

To be prepared is half the victory won

Most people admit to feeling a twinge of anxiety at the prospect of being interviewed for a new job or promotion. However, being prepared and having a good idea of what interviewers mostly want to know, helps calm the nerves. Being prepared may not always guarantee instant success but it will make you more confident.

Knowledge is power

Apparently a very common mistake applicants make is not really knowing what the position they are interviewing for entails. This may be because the job description in the advertisement was vague or even misleading. It is essential that you make sure exactly what you are letting yourself in for before you go for an interview.

Know the recruiting and interviewing processes

Although interview processes vary, there are some common basics you need to be aware of. You may be recruited and interviewed by:

    • A recruitment consultant
    • The HR department of a company
    • The line manager
    • All three individually
    • Any combination of the abovementioned

It is important to remember that each interviewer will have a slightly different goal in mind when interviewing you. The recruitment consultant, usually the first screener, needs to match you with his or her client’s requirements and then “sell” you to the client. Be polite and friendly and do fill out the recruiter’s application form in its entirety.

The HR consultant is usually the company’s recruitment procedural expert and first screener. Expect a highly organised more structured interview with him or her alone or with others such as the line manager. The line manager will be the person who is most interested in knowing if you are really able to do the job and “fit” in with the existing team.

Try to find out in advance who your interviewers are going to be, look up their profiles on Linkedin. Also find out as much as you can about the company if it isn’t your current employer. Make a good “first” impression by being punctual, smartly dressed, making eye contact when you greet them and also during the rest of the interview. Have a copy of your CV or resume for each interviewer and just relax and be yourself. Remember, they are not out to get you but are interested in who you are and if you will fit into the new position and/or the company culture.

Questions commonly asked by interviewers

    • Why do you want this job? Figure this out for yourself before you go to the interview. Also emphasise that you see yourself as having the necessary and appropriate attributes and skills required to do the job, better yourself in the process and be an asset to the company. Never badmouth your previous job, colleagues or boss.
    • Where do you see yourself in five to ten years? This question is usually asked to try and find out how motivated you are to stick around, and work hard. It’s not about how soon you want to take over the company!
    • What are your strengths? This is an important opportunity, in a natural, unembarrassed or boasting way, to make the interviewer aware of your skills, past experiences and successes and how these fit in with the requirements of the job you are being interviewed for.
    • What are your weaknesses? Choose a minor weakness that can be fixed through work and motivation, for example not enjoying speaking in front of large groups.
    • What sort of salary are you looking for? If a salary range wasn’t included in the job description you are entitled to ask the interviewer what salary range they are considering for the job. You may also answer that you presumed that salary and other benefits would be discussed with the HR department in subsequent interviews.

Questions commonly asked by interviewees

    • What would be my day-to- day responsibilities?
    • What is the career path from this position?
    • What is the company policy on promoting from within?

Types of interviews

    • Historical interviews are usually an attempt to get to know you better by asking open ended questions closely aligned to your resume or CV. You may also be asked about your extracurricular activities and what you know about the position you are interviewing for.
    • Behaviour or competency-based interviews are used to try and evaluate your past behaviour to determine your future performance. For example, you might be asked to describe previous work experiences where you held a leadership role or had to work in a team or defuse conflict.
    • Case study interviews are used to gauge someone’s problem-solving skills and creativity. You may be given a case study to read and analyse. Stay calm, take your time; you won’t be expected to come up with an answer on the spot. The interviewers are interested in hearing how you would approach and try to solve the problem.

Interview venues

In the past, interviews usually took place in an office or boardroom. Today, interviews are conducted over the phone or via Skype or over lunch or dinner in a public place. Concerning the latter, the interviewer will want to review your communication and interpersonal skills so do listen and participate in the conversation but also mind your table manners.

After the interview

Send a short thank you note (via e-mail.) to the person who organised the interview.

 

Sources
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Commonly misunderstood interview tips. Retrieved from: http://theundercoverrecruiter.com/top-5-most-commonly-misunderstood-interview-tips/
Dutton, Z. How to ace your interview and land the job.: interview tips 101. Retrieved from: http://theundercoverrecruiter.com/interview-tips-101/
La Roche J. 2012. Presenting: twelve Wall Street Interview tips straight from Goldman Sachs. Retrieved from:  http://www.businessinsider.com/presenting-12-wall-street-interview-tips-straight-from-goldman-sachs-2012-2?op=1
Quotes about preparation. Retrieved from: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/289513.Benjamin_Franklin
Sundberg, J. Ten classic job interview blunders you must avoid. Retrieved from: http://theundercoverrecruiter.com/10-classic-job-interview-blunders-you-must-avoid/
Young, J. What are the top interview questions to practise. Retrieved from: http://theundercoverrecruiter.com/interview-questions-practice/