Mastering the Interview

Hopefully, last week's blog managed to help you shape your CV into something worthy of getting you through the front door of your dream job. Now, you face the dreaded stage - the stage that causes your heart to skip a beat, the stage that causes your hands to shake - the stage where most people fail - the interview. Most people lose out on their desired job purely because of one thing, but hopefully, today’s blog can start to change that.

Confidence

First and foremost, confidence. I’m sure you have all heard the saying "Confidence is key." Well, unfortunately, it’s true. The best example I like to use of confidence is James Bond. For a man of 50, I’m sure we can all agree looking at him doesn’t hurt the eyes. However, there is something more to him - a certain charm, a way about him that turns heads. It’s simply confidence. No one would give Mr Bond a second look with his drink shaking in one hand and constantly tapping the bar with the other. The more relaxed and confident you are, the more professional and worthy you appear for the job. By not coming across as nervous and worried, it shows that you believe you have value and are fit for the role, so why shouldn’t they hire you?

Dress to Impress

Secondly, dress to impress. I remember once being invited by HR to be part of an interview stage for assessing two new candidates. To keep some anonymity, let’s say we were employing at David's Ice Cream Shop. The two candidates came in, Andy and Roger. Both applicants were in their last year of high school looking for a summer job. They had similar qualifications and experience, so this meant whoever did the best in the interview would get the job.

Andy turned up in smart black jeans and a T-shirt. Fair enough, slightly overdressed for an ice cream shop, but would probably still get served at a bar. Roger, on the other hand, turned up in his school uniform, blazer and tie. When asked, “Why are you wearing your school uniform on a Sunday morning?” and jokingly asking if he had some sort of detention, he replied back with, “No, I don’t own any suits, and I wanted to dress smart for my interview.” From that point on, he was hired; he just didn’t know it yet.

This just shows that what you put in is what you will get out. Even wearing a school uniform to dress smart for an interview highlights how much effort he was willing to put in. Make the effort and show what you are willing to do, even if it is just putting on your school uniform.

Research

Research is key. There will always be a stage in the interview where they say, “Do you have any questions?” The questions you should respond with will change from business to business, so analyze what question would be suitable for the company you want to work for.

I cannot stress this enough, research every detail about the company. Find out their environmental, social, and governance strategy (ESG). Whether they care about the planet or not, every company has one, so learn about it. When they ask you in the interview if you have any questions about the company, ask about their ESG and long-term strategy. This shows that you aren’t looking for a short-term job but are interested in the company’s future and your place within it in the long term. Highlight that you are interested in the company’s long-term growth and strategy to show the employer you want to be part of the business's future.

Research if the company had any challenges and ask the company how they survived them. This shows you have an interest in learning about the company, that you are intrigued by how the business is run, and how they overcome challenges.

If research and information are limited, here are some good questions to ask during your interview:

1)  Once I start working what guides and training do you have to help me develop my skills?

2)  What level or targets would you expect me to hit after 6 months of working for your company?

This shows you are interested in personal development and in the company. Making a better worker for them and more experience for you.

All these show that you want to grow within the company and are the best person to hire. Also, note how confidence is reinforced in these last two points. By saying, "Once I start," and, "After 6 months,’" this subtle hint shows you are ready for the job even though you haven’t been hired yet.

That’s all for this week

See you next time

The Anonymous CEO