HITTING THE TARGET DURING A PERSONAL INTERVIEW!
The key aspects to consider when preparing for and conducting a successful personal interview.
INTERVIEW PREPARATION
The interview is an opportunity to showcase your qualifications and fit for the role, beyond what’s on your resume.
Thorough preparation can help you feel confident, highlight your relevant experiences, and make a great impression.
Familiarize yourself with the company’s history, products/services, industry trends, and the key players to demonstrate your interest and knowledge.
Analyze the job requirements and responsibilities to identify how your skills and experiences align with the role.
Prepare examples of past situations that showcase your relevant skills and competencies.
RESEARCHING THE COMPANY
Thoroughly review the company’s website to gain insights into their products, services, customers, industry, and competitive landscape.
Examine the company’s mission, values, and leadership to understand their work environment, decision-making processes, and employee expectations.
Carefully review the job description to identify the key duties, skills, and qualifications required for the position you are interviewing for.
Find information about the interviewer’s role, expertise, and decision-making influence within the organization to tailor your responses accordingly.
Review industry publications, news articles, and market data to demonstrate your knowledge of the current challenges and opportunities facing the company and the industry.
PRESENTING YOURSELF
01
Arrive Early
Show up 10-15 minutes before the scheduled interview time to allow time to get settled and review your notes.
02
Come Prepared
Bring extra copies of your resume, references, a notepad and pen to take notes during the interview
03
Address Correctly
Be sure you know how to pronounce your interviewer's name correctly to make a good first impression.
04
Be Polite
Be courteous and polite to everyone you meet, including the receptionist, as they all play a role in the hiring decision.
05
Maintain Professionalism
Avoid chewing gum, smoking, swearing or using slang to demonstrate your professionalism.
06
Answer Thoughtfully
Take time to formulate your answers before speaking and feel free to ask for clarification if needed.
Proper Attire for Job Interviews
First Impressions Matter
First impressions are crucial in the context of job interviews. The way you present yourself, from your attire to your grooming, can significantly influence the interviewer's perception of your professionalism, attention to detail, and respect for the opportunity.
Conveying Professionalism
Wear a suit, dress shirt, and tie (for men) or a professional-looking blouse and skirt/pants (for women) to demonstrate your commitment to the interview. Ensure your hair, nails, and overall personal hygiene are neat and tidy to show you take pride in your appearance.
Respect for the opportunity
Dressing professionally for the interview shows the employer that you value their time and the opportunity to be considered for the role. Avoid wearing excessive jewelry, strong perfumes/colognes, or distracting accessories to keep the focus on your qualifications.
Behavioral Interviewing
Traditional Interviews
Focus on assessing future potential through hypothetical scenarios and self-assessment. Interviewers allow you to project your abilities and qualifications.
Behavioral Interviews
Assess past performance and behavior through detailed questions about specific experiences. Interviewers are looking for evidence of how you have demonstrated key skills and competencies.
Key Differences
Behavioral interviews are more structured and systematic, concentrating on areas important to the employer rather than letting you control the conversation.
Probing for Details
Behavioral interviewers will ask follow-up questions to gain a comprehensive understanding of your actions, thought processes, and the outcomes of your past experiences.
Preparation is Key
For behavioral interviews, you should have specific examples prepared that demonstrate your relevant skills and competencies in a clear, concise manner.
Preparing for a Behavioral Interview
Review the job description to understand the key skills and experiences the employer is seeking. Research the company to gain insights into their culture, values, and priorities.
Identify specific examples from your professional, academic, and personal experiences that demonstrate the desired behaviors and skills. Focus on situations where you overcame challenges, worked effectively in a team, or made a positive impact.
Utilize the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to clearly and concisely describe each example. Provide details about the context, your specific actions, and the positive outcomes or lessons learned.
Role-play the interview with a friend or mentor, and ask for feedback. Rehearse your examples until you can deliver them smoothly and confidently. Be prepared to provide additional details or clarification as needed.
Acing the Job Interview
Skills, Expertise and Experience
Demonstrate how your background matches the key technical and soft skills required for the role.
Anticipate Potential Interview Questions
Write down any and all interview questions you have ever been asked, as well as any questions you anticipate being asked. This helps you commit your answers to memory and thoroughly think through your responses.
Fit with the Team and Culture
Highlight how your personality and work style will complement the company's culture and contribute to the team.
Getting a Good Night's Sleep
Getting a good night's sleep before an important interview is crucial for ensuring alertness and focus during the conversation. Being well-rested helps you maintain energy, think clearly, and present yourself confidently to the interviewer.
Enthusiasm and Interest
Demonstrating your genuine enthusiasm and interest in the company is crucial during a job interview. This involves conducting thorough research on the company’s strategy, performance, structure, market position, and products. By showcasing your detailed understanding of the organization, you can convey your excitement about the prospect of working there and how you would be a great fit for the role.
“Thorough preparation shows your enthusiasm and helps you remain calm, focused, and thoughtful when responding to both anticipated and unexpected questions!”
Skills and Experience
?
Review the job description and requirements to determine the specific skills and expertise needed for the role.
Evaluate your current skills, training, and previous work history to determine how well you match the job requirements.
Prepare examples and stories that showcase how your qualifications directly meet the needs of the position.
Identify your top 2-3 strengths that are most applicable to the job and be prepared to discuss them in detail.
Identify 1-2 weaknesses that are not critical for the role and explain how you are working to address them.
