Ever attended an interview only to walk out the door and have absolutely no idea how you did or wondering why oh why you stumbled over an example/ answer? You are not alone!
Interviews are often unnatural and feel overly structured, too relaxed or at times one-sided and this can leave people feeling that they did not have the best opportunity to sell themselves and their abilities, build rapport or to gain enough experience, to fully understand the opportunity and potential employer.
Let’s face it – an hour is not long to help someone understand who you are, how you operate and the value that you bring to an organisation and to fully understand the business you are looking to join and it’s people, environment and challenges.
So how can you make the most of this hour, leaving having presented your true self, understanding the opportunity and with a clear understanding of where to from here?
1. Do your homework!
This is, of course, easier if you are working through a recruitment professional/ business, where they support with this, however, take ownership of this, check out the business, their competitors and what is happening in their sector. Look at their people’s profiles, their values, online stories/ news and be sure to have some prepared questions ready, along with some key examples for questions that will be asked.
2. Build rapport fast!
Building rapport is a skill and some find this easier than others, however, all of us can develop this skill. Ensure that you find a point of connection early, establish/ demonstrate an interest in the person/ people interviewing them( this can be done by a statement around the fact you have reviewed their experience and a simple question or commonality established. Remember to smile and maintain good eye contact as those first few seconds are critical to how others perceive us and engage.
3. Demonstrate self-awareness and respond to cues:
Acknowledge people’s time and ensure that you answer questions specifically and check if you have answered their questions, once examples have been provided. This allows for any points of clarification to be checked and any ambiguity addressed. Watch for body language cues, for examples, if someone appears to be checked out or losing eye contact, assess and then re-engage by directing a simple question or statement to that person, by name, to ensure they are present and you have their interest. Be sure to be aware of the time you are speaking and that you avoid rambling, repeating yourself or going off track. (if you do this then circle back and acknowledge this – going back to answer the person’s question and check you have then done so).
4. Be concise and factual and use examples:
Keep answers succinct( albeit conversational if this is the style of the interview) and respond to the style of your interviewers and let them lead this. Understand the types of questions you may be asked and be prepared with specific examples, that are relevant and aligned to share. Be prepared for the unexpected and to adjust your style according to the style of the interviewer. Generally, if they are more conversational then they will expect the same from you and the opposite applies, if they are more factual and structured then respond accordingly.
5. Acknowledge & follow up
Remember to thank people for their time and ask what to expect in terms of timing and next steps. This provides a further gauge on how they feel the interview went and demonstrates your interest, without being over-eager. Follow up with an email that day to thank people as this further demonstrates professionalism, strong follow up and ensures you stand out in the crowd.
Michelle & Wayne are Co-Directors and Founders of Fusion Partners, delivering consulting and recruitment services.
