How to be a successful interview candidate
Research the company:
History, what they do, industry trends, publications, and LinkedIn posts.Practice your answers to common questions:
Why are you interested in our company? Tell us about yourself. Why should I hire you? What are your weaknesses and strengths?Prepare a list of questions to ask the interviewer:
This is your chance to make sure the role is a good fit for you. How is performance measured? What are the challenges people in this role often face? What are the goals I would need to achieve success here? What is the growth for the role?When you are being interviewed by multiple people at different times ask the same prepared questions to get different views about each point.
Determine the top three things they want for the position:
Prepare examples of how you can provide them.Think of your CV as the story of you:
Is there a theme to your work? How have you grown? What have you sought to achieve?Be ready for small talk:
Know the latest headlines and be ready to speak about them neutrally. The rules of polite conversation apply—no talk of politics, money, or religion.Dress for success:
You can never overdress.Enter a few minutes early:
Arrive 10-15 minutes early and wait outside.Be concise:
Keep your answers to the point for 1-2 minutes unless asked for more detail. Start at a 10,000-foot answer to a broad question like “Tell me about your experience?” and then ask if there are more details wanted.Keep to the point:
When asked a situational question, use the STAR Method: Situation, Task, Action, Result. Lay out an actual real situation, highlight your task, the actions you took, and the result.Be honest:
When you do not know the answer say so but show with confidence and curiosity your interest to learn more about the area. Show your passion. Don’t be afraid to laugh. Be real.Be a good listener:
Make good eye contact; keep your posture open and friendly.Don’t badmouth previous employers:
Even if you are glad to be out of there.Don’t inquire about salary:
Let them bring that up.Express gratitude:
Send a quick follow-up e-mail that day or the next morning thanking them.
Your CV gets you the interview. The interview shows your personality in tandem with your skills. We have found the most successful interview candidates are honest and show energy and enthusiasm about the role and company.
Good Luck!
