Securing your ideal role in the interview

Following on from my recent advice on ‘Writing a successful CV’; you now have your CV reading well. Next, how do you make sure that you secure your ideal role in the interview?

Many people are naturally comfortable selling themselves during an interview, while others find them nerve-wracking and unnatural talking about themselves. There are steps you can take to prepare and give you the best chance so that the interviewer/s see the best of you on the day.

The more senior the role, the more competitive it will be. The more preparation you do, the better you will perform. Think about what they want to achieve and how you can help them.

Motivation

Before committing to an interview process, make sure you have really reflected on why you are open to a move and what is important to you/why are you moving on. What will you gain from the role that you’re not getting in your current company?

Research

Check annual reports, recent news, speak to your network so that you know the company inside out, and don’t be afraid to challenge your findings during the interview process. Look at LinkedIn to find out who you will be meeting and have a look at their background and experience.

Do your homework

Make sure you understand the agenda and format of the interview beforehand and allow yourself enough time to prepare. Review the key challenges in the job and prepare how you will illustrate your relatable experience. Keep your examples recent and varied – what was the problem, what did you do, what were the tangible results?

A lot of hiring managers/recruiters will ask you to give a 5-minute overview of your career. You need to be prepared for this question so that you can share concise, impactful info on why they should consider you. Share key achievements that relate to the role you are applying for that makes the hiring manager go WOW and makes YOU stand out.

Ensure you prepare your own questions – link back to your motivations (see above). If you haven’t had an interview for some time, do a mock interview with someone more senior than you and get some feedback from them.

Mentors

If you have an external mentor, reach out to them – seek their help, guidance, and support. You can use them as an independent sounding board to bounce ideas off, as well as general career advice, and coaching. They should also be there to challenge your thinking and help in your decision-making process.  

𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐬𝐦

I have had headhunted candidates in an interview not demonstrate enthusiasm until halfway through an interview when they realised it was a good opportunity. Because they didn’t demonstrate that from the beginning, they did not move forward. 

Hiring managers want to interview people that excited about the role, and you need to do this from the off. First impressions and all that!

𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞

Very few candidates close the interview to tell the hiring organisation why they want it and why they can do it. If you do this, you are setting yourself apart, and it can be the difference between you and someone else getting the role.

𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐝𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐟

What went well, what could you have done better? Write down all the interview questions you have ever been asked as these are likely to come again in the future. 

Simon Owens, Director, Kaizen Talent Solutions simon@kaizen-ts.co.uk