Planning for an interview takes a whole lot more than googling a list of common interview questions. You have to make a fantastic impression appearance-wise (dressing up is better than dressing down), have an excellent understanding of your target company and the product or service they offer, and also, indeed, know specifically how to convey that you’re a perfect fit for the job.
A successful job search has lots of elements:
a practical search approach, an engaging resume and cover letter, and sharp job interview skills. If you’re getting many phone/video calls and first interviews but no job offers, it could be time to examine the last part of the formula.
To excite your interviewers, you’ll need to prove that your qualifications and experience make you the best candidate for the task. This means that you know about the company, you know about the requirements of the role, and you can demonstrate how your skills will set you up to succeed. It also means showing up as a pleasant individual that will fit in well with the team and help the business achieve its objectives. Communicating all these things throughout a relatively short discussion can be difficult.
Common Interview Strategies
There is no standard practice for interviews; they come in various styles and fulfil various objectives which depend on the employer. When you think of a traditional interview, you probably think of the prospect of having a face-to-face in-office interview. While this is a typical kind of meeting, there are group interviews, informational interviews, phone interviews, and many more. To get the most from your interview, it is essential to identify and prepare for the specific type of interview you will be engaging in to optimize your opportunity of success. Lets run through the most typical interview methods.
Phone Interview
When making an application for work, it’s most likely that a phone interview will certainly be a company’s second stage of their search process after emailing. A phone interview is often done by the company HR to get a feeling of whether you would be a good fit for the job. It’s not uncommon to have numerous phone interviews before being invited to a personal consultation.
Video Interview
With the enhanced effectiveness of video software, we are seeing increasingly more employers looking to video meetings to hire employees quickly. One of the things it does well is that it helps the employer note a candidate’s mannerisms, readiness, and appearance more comprehensively than a phone interview. Employers are also progressively depending on pre-recorded video meetings, where a candidate documents themselves answering meeting questions. This offers the employer the benefit of having the ability to watch the video at any time.
In-person Interview Method
An in-person interview consists of a prospect meeting with an employer, usually in the office. The employer will speak with the prospect to see if they would be a good fit for the position. Face-to-face interviews permit employers to better evaluate two things. Face to face; a company will have the ability to assess if you will fit into the environment and culture of the office. Also, an employer will be able to see if you genuinely want the job, as they will undoubtedly be continuously checking your excitement about the role. Bear in mind an employer wants somebody passionate, not just someone just trying to find an income.
Team/ Group Interview
Group interviews are when a company has numerous prospects interview together. Team/ group interviews are highly effective for employers as they can significantly lower the time they invest speaking with. The business also carries out group interviews to analyze how well candidates can collaborate. Group meetings can be exceptionally testing for prospects as they often tend to be stressful; nonetheless, executing well indicates companies you can do in high-stress circumstances.
Panel Interview
Panel interviews are a spin on typical interviews. Panel interviews contain a prospect being talked to by multiple recruiters at the same time. Companies hold panel interviews for various reasons. Like group interviews, panel interviews are typically demanding, showcasing to companies how well you work under pressure. Panel meetings also reveal to employers how well you cope in group settings and handle different characters.
STAR Interview
The word STAR is an acronym Situation, Task, Action, Result. Each of the words suggests an experience that an interviewee can recall while being faced with qualitative or measurable interview inquiries.
Situation: A task or challenge encountered
Task: Describe the job you needed to finish
Action: Actions or treatment required to solve the problem
Result: Close with the results of your initiative
In other words, this method is perfect for structuring your thoughts and responses when creating a response to an on-the-spot inquiry.
Why you should get as many interviews as possible?
Going for interviews is like any skill; the more practice you have, the better you will be. Most people have not interviewed for some time. You need to fine-tune your answers and also enhance your communication skills, which calls for practice, and interviewing as much as you can.
Interviewing more often will undoubtedly improve your job search. Getting out of your comfort zone will help you learn new trends, and your perception will shift. This will open your eye to opportunities you weren’t aware of in the past.
Interviewing will undoubtedly make your network more robust. As you involve your network for interview referrals and recommendations, you will not only strengthen existing links, but you’ll meet new individuals that can improve your network. According to LinkedIn, 85% of jobs are filled via networking.
An interview might bring about unexpected chances if you have the skills and impress an individual who carries weight in the organization. Employers intend to promote great people and may also refer you to possibilities beyond the company.
Getting Prepared for the Interview
Go through the job description: The job description is a guide to the role being discussed. It will inform you of the qualifications required and also what’s expected of the position. Carefully reviewing the work description will tell you what the employer is trying to find before the interview.
Know why you want the job: Companies need to understand why you are interested in this job. They wish to see that you are not only interested in an income, but you also want to be part of the company/ team.
Carry out background research: Companies want to know that you are thinking about the specific job and the company. Know the history, values, as well as the framework of the firm before your interview.
Go through common interview questions (Add a hyperlink to the article on interview questions): Often, job interviewers pick a mix of job-specific interview questions and common interview inquiries. Examining generic interview questions will undoubtedly allow you to practice and tailor your feedback beforehand.
Prepare literally: Body movement, as well as speech, is also crucial when it pertains to talking. Make sure you exercise sitting upright and speaking in a calm yet firm voice. Nothing will reduce your chances like leaving a weak impression.
Have questions prepared: Employers always love to see potential employees ask questions. This shows that candidates are ready, interested, and comprehensive in ensuring that a job opportunity will undoubtedly be an excellent fit for both the company and themselves.
Prepare yourself through mock interviews: It is an undisputed fact that practice makes perfect. Interviews are no exemption. Practicing the back and forth that occurs throughout a meeting with friends and family will get you more comfortable when the interview actually happens.
Have hard copies prepared: Despite remaining in the digital age, having paper copies of both your resume as well as references can be a substantial boost. If a company does not have your info handy, giving it to them on the spot shows your readiness and forward thinking.
Transportation plan: Punctuality is a must for an interview. Being late shows inadequate preparation and lack of commitment. Know how much time it will undoubtedly take you to get to the meeting and plan in advance. Make sure to include additional time on the commute to account for any delays.
Interviews are a 2-way street: Bear in mind that interviews are a two-way street. Not only are companies seeking top skill, yet you are assessing whether you would certainly intend to benefit the stated employer. If you performed well during a meeting, but felt that the recruiter was sidetracked or rude, bear this in mind. Interviews are an excellent means for you to obtain first-hand insight into the company society and the people you will be dealing with.
Outfit: Even if an interviewer informs you it’s an informal meeting, dressing appropriately communicates to an employer that you can tackle customer dealing with roles and connect that you are taking the interview opportunity seriously.
Stay organized: Make sure your bag is arranged. Digging through a bag full of wrappers and loose paper looks poor.
Do not forget your ID: if it is an in-person interview, it is advisable to have your ID with you. Some buildings call for an ID to access.
Show better intent: Make sure to reveal additional interest near the end of the interview. A question like “What is the next step?” tells a company that you are highly interested in the job.
Handle Questions Concerning Salary the proper way: Fearing the salary aspect of the interview? You’re not alone. Less than half of participants in a CareerBuilder study stated that they discussed salary after striking the deal. And 51% of those non-negotiators said that they resisted because they were uneasy requesting for even more.
There are few points to bear in mind during the salary negotiation process. The first is that it’s often best to allow the employer to discuss the wages first. When they do, keep in mind that it’s likely an excellent sign: companies generally don’t bring up the subject of wage requirements unless they’re contemplating you coming on board.
Bear in mind that wage is just one part of your takehome. It’s also essential to examine benefits when you’re choosing whether to take a job. According to Gen Z Grads Class of 2017 Accenture, 49% of recent grads accepted a lower salary or compromised on benefits.
Other Helpful Tips
Having a pen and paper all set to take notes is always a good idea. It shows you are actively paying attention and allows you to keep vital information for later on.
Anticipate issues: If there is a section of your resume that is not perfect, be prepared to answer questions on it.
Send a thank you note: Make sure to say thanks to a recruiter for their time after the interview. This ought to be done within 24 hours of the interview.
Keep going: Interviews can be complex, and looking for your perfect job can take a while. Keep the energy and keep persisting.
Post-Interview Strategies
After you have finished an interview, if you are still curious about the job opportunity, it is prudent to send a thanks email to the interview group. If a week has gone by and you still have not received an interview group’s responses, it is an intelligent concept to send a follow-up email. According to Careerbuilder, Job seekers will spend an average of 11 hours a week looking for work.
To read more about how to excel in interviews and how to get your perfect job, download ‘Get the Job You Really Want’ now or listen to the audiobook here.
