ACING Your Interview: Boost your confidence and make a lasting impression!

Interviews can be daunting, but with the right approach, you can turn them into a powerful opportunity to showcase why you’re the perfect fit for the role.

Note: While there are always exceptions based on country, culture, industry, and role, this high-level approach will guide you toward having an impactful interview.

Also, in this article, "CV" and "resume" are used interchangeably.

A – Anticipate Questions

Preparation is key. Research common interview questions and craft thoughtful responses. Even if you don’t get those exact questions, your preparation will help you handle other questions that do come up.

Dive into the role and the company to anticipate job-specific queries. Practice your answers to speak confidently about your experiences and skills. This preparation will help you respond smoothly and effectively during the interview.

Hot Tip: Use mock interviews with friends or mentors to practice your responses. Record these sessions and review them to refine your answers and improve your delivery.

C – Clear Examples

When discussing your experiences, use concrete examples to illustrate your skills and achievements. Share specific instances that highlight your contributions and successes. This approach helps interviewers understand how you’ve applied your skills in real-world situations, making your answers more compelling and memorable.

Hot Tip: Create a list of key achievements and examples in advance. Tailor these examples to align with the job requirements and role you’re applying for to ensure they resonate with the interviewer.

I – In-Depth Knowledge

Know your CV inside and out. Be ready to discuss every detail of your background, including your roles, achievements, and qualifications. Being well-versed in your own history allows you to answer questions with confidence and precision.

N – Navigate Company Insights

Thoroughly research the company before your interview. Understand its mission, values, recent news, and industry trends. This will help you stay updated on the latest developments and provide relevant insights during your interview. It also shows genuine interest and allows you to tailor your responses to align with the company’s goals and culture.

Hot Tip: Use social media and Google Alerts to track the company's latest updates and news. This not only helps you understand their current focus and values but also prepares you to ask insightful questions, showing that you’re evaluating if they’re a good fit for you, just as much as they’re assessing your fit for the role.

G – Generate Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer. Inquire about team dynamics, company culture, or specific projects you might work on. Asking insightful questions not only shows your enthusiasm for the role but also helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.

Hot Tip: Prepare a list of questions to ask the interviewer, but be flexible. Tailor your questions based on the conversation and insights shared during the interview to show genuine interest and engagement.

Wrapping It Up: "The Do’s and Don’ts of Interviewing"

Like in life, some aspects of interviews are within your control, while others are not. To help you navigate the ones you can influence, here are a few of my crucial do’s and don’ts.

Do’s:

• Use the STAR Method: Structure your responses with clear examples using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). This keeps your answers concise and focused, making it easier for the interviewer to understand your career journey, experience and your accomplishments.
• Take Notes: Feel free to take notes during the interview to help you remember key points. It’s also perfectly fine to have your notes or CV in front of you—this isn’t a closed-book test!
• Ask Insightful Questions: Inquire about team dynamics, company culture, and specific projects—and ask how this role (and you) will contribute to them.
• Don't Forget to BREATHE! —Recognise Your Emotions: Feeling nervous before an interview is completely normal and is a natural part of the process. Remember, it's okay to take a deep breath during the interview—pausing for a moment can help you emphasise your points more effectively and also give you a chance to collect your thoughts. Embrace the moment, pause, breathe.
• Engage in Open Dialogue: Remember, an interview is a two-way street. While it's important to be honest and transparent in your responses, it's equally crucial to foster an open and genuine conversation. Share your true thoughts and experiences, and don’t hesitate to express any concerns or questions you have about the role or company. This honest exchange helps both you and the interviewer assess whether there’s a mutual fit and creates a more engaging and meaningful conversation.
• Seek Clarity: If a question or topic isn’t clear, don’t shy away from asking for more details. An interview is not just about showcasing your qualifications; it’s also your opportunity to understand the role and the company better. Request clarification on any points that seem ambiguous or need further explanation.

• Ask for Reasonable Accommodations: If you need any special adjustments for your interview, don’t hesitate to request them from the team in advance. Most companies are willing to accommodate your needs. If they’re unable to fully meet your request, they will work with you to find a suitable solution.

Here is a list of reasonable accomodations you can request:

1. Additional Time: Request extra time if you need more time to respond to questions or complete any timed assessments.
2. Accessible Venue: Ensure the interview location is accessible if you have mobility challenges. This may include wheelchair access or assistance with navigating the venue.
3. Assistive Technology: Use of assistive devices, such as screen readers or specialised keyboards, if you have a disability that requires them.
4. Sign Language Interpreter: Request an interpreter if you are deaf or hard of hearing, to ensure clear communication during the interview.
5. Quiet Space: Ask for a quiet room or space if you are easily distracted or need a controlled environment to focus.
6. Modified Format: Request that the interview be conducted in an alternative format, such as via video call instead of in person, if that better suits your needs.
7. Written Questions: Request written versions of questions or prompts if you find it easier to process information in writing rather than verbally.
8. Breaks: Ask for short breaks if you need them to manage anxiety, medical needs, or fatigue.
9. Extended Deadlines: If there are any assessments or tasks to be completed before or after the interview, request extended deadlines if needed.
10. Flexible Interview Time: If you have current job commitments, school pick-up/drop-off responsibilities, or other important obligations, request a flexible interview schedule. Propose alternative times or dates that work better for you, ensuring that you can attend the interview without conflicts. This accommodation helps you balance your existing commitments while still demonstrating your interest in the role.

This is not a definitive list, but it's important to remember that accommodations aren’t just for physical disabilities; they can support a wide range of needs, including cognitive, sensory, and mental health conditions. Requesting accommodations is not a sign of weakness or incompetence, it's a step toward ensuring a fair, equitable, comfortable and effective interview experience for all. ??

Don’ts:

• Don’t Shy Away from Being You: Authenticity makes a lasting impression. Be yourself during the interview.
• Don’t Worry If You Forget Something: Take a deep breath, and if needed, revisit the point later.
• Don’t Forget to Ask for Feedback: At the end of your interview, it’s valuable to seek feedback to understand how you can improve. Politely ask the interviewer if there were any aspects of your responses or qualifications that were unclear or if there’s anything else you could elaborate on. For example, you might say, “Before we wrap up, is there anything in my responses that you’d like me to clarify further or any areas where you feel additional information would be helpful?”

As Mitch Albom said, “Accept who you are; and revel in it.”

During your interview, it’s crucial to ask questions that align with your personal goals and what matters most to you in a role. Tailoring your questions to reflect your priorities helps you gain deeper insights into the position and the company.

Hot Tip: You don’t have to wait until the end of the interview to ask all your questions. Often, there will be natural pauses or transitions in the conversation where you can seamlessly integrate your questions. This shows engagement and also allows for a more dynamic dialogue throughout the interview.

To help you navigate this part of the process effectively, here are some thoughtful questions to consider. These can help you get important information about the role, management, team, culture, and more, helping you make the most of your interview experience...and an informed decision.

Some Thoughtful Questions to Ask:

• “What does a regular day look like for this role?"
• “Can you describe the team I’d be working with and how they collaborate?”
• “What does success look like in this role, and how is it measured?”
• "What’s your favourite thing about the company culture?" // “How would you describe the company culture and the values that drive it?”
• "What would you change about the company’s culture?"
• To manager: “What's your leadership/management style?“
• “What are the biggest challenges currently facing the team or department?”
• "Can you provide examples of projects or initiatives that the team is currently working on?”
• “What are the most important qualities you’re looking for in the person who fills this role? Why?”
• “How does the company recognise and celebrate team and individual achievements?”
• "What steps is the company taking to ensure and champion diversity, equity, and inclusion within the workforce?"
• “How does the company support work-life balance and employee well-being?”

With these strategies in hand, you’ll navigate your interviews with confidence and poise, making a strong impression and showcasing your true potential. Remember, preparation and a clear understanding of both yourself and the company are key to a successful interview.

Good luck, and here’s to securing that ideal role and advancing your career!

What would you add? Did I miss anything? Have any questions?

Tell me in the comments below!

Stay tuned and don’t miss out on Part 3 of my mastering the job search process series: "Interviewer Training"!

In this final instalment, we'll dive into the best practices for interviewers, unlocking insider tips to elevate your interviewing skills. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to the game, you'll gain valuable insights into creating a fair, engaging, and effective interview experience to select the best candidates with confidence.

#LinkedIn #InterviewTips #JobInterview #CareerAdvice #JobSearch #InterviewPreparation #CareerDevelopment #ProfessionalGrowth #JobHunting #InterviewSkills #CareerSuccess #JobInterviewTips #InterviewStrategies #JobSeeker #OpenToWork #CareerCoaching #WorkplaceSuccess