How To Ace Your Interview!

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Hi there, and welcome back to THEHRCareerCoach #21 newsletter! It's great ?to have each and every one of you among our 2,425 subscribers. ?? Your continued support means the world.

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Last month, in Part 1 of 2 in the Interview series, we dived into the crucial steps to take before and after an interview to set yourself up for success. This month, we’re shifting focus to the actual interview itself - because when it comes to acing your interview, every detail counts.

Making the Most of Your Interview

?? First Impressions Count: You only get one chance to make a first impression. If it’s face to face arrive early, greet everyone with a handshake and a smile, and maintain good eye contact and posture. If your interview is online also consider eye contact, smiling and posture, and don’t forget to remove any distractions. These small actions help set a positive tone for the entire interview.

?? Know Your Story Inside Out: Be ready to discuss your career journey in a compelling narrative. Highlight key achievements and transitions, and explain how they’ve prepared you for this role. Your story should reflect your professional growth and your passion for HR.

?? Answer Questions Effectively: When responding to questions, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to provide structured and impactful answers. This method helps you stay focused and ensures you cover all relevant points. I also like to have an extra section prepared on What I learned or What I would do differently, just in case of any supplementary questions.

?? Showcase Your Knowledge: Demonstrate your understanding of the company and the industry. Weave in what you’ve learned from your research and any informational interviews you’ve conducted. This shows genuine interest and initiative.

?? Ask Insightful Questions: Remember it’s a two way process and you have the right to ask your own questions. Prepare thoughtful questions for the end of the interview that demonstrate your interest in the role and the company. Avoid questions that can be easily answered through basic research. Instead, focus on topics like company culture, team performance measurement, and future challenges.

?? Adapt and Connect: Pay attention to the interviewers’ communication styles and adapt accordingly. Building rapport with the panel can make the interview feel more like a conversation and less like an interrogation.

?? Highlight Your Soft Skills: As HR professionals, your ability to communicate, empathise, and manage relationships is crucial. Be sure to highlight these skills through your examples and interactions during the interview.

?? Handle Difficult Questions with Grace: If you encounter a challenging question, stay calm, breath and take a moment to think before responding. It’s okay to ask for clarification if needed. You may also want to ask, at the end of your response, if any further information is required.

?? Express Enthusiasm: Let your enthusiasm for the role and the company shine through. Genuine passion can set you apart from other candidates. Be sincere and specific about why you’re excited about this opportunity. As a hiring manager I would always seek to hire the candidate who demonstrates they are hungry for the role and has sufficient skills and experience to grow into the role.

?? Closing the Interview: End on a strong note by summarising why you’re a great fit for the role and expressing your eagerness to contribute. Ask about the next steps in the hiring process to show your proactive attitude and that you are still interested in the opportunity.

By focusing on these strategies during your interview, you'll be able to present yourself as a confident, well-prepared, and enthusiastic candidate. Remember, interviews are not just about assessing your fit for the role, but also about you assessing if the company is the right fit for you.

I hope these tips and insights, along with those in last month’s newsletter, ?help you feel more confident and prepared for your upcoming interviews.

Wishing you every success as you take your next step in your HR career!

If you found this newsletter helpful or know someone who could benefit from it, please feel free to share. If you need support with your job search or any aspect of accelerating your HR career, I am here to help you. Let's have a chat. Book a no-obligation 30-minute call using the link below.

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Thank you for being a valued subscriber, and I look forward to sharing more career insights with you in the future.

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