How to Nail Your First Stage Interview: Insights from Senior Leaders

Interviews can be nerve-wracking experiences, but they're also exciting opportunities to showcase your skills, experience, and personality.

However, it is also the stage where most candidates do not progress any further.

I asked a network of senior leaders about their experience and the most common reason candidates don't make it past the first stage interview.

The overwhelming response was a lack of preparation and not showing an authentic interest in the role or the company.

As one senior leader noted,

"I've seen so many candidates who come in with little to no knowledge about our company or what we do. They seem to be going through the motions and not really invested in the process."

Another senior leader echoed this sentiment, saying,

"I want to see that the candidate has done their homework and understands what we're looking for. If they can't demonstrate a genuine interest in the company and the role, then it's hard for me to see them as a good fit."

To avoid falling into this category, we've compiled some advice on how to succeed at the first stage interview.

Research the company

To avoid this make sure you do your homework. Research the company, its products, and its culture. Reading case studies on their website to understand more about the product. Use?Similarweb ?(they have a free Chrome plug-in) to identify who their competitors are.?Use?BuiltWith ?(again they have a free plug-in) to understand the technology they’re currently using to help them achieve their goals. Look at reviews on Glassdoor and try to get a feel for what it's like to work there. By understanding the company's mission and goals, you can tailor your responses to align with their values.

Be authentic

It's important to be yourself during the interview process. Don't try to be someone you're not; you want to find a company that aligns with your values and beliefs. Be open about your passions and interests; this will help the interviewer understand your motivations and whether you are a good fit for the role.

Share your passion and energy

Although you don't have to know everything about the company, you should demonstrate your excitement and curiosity about the role and the company. Energy and enthusiasm are vital and can help you stand out from the crowd. If you show passion for what you do, the interviewer is more likely to see the value and impact you can bring to the company.

Articulate your experience

The great thing about a job description is that it has all the questions. It's a bit like sitting an exam after seeing the questions the day before. It allows you to do some homework. Carefully review the job description and note down any required skills, experiences, or qualifications. Consider how your own skills and experiences match up and prepare examples of how you've demonstrated these competencies in the past. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to highlight specific examples that demonstrate your skills and achievements. Be sure to use data and statistics to evidence your results and impact of your work.

Articulate your motivation

Understand what motivates you and what your ideal next role looks like. Make sure that your drivers align with what the company can offer. Be open and honest about your aspirations, and don't be afraid to ask questions about career progression and growth opportunities.

Be ready to answer why you are interested in the role and working at the company

The interviewer wants to understand why you are interested in the role and what you can bring to the company. Be prepared to explain why you applied for the job and what you find appealing about the company.

Ask questions

Asking questions is crucial to understanding the values of the company and the expectations of the role. It shows that you are interested and engaged, and it gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise. An interviewer's worse nightmare is when they ask if a candidate has any questions and the candidate says no.

Ask questions that focus on the company's needs: This is the most important type of question to ask at a first interview, as it allows you to steer the conversation toward demonstrating why you're the best person for the job. Here's how:

• Use your research to ask targeted questions that show you've done your homework and are genuinely interested in the company's success. For example:
• "What sort of marketing challenges are you currently facing?"
• "What needs fixing in your current marketing strategy?"
• "What metrics do you use to measure the success of your marketing campaigns, and how do you analyze and report on these metrics?"
• "What marketing channels have been most effective for the company in the past, and how do you plan to optimize these channels moving forward?"
• "How are you currently generating leads, and how would you like to see that improved?"
• "What tools do you use to help create good content?"

Then use your own experiences to provide relevant examples that demonstrate how you've successfully tackled similar challenges in the past. This shows the interviewer that you have the skills and knowledge they're looking for.

By asking questions that focus on the company's needs, you demonstrate your understanding of the role and your ability to provide value to the company.

Remember to also listen actively to the interviewer's responses and ask follow-up questions to show your engagement and interest.

Actively Listen

Actively listening to the interviewer is also crucial. Interrupting or talking over the interviewer can make you come across as disinterested or lacking self-awareness. Make sure to give the interviewer your full attention, actively listen to what they're saying, and ask follow-up questions to show that you're engaged and interested. Remember that the interview is a two-way conversation, and the goal is to find the right fit for both you and the company.

Don't be Negative or Complain

This might sound obvious, but never badmouth a previous employer or speak negatively about a current or former job. Doing so can make you come across as unprofessional and difficult to work with. Instead, focus on the positive aspects of your previous jobs and how they have prepared you for the current role. If asked about any challenges or difficulties in your previous roles, be honest but constructive and focus on how you overcame those challenges.

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In conclusion, with the tips and advice shared in this blog post, you can increase your chances of succeeding in the first stage interview. The key is to be well-prepared, show genuine interest, and be yourself. Research the company, articulate your experience and motivation, ask thoughtful questions, and actively listen to the interviewer. Avoid being negative or complaining about past or current jobs, and focus on the positive aspects of your previous roles. With these tips in mind, you can confidently approach your next interview and showcase your skills, experience, and personality.