How to win at interviewing

How to win at interviewing

August 21, 2017

Introduction

Interviewing is just like any other skill that you’ve acquired. The more you practice the better you get at it. The art of interviewing is as important as any other skill that you bring to the table as a professional. The job market is a competitive place. In many cases the only difference between whether you get an offer or not will come down to the way you handle yourself in the interview. What follows is a summary of tips, which we’ve compiled, observing the habits of some of the most successful professionals we’ve ever encountered.

Don’t forget why you’ve been selected to interview

This should act as a boost to your confidence. You’re already starting on the right foot with the interviewer. Think of the interview as a chance to prove to them that they are right about you!

Get back to basics

We have seen literally hundreds, if not thousands of qualified candidates with better credentials lose out to other candidates simply because they conducted a less productive interview. The only variable that consistently explains such outcomes is the amount of time and effort a person puts into preparing for an interview. Thorough preparation is often what stands between you and your next opportunity.

? Take the time to look the company up on the Internet

? Check recent newspaper articles, corporate reports, and talk to colleagues

? Make sure you know where you’re going and anticipate delays

If you’re interviewing for an office position, there is no such thing as being overdressed. Wear business formal for office roles but if it’s a more industrial atmosphere, business casual will do. Don’t slack off on personal grooming and never wear jeans.

The interviewer is the best source of information

The more you know about the organization and position, the more accurately you can develop an appropriate presentation. If you are lacking information, compile a list of questions for the client.  Make sure they are open ended questions that will create an in-depth answer rather than a yes or no response. Ask them about projects, team composition, software, product suite or what their goals to grow are. Does the position have a career path? This will allow you to assess the customer’s needs so that you can more effectively map your skills to them while ascertaining if the fit is right for you as well. Listen carefully and take notes.

Your primary objective should always be to generate an offer

Remember, you can always say no to an offer that you’ve received but you can’t say yes to an offer that you didn’t get.

It is not uncommon for people to lose enthusiasm during an interview if they hear something they don’t like. If this happens to you it is important to keep in mind that things are not always as they appear.

Let’s say Engineer Ed is interviewing for a prestigious position but when he hears it would require some travel, he becomes less interested and it shows. The interviewer can tell just by his body language. Ed later discovered that the client was willing to have spouse travel paid for as well, which of course, was far more appealing. However, he had already given the wrong impression.

Do not anticipate the future on limited information. Some temporary opportunities later offer the possibility of a  permanent, long-term career path. New projects often come up, any number of intangible benefits may develop with an employer. Interviewing is about achieving opportunity, not squandering it.

The interviewer needs to know three things:

1) Are you a team player, good person, will they get along with you?

2) Are you capable of doing the work?

3) Do you want the position?

All that you have to do is convince them that the answer to all three questions is YES.

Prove that you are who they need

Smile, speak genuinely and always be warm/welcoming. Use positive body language. Admit if you are nervous. The interviewer will understand this, and will overlook minor hiccups in your presentation. This should help you feel more comfortable. Pay attention to their speech, posture, movement, and always make eye contact. When possible try to match their behavior, without losing focus on information being exchanged. Be confident, be yourself.

Prove that you are capable

When an interviewer asks you a technical question, THIS IS NOT THE TIME TO BE HUMBLE!  Always answer their questions with an example of where and how you used that skill before. Give examples. Highlight accomplishments and successes. This is when you tell your story but make sure it’s relevant to the conversation and questions at hand. Avoid yes or no answers. Develop answers to match the needs of the interviewer.

Example

Interviewer: “Do you have any experience with Timberline?”

Candidate: “As a matter of fact I have several years of experience with Timberline. I have been responsible for bidding for 15 projects in my current role using this package. It’s an application I’m more than comfortable with and won't have any issues with using it.  I’ve also used three other tendering packages and pick up new software easily.”

Show them you want the job!

It is important to come across as interested and excited about the opportunity as possible. Try to find out if their level of interest in you by asking them directly. Don't be afraid to ask. They may just give you an opportunity to overcome objections. This might feel a bit uncomfortable but the interviewer will be impressed by your forward attitude and it's better to find out what concerns might exist than it is not asking at all. Asking for the job can be a crucial factor in the interviewer’s decision-making process.

Examples

? Do you feel I have the qualifications you’re looking for?

? Do you have any reservations about my ability to do this job?

After the interview

Call your recruiter immediately following your interview

The interviewer will be calling your recruiter to give them feedback and discuss next steps, if any. At this time, it is imperative that your recruiter knows what you think so they can act accordingly.

Send a thank you to your interviewer

Take the time to drop your interviewer a thank you note. Also take the time to personalize that note. Give them a little honest feedback, they’ll appreciate your candor and thoughtfulness. If you want the job, say so.

Conclusion

Practice, practice, practice

Preparing for an interview is a critical key to success for anyone wanting to secure a new role with upward mobility. Treat every interview as the most important marketing presentation that you will ever make in your career. You have one opportunity (and one opportunity only) to convince an interviewer you’re right for the job. Make every phrase, word and gesture count. Practicing in front of a mirror or role-playing with a partner will make you more comfortable and add to your success. There is not a single successful presenter in the world who doesn’t practice their presentations in some way. All professionals, in every walk of life practice. Just do it!