Interview Preparation: Avoiding Interview Pitfalls

Welcome to the second edition of this biweekly newsletter series, "Career Insights for Executives ," where I'll share in-depth analyses, emerging trends, and actionable insights tailored for today's professionals. This series is designed to guide you through the evolving landscape of recruitment and career development, helping you connect with opportunities in innovative and effective ways.

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Interview Preparation: Avoiding Interview Pitfalls

Navigating the job interview landscape can be daunting, even for the most seasoned professionals. The process has become even more complex with the rise of innovative interview formats like one-way video interviews. However, with the proper preparation and awareness of common pitfalls, you can confidently present your best self to potential employers. This newsletter delves into practical tips for preparing for interviews and highlights common mistakes to avoid.

Practical Tips for Effective Interview Preparation

Traditional Interview Preparation        

Cover the Basics

Ensure you know the company's history, offerings, leadership, mission, and job description. Conduct desktop research on news articles about the company, its competitors, and the related industry. If you have a strong network, ask for any insights on the company or the interviewers. Understanding their style and personality can be very helpful in making a connection right away.

Practice Aloud

Practice your answers aloud. Everything sounds great in our heads but might be different when we articulate our history, skills, and accomplishments. Be ready with examples where you have achieved measurable results. Additionally, prepare examples showcasing your soft skills, such as teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving, as these are often the focus of structured interview questions. Practice articulating these achievements concisely.

Prepare Questions

The inquiries you make during an interview hold as much weight as the answers you provide. Demonstrating your interest in the role, team, company culture, and the subsequent steps will show that you’re engaged and proactive.

Know Your Audience

Dress appropriately and, more importantly, ensure your demeanor conveys confidence and professionalism. As you practice, monitor your energy level. Remember, first impressions matter.

Manage Time During Interviews

Interviews typically last between 45 minutes to an hour. Efficient time management is crucial, and there is a lot you can do to ensure you get all your points across:

1. Plan Your Narrative: Rehearse your career story aloud, focusing on major transitions, key achievements, and numbers. Aim to tell your story in 5-10 minutes.
2. Understand the Hiring Manager's Needs: Tailor your responses to address what the hiring manager is looking for in this role, whether it's revenue origination, leadership, or innovation. This should be the bulk of the conversation, typically lasting around 30 minutes.
3. Motivations - Be Direct and Honest: It is common in an interview to be asked about your motivations. Authenticity is key. Deliver your answers with confidence and don't overthink. If the role isn't a fit, being genuine can lead to other opportunities within the company.

For more tips check out these: 15 Expert Job Interview Tips To Get Hired Faster In 2024 ( forbes.com ) and my YouTube video How to Prepare and Manage Time During an Interview

Master One-Way Video Interviews        

One-way recorded video interviews are becoming increasingly popular. Here's how to excel:

Practice in Front of a Camera

• Record yourself in front of a camera or engaging in video mock interviews with a trusted friend or family member. This will help you become comfortable speaking into a camera and allow for constructive feedback on your answers.

Find the Appropriate Background

• Pay attention to your background and what you are wearing and ensure it is distraction-free. One-way interviews might not allow the use of virtual backgrounds.

Review Your Videos

• Review your practice sessions. Focus on improving your facial expressions, tone of voice, and speech pace. This self-assessment can significantly enhance your performance. If you want to get to the next level, hiring a presentation/media coach like https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/steve-naru or https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/stephen-horst as an example is also very helpful.

Find more tips in this Forbes article: Mastering One-Way Video Interviews: Proven Strategies For Candidates ( forbes.com )

Common Interview Pitfalls to Avoid        

Over-Scripting Your Answers

While preparation is essential, overly rehearsed answers can come off as insincere. Balance practice with spontaneity.

Neglecting Technology Checks

Ensure your technology works seamlessly, especially in video interviews. Check your camera, microphone, and internet connection ahead of time.

Neglecting Soft Skills

Soft skills are as critical as technical skills. Be ready to discuss examples where you've demonstrated these competencies.

Playing Too Hard to Get

Not showing enough enthusiasm for the opportunity can backfire. While you might think this tactic will result in a better offer, the opposite is true. Employers prefer to hire professionals who are genuinely excited about joining their team.

Underestimating the Power of Presentation

Dress professionally, even for video interviews. Don't just rely on virtual backgrounds; ensure your actual surroundings are neat and free of distractions.

Forgetting to Breathe and Relax

Interviews can be stressful. Take deep breaths, stay calm, and remember that the interviewer is human too. Your energy and style matter a lot.

Not Doing Company Research

Understanding the company's mission, values, and recent developments shows your genuine interest and preparation.

Conclusion

Effective interview preparation is a blend of practice, research, and self-awareness. By avoiding common pitfalls and focusing on showcasing your best self, you can approach interviews with confidence. Remember, each interview is an opportunity to learn and improve. Good luck!

By integrating these strategies and tips, you can navigate the interview process more effectively and increase your chances of landing your ideal job. Keep practicing, stay informed, and approach each interview with a positive mindset.

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About the Author

Elisabetta Bartoloni is a partner in Heidrick & Struggles’ New York office and the Americas Global Markets Practice sector leader. She also co-chairs the firm’s Americas Women Inclusion Network (WIN). Previously, she led the Americas Investment & Corporate Banking Practice. She has more than 20 years of experience in executive search.

At Heidrick, she blends industry expertise with a keen understanding of corporate dynamics, making her work a fusion of skill and art. Elisabetta’s executive search and advisory practice spans from managing directors to functional roles, including CEO and board positions across investment banking, global and capital markets, and asset management. In addition to working with global financial institutions, Elisabetta has worked extensively with boutique and middle market investment banks and other investment management and fintech companies.

As a strong advocate for DE&I, Elisabetta serves on the Board of Girls with Impact, and a Mentor of the 30% Club driving positive change within the industry. Her exceptional leadership was recognized in 2014 when she was named the “National Association of Professional Women VIP Woman of The Year.” Her insights on DE&I and hiring trends are frequently sought after, with appearances in prestigious publications such as Forbes magazine where she is a member and contributor of their Human Resources Council and recognized Top Career Development Voice on Linkedin.

Before joining Heidrick & Struggles, Elisabetta was a managing director at Westwood Partners focusing on investment banking and asset management in the Americas and responsible for the firm’s Latin America executive search practice. Before joining Westwood, Elisabetta was a director at J.H. McCann & Company, a boutique executive search firm exclusively serving the financial services industry and a senior associate in the global financial services practice of another global executive search firm. Elisabetta began her career in the financial services industry, having worked as a data research analyst in investment banking at Goldman Sachs.

Elisabetta's academic journey began at the University of Florence in Italy, where she earned both her Master’s Degree and Bachelor of Arts in Economics. She furthered her education with meritorious scholarships at the University of Reading and New York University, honing her skills and paving the way for her remarkable career.

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Elisabetta