Mastering Interviews: Insights from 20 Years in Recruitment

In my 20 years of experience, the core advice I give on approaching interviews has remained largely unchanged.

1. Start with Insightful Questions

Most interviews begin with introductions and pleasantries. Use this time wisely. Before diving into your experience, ask:

“John, before we get into the details, could you share a bit about the background of this role and what you are really looking for in the ideal candidate?”

This question helps you tailor your responses to highlight your most relevant experiences.

2. Understand Their Interest

Next, ask:

“That’s great to hear, John. If I may ask, what stood out about my application that led to this interview?”

These questions give you valuable insights into what the interviewer values most about your profile and what they’re looking for in a candidate. It also shows you’re engaged and listening, allowing you to adjust your answers to match their expectations.

3. Adjust Your Communication Style

While the interviewer is speaking, observe their style and approach. This will help you adapt your communication style to better align with theirs, creating a more harmonious conversation.

4. Answering Questions Effectively

For technical questions, use the Value, Challenge, Specifics approach. For example:

Question: “How do you ensure data security and compliance in a cloud environment?”

Answer: To ensure data security and compliance for our Australian healthcare client, I implemented a security framework that resulted in zero data breaches and full compliance with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). The main challenge for me was balancing stringent security measures with accessibility for healthcare professionals and navigating complex regulatory requirements.

I focussed on four key elements to get us over the line.

Encryption and Access Control: I Implemented end-to-end encryption (AES-256, TLS) and strict access controls (RBAC, MFA).

Compliance Management: I developed policies with the legal team, including data anonymization, explicit consent, and regular audits.

Continuous Monitoring: I used AWS CloudTrail and Azure Security Center for real-time alerts and conducted regular Vulnerability assessments Training and Awareness: Educated staff on best practices through a comprehensive training program.

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5. Discussing Compensation

When asked about salary expectations, focus on finding the right role:

“I’m focused on finding a role where I can bring value and be valued. That said, what is the range for this role, and where would you see me fitting in?”

Understanding their range first helps you position your expectations more effectively.

6. Closing the Interview

At the end of the interview, do a “temperature check” to gauge their interest:

“Having discussed the role, I’m confident my experience aligns well with what you’re looking for. How comfortable are you with my fit for this position? Are there any reservations you have about my skills or fit that I can address?”

This helps surface any concerns early, giving you the chance to address them on the spot.

Addressing Reservations:

• Stuff you don’t know: Explain how you’ve quickly learned similar skills.“I haven’t worked with Tableau, but I quickly picked up Power BI in my last role and was producing executive dashboards within two months.”
• Stuff they don’t know you know: Highlight relevant experience not yet discussed.“Actually, I have considerable Tableau experience. Let me walk you through a project I did for a telco displaying customer acquisition data.”

By following these strategies, you can navigate interviews more effectively, tailoring your responses to the interviewer’s needs and showcasing your ability to bring value to the role.

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