Your resume and networking activities worked...you got the interview! Now is the “make or break” point of your candidacy with that employer. Whether a telephone screening call or face-to-face interview, preparation will be the key to progressing to the next round and your ultimate success.

Interview preparation is more than just donning a killer suit, arriving on time, and extending a firm handshake. If you are having limited to no success on interviews, and your job search seems to hit a wall at this point, read on to learn about some strategies and steps you should seriously consider.

KNOW THY STRATEGY:

Many job seekers don’t look at the interview process as a strategic one — where you can actually improve your chances of receiving more offers and call backs by deploying strategies instead of just steps. These include:

• Interviewing the employer instead of just selling yourself in an interview (The “fit” goes both ways. See yourself as more of a consultant rather than a job applicant).
• Structuring a solid follow-up system before the interview.
• Practicing succinct answers to behavioral questions (Using the IPAR or STAR/PAR technique).
• Responding to questions about employment gaps or reasons for leaving a job.
• Having “power”questions ready that get you the information you need for decision-making.
• Handling potential objections that may surface.
• Leveraging your network for anyone that may be able to influence the decision.
• Being persistent but not overly aggressive with follow-up communications.
• Burning your bridges when receiving a rejection – don’t!  Send them a thank you note instead.

KNOW THY AUDIENCE:

Research the company, its industry, and competitors. Review the job description again — thoroughly. It’s also wise to identify who you’re speaking to on the call or in-person interview whenever possible in advance.

KNOW THY SELF:

Get your relevant work stories and accomplishments ready – ones that clearly and succinctly convey your “fit” for the role and the company. You must be prepared to backup your resume with specific examples of how you’re going to make a contribution and get the job done. This includes focusing on relevant attributes you possess and practicing your answers to the dreaded behavioral interview questions such as:

• Why should we hire you?
• Tell me about yourself...
• What are your weaknesses?
• Tell me about a time when you...

KNOW THY FORMAT:

There are different types of interview formats including: unstructured, behavioral, competency-based, and group panel. The successful candidate will adapt his/her approach and strategies for each.

KNOW THY QUESTIONS:

Your approach and questions for or about an employer should differ depending on who you’re speaking to:

• Headhunter / Staffing Agency
• Human Resources Representative
• Hiring Manager
• Senior Leader / C-Level of a Company
• Panel / Group Interview (Members are not likely to have the same interviewing style).

These different audiences will have varying perspectives and levels of understanding about the role you’re applying for. Their experience and purpose in the interview process will also differ. As such, have targeted questions ready for whomever you’re interviewing with.

KNOW THY ETIQUETTE:

Please don’t underestimate the importance of this topic! Differentiation is crucial for job seekers and a mistake in etiquette could negatively impact your candidacy. Remember... prior to an interview, the only impression an employer has about you is from your resume — or through a networking referral. Some areas of etiquette to consider include:

• When should you ask questions during an interview?
• How much information is enough vs. too much – when answering a question?
• Is note-taking OK? Shouldn’t you look at the person speaking instead?
• How does etiquette differ with an interview panel vs. a one-on-one situation?
• Is it OK to refer to your resume when discussing your background?
• Is it taboo to reach out to other company employees during the interview process?

Now that we’ve shared some strategies and tips with you, how much would you benefit from honing your interview skills and techniques? Has it been a long time since you’ve interviewed? Are you getting first round interviews — but no call backs for second rounds? Do you need help practicing your responses to behavioral or competency-based questions? 

If any of these apply to you, interview preparation/coaching can help. Contact us to schedule a session with an experienced professional who has conducted more than 2000 employer interviews!