How can I stand out at the interview?

So Peopleconnexion Recruitment have done their job and you have the interview booked. What now? How do you impress at the interview?

Three things can help you achieve this result: preparation, presentation and performance.

PREPARATION

This is the key to doing well at the interview. You need to research the company that you want to work for. Research the company on the Internet. Read or skim the annual report and any other information that you can find. Understanding the structure of the organisation can often help you to know where the position fits in to the broader scheme of things. Get to know the key positions and the names of people in them.

If you know people working for the company, talk to them about the company and their experiences. Use any contacts that you may have. It is important to go into the interview fully conversant with the company’s product, its values and business culture. Use your research to differentiate yourself from the other job applicants. Show that you are inquisitive. Ask intelligent questions to explore information about the company. This can help ‘sell you into the role’ and gives you a chance to find out more about the role and to make sure that this really is the job you want.

In any interview, show that you have researched the company and know something about their work and the people working there. Peopleconnexion Recruitment will help here with a detailed assignment brief. Where possible, incorporate your research into your answers. Use the names of people you have spoken to and/or talk about your research. Also, you may want to ask questions about the company, the job or the jab requirements to show how interested you are in the job. If you do ask questions, make sure that there is a logical approach. For example, start with questions about the company, then about the section you are interested in and then specific questions about the role itself. Find out who will be interviewing you and the position they hold. Address people by their first names and try to ensure you know how to pronounce names correctly.

Diane Christiansen, Peopleconnexion Recruitment consultant suggests “that you need to be on time, know the process, prepare for the questions you want to ask, have a firm handshake and be confident. Even if you don’t get the job, going for an interview can be a valuable learning experience. “

PRESENTATION

It’s crucial that you come across as personable and dynamic. It’s okay if you’re nervous but don’t focus on your nervousness. Rather, communicate through the nerves so that you still give a sense of what you’re like as a person. Employers want to know who you are, just as much as they want to know your skills.

If you can develop a rapport with the interviewer/s, you automatically stand out from the crowd. So what else can you do to improve your presentation?

Looking good is also part of the process. You need to dress appropriately and be well groomed. Wear simple, tailored work clothes. Make sure your hair is washed and neat. Be aware of body posture and your voice. Sit comfortably, but do not slouch. Speak clearly. Make eye contact. Smile, relax, and breathe!

If you are presenting your work, make sure that it is in a professional manner. If you are using a computer for the presentation, make sure there is enough battery. Anything you present as part of your interview must add to your presentation, not detract from it.

PERFORMANCE

Interview techniques, like everything else, change from time to time and vary from interview to interview. However, behavioural interview is one of the most commonly used interview techniques. It follows the assumption that past behaviour is a good predictor of future behaviour. Employers will ask questions that will require you to recall past experiences and to describe your responses and the outcomes. For example, you may be asked: ‘Tell me about a time when you had to break bad news to someone? How did you do this? What was the outcome?’ As opposed to being asked: ‘How would you tell an employee they have lost their job?’ Behavioural interviews give the candidate the opportunity to discuss real examples of dealing with real situations.

Employers aren’t looking for positive experiences only—they also ware to know what you did when things went wrong. They are looking for you to give honest answers and to have an ability to see when things have gone wrong, to problem-solve and learn from mistakes. Past mistakes aren’t always a black mark, if you have learnt from them.

To prepare for behavioural interviewing, took at the skills and persona attributes listed in the advertisement or job information package and think of examples where you have demonstrated whatever it is they are seeking — for example, leadership, customer service, and communication skills.

If you don’t feel on top of behavioural-based interviews ask a Peopleconnexion Recruitment consultant for help, research and practise your examples. It’s worthwhile asking someone with behavioural interviewing experience to practise with you.

At the interview, speak precisely and decisively - be short and sharp.

Employers also want to know about your skill and motivation. Is there some aspect of the occupation that you are passionate about?

TIPS: The Interview.