Interview Tips

1. PLAN

• Sit down and figure out what matters to you in a job. While you’re doing this, use the time to also come up with a NEW list of questions to ask your potential employer.
• Research on the company, you should be able to articulate clearly not only what you know about the company but also how you would be a good fit with them.
• You want to demonstrate genuine interest in the company and the best way to do that is to figure it out yourself first.  
• Change your focus, the interviewer is looking for a candidate to help solve a problem in the company. Think in terms of what can you do to help the company. What skills and abilities do you offer that will help solve the company’s problems?

2. D - DAY

• CONFIDENCE: NO ONE knows what YOU DO, better THAN YOU DO. Have confidence and faith in what you know and what you are able to accomplish. No one else knows, they are waiting for you to show them! Shake hands firmly, look them directly in the eye, and repeat their names as they are introduced. Portray an opened body language, by pointing your body towards the interviewer, aligning yourself with the interviewer.
• ASSESS AND ANALYSE This is a great opportunity to assess each individual that you’ll be potentially working with as well. Remember, you are not the only one making a first impression…so are they! As you go through the interview, evaluate not only your own performance but what impressions you give off and receive from you potential co-workers.
• COME PREPARED Be prepared for the interview questions to be more specific. They are going to focus more on the details of the job and how your skills and knowledge fit what they’re looking for. Read the job description and make a list of all the key strengths required. Align your key strengths to the requirements of the job. You want to show the interviewer your key strengths are relevant or transferable to the job.
• BREATHE Don’t forget to breathe. Immediately rushing into answering questions shows nervousness. Take your time, reflect on your answer, ensuring it aligns with portraying why you are best for this position.
• HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY At this point, you’re not just trying to make a good impression; you are possibly making a life-impacting decision about your future career. Avoid saying what you think they want to hear for the short-term.

3. MOST COMMON QUESTION

• “Tell me about yourself?”
  • This question will be asked in one way or the other. When answering this question, it is unnecessary to provide a story about your life. The real reason this question is asked is to know if you are fit for the position.
  • This question basically means “Tell me about your career so far and why you’re a good fit for the job”. Interviewers are more interested in your career and why you want to leave your current job.

3 Step Formula to answering this question:

1. Your career start – How and When did you start your career?  
2. What skills and abilities have you learned? More specifically the ones applicable for the position.  
3. What are you looking for right now? – keep your reply short and brief related to the position available. Aim to reply within 30-45 seconds.

• “What is your biggest accomplishment?”
  • The purpose of this question is to give you a chance to present some of your skills and abilities.
  • Here’s what you do: Describe a difficult work problem and how you have overcome it.

3 Step Formula to answering this question:

1. Describe a difficult situation.
2. Mention the actions taken for that situation
3. What was the result of that action?

• “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”
  • Your answer should be based on the logical progression of the position you are applying for. This type of response reveals commitment to the job. This is a good technique to help the interview visualise you in that position, in the long-term.

You are the hero of your own story. Accomplishment is a success story, make sure yours is heard.