Just Get Me in the Door for a Successful Interview

Interview preparation with my customers is a significant part of my teaching practice. I usually coach two teams of candidates at a time. The primary group is sometimes nervous or afraid of interviews, and this anxiety can manifest as low vanity or self-confidence. We work to increase our boldness through preparation. The job seeker should be able to confidently and convincingly demonstrate their value and capabilities to the interviewing firm.

The second group consists of those with extensive work experience. They’ve interviewed and been interviewed numerous times. They are frequently sought after by different corporations as senior professionals and executives, and they have a formidable reputation because they are good at what they do. They understand the significance of preparation and use our class time collectively to ensure they’ve precisely prepared and are at the top of their game for the position they’re interviewing for.

A third group, with whom I don’t work as much on interview preparation, are those who simply need to get their foot in the door. They assure me that they will always “nail the interview” as soon as they walk in the door. We work on improving their resumes and LinkedIn profiles, as well as other forms of teaching, but they are confident in their interviewing abilities. I usually ask a few questions to ensure they’re well-prepared for their interview. A couple of issues come to mind for this third group to consider:

ARE YOU SUITABLE FOR THE JOB? After all, you want to make a good impression on the interviewers. And if you don’t blow your own trumpet, who will? However, it is critical to apply a prudent strategy to your bravado. Check to see if you have what it takes to handle the job efficiently and if your expertise and experience match what they’re looking for. Hiring and even interviewing is time-consuming and costly for businesses, so make sure to promote what you have, not just what they’re looking for.

IS THIS JOB SUITABLE FOR YOU? It’s exciting when a company calls you in and expresses interest in you for a position. Take care not to overpromote yourself just to get the job. Perform your due diligence prior to the interview and make inquiries to ensure that you understand what the position will require of you. Determine whether it provides what you are looking for right now and whether it fits with your short- and long-term goals.

ARE YOU EXPECTING THE INTERVIEW? Don’t put too much stock in your persona. Whereas first impressions and “match” are important in getting hired, preparation can make or break the job supply. Even having the right qualifications isn’t always enough to land your next job. Take the time to learn about the company, industry, and location for which you are interviewing. Investigate what’s going on in their world and how you can help and add value. And once more, ask yourself if it is in line with your professional objectives.

I’ve heard from three different clients who are in the interview process so far this week. We discussed the general interview and went over the questions that had been submitted. All three purchasers stated they were asked what they knew about the interviewing firm and how they could add value to the company. Other questions were also asked that drew on both the trade / firm understanding and the shopper’s skill set and expertise. Remember to do your research on the company because they will be expecting you to.

Be confident and prepared for the best results!