Tips for Successful Interviewing

Tips to help you prepare for a strategic interview.

As the job marketplace has become more active and competitive, companies have been forced to allow the hiring decision to rely more on a candidate's potential ability rather than exclusively current skills.

From the company's perspective, the winning candidate usually promotes the best mix of technical skills and personality (matching the company's "culture") during the interview, that is, the most technically qualified individual doesn't always get the job. More often, the candidate that does the best job marketing their technical and personal skills during the interview will win the offer. So what constitutes effective marketing?

First of all, you must prepare yourself for interviewing with a specific goal in mind, based on the idea that until you actually get an offer, you have nothing, because the decision rests with the company. However, once you get an offer, the decision to accept/decline (and the power to negotiate) is all yours.

Strategically speaking, interviewing candidates are divided into two camps - those who define an interview as a chance to get to know the company and see if they like it (and if so tell the company), and those who do their homework first and go to the interview with the sole purpose of winning an offer from that company. There's your goal!

It shouldn't be a surprise to hear that those in the second group usually win on interviews. In this rapid-fire marketplace, companies know they are under pressure to make a hiring decision, and make it quickly. They're aware that time-on-the-market is short for candidates, so someone who interviews well will be an easy choice.

Following are some tips to help you prepare for a strategic interview.

Study the Company
Websites are a good start, often providing company technologies, products, news, and even fiscal information. Learn about the basic products so you'll recognise them when a hiring manager mentions them.
Learn your Resume

A common candidate downfall occurs during the interview when the candidate can't easily describe project details from several years ago, especially one that appears on his/her resume! Managers will suspect your involvement wasn't detailed, or that you aren't capable of remembering past projects. Be sure you can easily discuss your background without any errs or ums.

Create a Confident First Impression
First impressions are most important, so "dress to impress."
Be Prepared to Discuss Skills

If a manager says, "We're really looking for someone with skills A, B and C" you'll know what to talk about. If you don't have skill "C", don't panic. Instead of saying that you're a fast learner, say "OK, I don't have skill C, but here's an example of where I've learned a new skill rapidly". Give a short technical example.
Avoid Negatives

Instead of saying "my current company is cutting corners on development tools and my manager is unreasonable about picking up kids from day-care", turn it around. Say something like "I'm looking for a company which gives developers the best tools, and a manager who understands that having kid-duty requires a bit of schedule flexibility". Remember that dwelling on negative points reflects poorly on you.

Don't Divulge Salary Expectations
If compensation is brought up, don't discuss salary expectations. If faced with the question, "What's it going to take?" absolutely do not give a number or a range. Once you give one it may as well be in stone - too high and they'll walk you out, too low and you'll be thinking you could have done better.

Your best answer is this - "Salary is not the main issue here; what is more important to me is the job, company, environment and technology". If the Manager doesn't accept that, be honest! Say "I would prefer not to give a firm number or range which may eliminate me from consideration. Instead I'd like to say I'm very interested in your company - if you make me a competitive offer I'll jump at the opportunity." It sounds committal but really depends on what the offer is - but it still sounds great to a hiring manager!

Finally, most companies will ask about your current compensation - don't assume this means you've won the interview!
Why did you leave your last position OR Want to Leave?

Describing why you left (or seeking to leave) your last position is the one interviewer question that causes the most anxiety for interviewees.

Be Succinct. Describe the reasons for your departure directly and succinctly. Stating that you and your boss had a personality conflict is not believable.

In your explanation, stay positive. State the facts in a positive manner. Any negativity you express will only reflect negatively on you. If you're angry about the situation, you'll need to process that anger in another manner before you interview. The interview is the last place to express anger about anything.

Do not make assumptions. Do not speculate on the motives or feelings of the other people involved in the events of your departure. Focus only on the facts of what happened and what you did.

Maintain Eye Contact
Most of us instinctively sense deception. Look the interviewer in the eyes when responding. This will convey your confidence, communicate that this is the truth and that you have nothing to hide.

If people do want to get better jobs, they will have to develop their communication skills because no two people will have the same set of skills, personality, motivation or experiences, so every interview is about the individual sitting in the "Hot Seat" and how they prepare for that heat is the key to unlock the door to the next floor onwards an upwards to better things.

This article may contain 3rd party information. thatsthejob.com has made every effort possible to ensure that this information is correct and accurate.