Key questions asked in interviews will not differ too much from interview to interview. They are standard for most positions. However, the way you conduct yourself and incorporate your key skills into an interview, can be tailored to get the best results for you.
Preparation
Research the company and the position advertised thoroughly. If you can get someone to roleplay a mock interview with you covering the key requirements of the position, this will develop confidence.
Memorise
When you seamlessly match the job requirements to your work experience, the interview will go much more smoothly, giving you a sense of being in control. For this to happen it helps to memorise the requirements as best as you can, but do not come across as mechanical when referencing these. A relaxed conversational style is more convincing than rattling off your resume details.
Once you are prepared for the interview the next step is to showcase your experience up until now.
Outcome
Show how previous projects prepared you for the advertised position, explaining how your role in these projects affected the successful outcome. Elaborate if details are required.
Job Satisfaction
If job satisfaction and success are a priority for you, give examples of how these were a prominent feature in past projects such as a company charity you helped to launch or, how you were happy to work after hours to finish a project on time.
Work Environment
Describe how your ideal work environment fits in with the company’s environment requirements, which may be diversity, work ethics, innovation, mentorships, or internships, by explaining your role in past work situations.
Strengths
Highlight the strengths that assisted you in previous work experience and which could do so again in your new position. If you have strong leadership qualities do not put this down with any false modesty.
Accomplishments
List your accomplishments to demonstrate how well suited you are to the position. Be calmly confident while explaining why your past accomplishments make you the most suitable candidate for the new position. Showcase without being showy.
Performance Reviews
Where these have occurred in previous positions, showcase how you managed to improve yourself, if this was required, perhaps with internal company programmes. Doing this demonstrates your willingness to grow.
Enthusiasm
Above all, be enthusiastic about all you have to offer the new company! Nothing makes a good impression more than enthusiasm and a positive attitude. Never complain about individuals or management in previous positions. Show instead how you overcame relationship hurdles to everyone’s satisfaction.
Want More?
Why not give our regular blog a read? It is updated every few weeks, so watch out for the latest recruitment topics on our social media pages. Check out our previous posts which include how to relax for a job interview, mindfulness and how to look for a job on social media.