Job Interviews: The factors of success
As the saying goes; “Prior preparation prevents poor performance.”
Before entering an interview, one should assume the interviewee (candidate) already knows basic information and instead focus on understanding the company's industry and position within it. It is also important to demonstrate a genuine interest in the company, by asking questions such as, about its mission and what kind of expectations it has for that particular role. By asking relevant and thought-provoking questions at interview, not only does it show your level of preparedness but also your commitment to the position.
It is also a good idea to research the company's culture, history, and even the CEO's background prior to your meeting. This will help you make a more informed impression on employers and show that you took initiative. Additionally, it might be helpful to have a story or clarification about something relating to the company or its history that you can bring up during the interview. This will always win you extra brownie points with interviewers, showing that you are well researched.
Job interviews are an important part of the hiring process for employers. Competency interviewing, also know as behavioural interviewing, focuses on reviewing a job description and understanding the key competencies required for the position. It is important to match your skills and experience with the job posting (more on how to address key competencies here). To prepare, one should read the company website, review their current employees, and gain insight into what positions require certain skills. A successful interview will include detailed examples of how your skills can benefit both you and your employer. Relate only information that is relevant to the position when discussing your experience. An interviewer may ask questions that require more in-depth analysis, so it is important to be prepared for such questions by having examples of how you can benefit from specific experiences or situations.
Interview success is based on quality interview questions asked by the employer regarding role expectations and key competencies. As the interview progresses, questions should be woven together to measure your success in filling the role. Ideally, technical ability should be well explored to ensure you can perform in the position. As the interviewer considers your answers and progress through the questions, they are also considering how you interact with them.
A hurried answer, a distorted sense of your skills and strengths, or even finding flaws in the job itself can all be compounded tendencies that can hinder success. To make sure you have the best success in a job interview, you should take your time with each answer, focus on your strengths and interests related to the position and show that you have done research on the company. While answering questions is a big part of any interview process, it is important to think of it as more than just that.
Always interview in person when there is the opportunity. In person interviewing enables a higher level of engagement and a stronger sense of interpersonal skills which are all important factors for smart hiring decisions.
When concluding the meeting, you should thank the interviewer for their time and reiterate your interest in the job, in a short and concise way. You could also email the interviewer after the interview, thanking them again and expressing interest in the position.
There you have it, the factors of interview success. If you interview and use these strategies, please drop a line in the comments section and let me know how you went!
Good luck!
