As an executive recruiter for 10 years, I have seen countless candidates go through the interview process. With the great resignation, quiet quitting, and the recent downsizing from major companies, I have revised a list of interview tips to help you stand out and make a positive impression in a competitive job market.
By following these tips, you can demonstrate your value and increase your chances of landing the job, even in a job market where companies may be more selective about their hiring decisions.
1. Pretend the person interviewing you has not reviewed your CV. Unfortunately, people are busy and even with the best intentions, they don’t always have the time to review all of your experience. Be prepared to discuss your experience clearly and concisely.
2. How? Have a clear introduction that directly aligns your experience to the position.
3. Highlight your past accomplishments and how they align with the company's objectives. Be ready to give examples and provide evidence of the impact you made in previous roles.
4. Thoroughly research the company and the role you are applying for, including its mission, values, goals and how the role fits into those. Show how your skills, experience and values align with the company's needs and goals. Show your interest in the company by demonstrating your knowledge about it and its industry.
5. Prepare responses for common interview questions, using concrete examples, facts and figures to demonstrate your value and accomplishments.
6. Practice clear, concise and confident communication, including mock interviews to get feedback on your style.
7. Ask thoughtful questions about the company's future plans, the role you are interviewing for, and its biggest challenges.
8. Come prepared with questions about the company's working style and team dynamics to gauge if the company culture aligns with your own preferences and expectations.
9. Practice your responses out loud. Seek feedback from friends or family on your communication style.
Hopefully you will find these tips useful during your next interview. In summary, be prepared to communicate your value but make sure the position is right for you. Good luck!