This is the second installment of our ‘interview tips’ blogs intended to help you prepare for and do well in interviews so that you get that job you really want. This time we are concentrating on the interview itself and how to come across well and ask relevant questions, including how to handle that salary question.
Listen, don’t ramble and know when to stop talking!
A good interview will be a balanced conversation between you and the interviewer. You will be expected to have questions for them and they, obviously, will be asking questions of you. When giving answers be concise and always keep to the point and be relevant. It is important not to ramble! When you have finished answering the question stop talking. Listen carefully to the questions, don’t interrupt and make sure your answers are actually answering the question they asked and not the one you hoped they ask.
Prepare for the competency questions
Many interviews now are competency based which means that the interviewer will be looking for you to answer questions about your abilities and experience in the context of actual events. Prepare in advance at least 3 examples for each competency. Competencies generally cover Teamwork, Motivation, Decision making, Communication and Leadership. You will be expected to support statements you make about yourself with specific examples. Generally, the less probing that the interviewer does then the more you know that you have answered the question correctly.
Other questions you need to be prepared for:
Question 1: “Why are you leaving your current position?”
In response to “Why you are leaving, answers such as; “My current position lacks opportunity to grow and learn professionally” or ” I need a new challenge” are perfectly acceptable.
AVOID: Being negative about your previous line manager, that the money is too low or not enough holidays etc. One person said to me the reason he was leaving as because he could do his bosses job better and he was an idiot, not very professional, Also UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES should you swear in an interview, even if you are telling a story were someone else swore.
Question 2: “What do you like about your current position?”
The most professional way to handle this is to say that you enjoy the high level of responsibility that you have been given and you have enjoyed the juggling of multiple projects and the complexity of work.
AVOID: Mentioning aspects such as: Flexible work schedule. The amount of vacation I am getting. Company benefit/perks. The vast amount of resources available to me. Not having to deal with the nitty gritty details and having my own office.
Question 3: “What do you dislike about your current position?”
Better to say that there is a lack of challenge and responsibility or that you are not learning anything new. Other good answers include that the company’s culture is very rigid and lacks an entrepreneurial spirit.
AVOID: Your manager is rubbish or that there is too much overtime or that the company is so unstructured and chaotic.
Question 4: “What are your career objectives and why are you here talking to us?”
This is your opportunity to:
- Separate yourself from the crowd by demonstrating a unique connection between you and this company and it’s employees.
- Demonstrate a high level of maturity and confidence by articulating a clear vision about where you are going with your career.
For example:-”I have always respected and heard/read goods things about your products or services”, “I have known people that work or have worked for your company”, “Your opportunity helps me meet some or all of my career goals”.
Examples of probing questions to ask the interviewer:
What are the core values of the company?
What are the company’s objectives?
What kinds of changes have taken place at the company in the last few years?
Management, culture, financial, etc.? Why is the position available?
How long have you been looking to fill the position?
What should be the most important objectives for the person filling this position?
What departments or individuals will I be working with outside of my immediate group?
How does the rest of the organisation view what this department or business group is doing?
Don’t be timid about asking these questions. Asking tough questions demonstrates that you are prepared, genuinely interested, and respectful of the interviewer and the interview process. It is perfectly acceptable to bring a list of questions to your interview and take notes.
Now about the salary…
Typically if you apply for a job through an agency salary will not be discussed at interview. If they ask and you have to give them something then give them a range (check what the recruitment consultant has put on your CV when they submitted it before you go to interview – this will be what you discussed but try not to forget!). I always advise my candidates to try and avoid answering this question. This is what I get paid to do so let me argue and negotiate on your behalf – less embarrassing and I always get more! If you want to though, you could ask about the benefits package details.
Tell them you want the job!
Make it clear that based on what you have heard so far; you would be interested in going to the next round. After all, they only want to hire people that want to work for them. You have one objective in interviewing and that is to receive an offer. Don’t let your guard down regardless of how informal or casual the meeting may seem. If you’re not sure that the job is a fit, at least try to get to the second round of interviews. A second interview will help you find out for sure if this is the job for you and will also give you the opportunity to ask all those questions that you forgot to ask…there’s always one!
And finally, a quick recap:
- Research, research, research the company
- Know your CV, strengths and weaknesses inside out
- Be smart and presentable
- Arrive early
- Listen, don’t ramble and know when to stop talking
- Prepare for the competency based questions
- Be clear about your own personal and career objectives
- Make a list of questions for the interviewer
- Avoid answering the Salary question if possible
- Close the interview by telling them you want the job!
Good luck!
