Interviewing for Jobs

Interviews can be nerve-wracking, no matter how experienced you are. Whether you’re meeting with a recruitment consultant, a hiring manager, or a potential business partner, the pressure to present yourself well can feel overwhelming. But with the right preparation, you can walk into an interview feeling confident and in control.

The key is to give yourself enough time to prepare and to be clear on what you want to achieve. Most interviews are about securing a job or pitching for new work, but whatever the case, your goal is to make a strong and lasting impression. This means knowing your subject, presenting yourself professionally, and communicating your skills effectively.

Here’s how to make sure you’re ready to impress.

Know Your Subject

Learn about the company and the person who will be interviewing you. If it is a recruitment consultant, they will be trying to discern which of their clients they can promote you to. Be open minded, honest and flexible. It is a good idea not to oversell yourself, which can land you out of your depth. Assess your skills critically and have a neutral third party (colleague, objective friend or competitor) review what you think your strengths and weaknesses are.

If you are being interviewed by the company’s owner, they will likely be more passionate and attached to the company than a consultant. It is a good idea to research recent acquisitions, deals or changes that may have prompted them to interview you. It will give you an informed base to speak from.

Have an Up-to-Date Resume

The last thing an interviewer wants to hear is “I should have” or “I’ll get it to you”. Make sure you have a digital copy and a hard copy available, even if you have previously provided your resume. It may save time and help your interviewer out. It will also remind them again of your skills, should they have filed all the copies.

Answer Honestly

If you don’t know an answer, be honest. If you don’t have a skill, be honest. If you think you can offer an alternative solution, do that. Use clear language and be to the point. Don’t dodge questions and do be interested and engaged throughout the entire interview.

Interviewers use a range of techniques to make up their minds – seemingly unrelated questions, as well as the chit-chat to open and close a meeting.

Be Punctual and appropriate

It is never acceptable to be late. Allow plenty of travel and parking time. Allow time to sign in if it’s required.

Be well groomed, dressed for the type of interview you are expecting (a gardener shouldn’t need to arrive at an interview in a suit). Make sure you are well rested and fed. You should feel comfortable and confident at the outset of any interview.

Know Your Worth

Many interviewers will ask you for your salary expectations. Again, research what the position is worth in New Zealand in a company of the size you are interviewing with. Unless you have exceptional skills that will add measurable value, use that figure as a guideline. Be clear and confident when discussing money (it is a given most people find it uncomfortable). Feel free to ask questions (“What is the position worth to you?”), but be prepared to give a number yourself.

Confidence is Key

Be confident in your own abilities. If you arrive in the interview room and find yourself intimidated by the other candidates, it will show. Take a breath, and realise you are here because you deserve to be. Be confident and assertive if you truly want to role.

Prepare questions. You will almost inevitably be asked if you have questions or if there are any areas of the role you don’t understand. Often you are asked to give scenarios you may have faced in the past. Be concise, factual and to the point. Inject humour if it is appropriate, but don’t try too hard.

Ideally you should leave an interview feeling like you have done your best. Preparation and confidence will go a long way to achieving this. Once the interview is over, thank your interviewer sincerely. Good luck!