There’s something about the start of a new year that reminds many of us about the vast opportunities waiting to be explored, opportunities to be inspired, to grow, to learn and get on with building that career that supports the life you want! If that sounds like you then keep reading to get ideas on how to prepare for you next job interview.
Whether it's seasoned professionals or those just starting out, building self-confidence in interview performance remains one of the most consistent concerns people share with me. So while there is no magic wand to improve interview performance, the following tips will empower you to take some control over your interview preparation process.
Having a positive outlook is a great foundation for building the career you want, but combining it with practical preparation and action is a much more powerful formula. Check out my career infographic below '10 Tips To Prepare for Your Job Interview', which has been designed to strengthen a candidate's approach, and to help guide the process.
It's not rocket science, but there is a process to improving your interview preparation. The list of 10 tips is not exhaustive, but by completing each of the steps (as expanded upon below) should lead to a greater sense of empowerment and improve your interview performance.
Review all available information to develop a strong understanding of the role requirements.
Highlight the key Selection Criteria on which the interview will most likely be based.
Review your expertise (skills, knowledge, experience) against each key selection criterion to clarify “you know it, you can do it, and you can prove it”!
Brainstorm specific examples (dates, roles, actions, outcomes) of how you meet each key selection criterion.
Behavioural Interview Questions are still one of the common types used in interviews, so do some research and familiarise yourself with them. They usually start with “Tell me about a time…” and are designed to give you the opportunity to demonstrate your skills and expertise by communicating real examples from previous experience.
Practice the ‘CAR’ (Context, Action, Result) response method for answering interview questions e.g. C: Describe the situation… A: Describe the action you took… R: Describe the result of your action…
Brainstorm possible Behavioural Interview Questions for each selection criterion and write them down.
Practice answering the Behavioural Interview Questions you created with ‘CAR’ responses.
Prepare talking points for the interview e.g. why you are the ideal candidate etc.
Focus your efforts on being calm, believing in you, & performing well during the interview.
If the prospect of being interviewed for a role you really want feels daunting then feel free to use these tips, and hopefully shift yourself from feeling overwhelmed to feeling empowered! If you've struggled with interviews in the past, and have become an interview-phobe, then consider reframing the situation to gain a different and fresh perspective...one that helps you better understand the effect of your behaviours, and the opportunities for you to make changes. If this sounds like you, then check out one of my other articles, Six Steps To Reignite Momentum Toward Your Goal, for ideas on how to how to kick start this fresh outlook.
Wishing everyone the greatest of success in 2024. May it be a year of positive change, self empowerment, and achievement. Oh and if you found this article of benefit, forward it to anyone seeking help in their career development process.
About the Author: Jo-Anne Niemann.
Jo-Anne is the Founder and Principal Consultant of Change Builders Consulting, she is a management consultant, learning & development specialist, and career strategist, who helps people and organisation's grow through writing, speaking, coaching and facilitating