You have the interview now don’t blow it

Posted on April 12, 2011

Quest Resettlement Magazine (May 2011)

I have heard a thousand times “failure to prepare is preparing to fail”. How true this can be.

Research the company but be clever. Review their web site across all the range of services. Look over the news tab for recent company success, and, I always squint at the careers page; “just how fast are these guys growing” – are they recruiting many? Google the person you are meeting; Interesting? You can be assured they have goggled you!  Lastly, you don’t need to memorise share price or Board structure at this stage, relax.

Review your own CV, be proud of your achievements and start to assign your skill set with the role you are going for. See how you “fit” and how you will be a valuable asset.

Anticipate what questions recruiters will have for you and think through a few good answers for each, perhaps even write them down. Personally, I take an A4 book in and make a few short notes as well as bullet points of what I need to get across.

Crucially, have three set questions you will ask back. This shows your interest and that you have thought about the role you are aiming to secure. Make them unique if possible but always answerable so as not to embarrass the recruiter.

As a soldier did you ever leave base camp without considering the geography, distances, supply lines and perils? So why stop now? How will you get there? Aim to do so early (but never more than 15 minutes at the Reception); and crucially, Reception is where the Interview starts!

What is the recruiter looking for from you?

Achievement – companies want high performers. A candidate must illustrate that they’ve been such and will be again. You haven’t just successfully returned from six tours abroad but instead you have lead “X” number of men, from a diverse range of units, through a variety of pressurised environments, and delivered the end game within budget or time set. Simply put, you have done a fantastic job already, shout loud but be specific and quantify.

Attitude – Individuals who remain positive and productive through challenging times are often the ones who excel. Remain upbeat during the interview and show this through body language and the way in which you respond as the conversation progresses. Remember, you are the solution to their employment problem and not just any other candidate.

Maturity – Desirable candidates are those who understand what their strengths and weaknesses are and who are determined to develop themselves further. No one is perfect. Weakness is not a negative if identified and acted upon.

Honesty – Be transparent. Recruiters want to see you do well even if there is a stronger candidate for that specific role. Why would they ask you to come for interview if there was not some key skill(s) that they need and see in you?

You are in the door, keep focused, positive and answer truthfully. Do not be afraid to ask for clarification or to politely disagree should you be certain in your reply. The recruiter is not a god but an employee doing a job and so an obstacle to work with. Like any other business meeting, the interview conversation is a two way affair so listen well. I have found great success in the two ears one mouth proportion to listening and talking.

At the end, and you will know when it is drawing to a close, I recommend you reiterate your interest in the role. So few do and the recruiter may want to hear that he/she has not wasted their time with you. Ask for when you are likely to hear back from them and the next day, consider a short thank you email.

Today’s competitive market is about selling yourself and making that perfect sales pitch. Preparation, practice, focus and delivery are things you have done your entire Service career. Why stop now?

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