Interviews - Act Yourself, Be Prepared and Clarify Your Intent.

There is an avalanche of books, papers, workshops, training films and experts on ‘what to do at an interview’. It would be a life’s work to process all that is out there, which could mean you may not have time for an interview!

Over the years I have coached and supported many, many people on the Interview Journey, from Interns to C-Suite professionals on the best approach at an interview. Most will start telling me what they have read or heard and pull out a 35-step plan, some will relay the good, the bad and the strange of interviews experienced. 

All that aside I always try to breakdown what some perceive as a very complex process – ‘The Job Interview.’ I advise what I call, the ABC of interviewing; which translates to; Act Yourself, Be Prepared and Clarify Your Intent.

Act Yourself:

In addition to a Company hiring skills, knowledge and experience, today more so than ever it is the right culture fit, how one works in a team, manages the team and leads the organisation. Therefore, show your personality, businesses want to see passion as this can be channeled into 'passion' for their brand. Don’t restrain your enthusiasm, at the same time don’t scare people, keep it balanced, be clear on what you can bring to the Company without promising you can turn beans into gold coins. On a final note, if you attempt to curb your approach and demeanor, this can work against you, as your true personality and mind-set maybe exactly what they are looking for.

Be Prepared:

Doing homework on a Company is not just reading what is on their website, it is understanding the industry and market the Company operates within, the financial drivers of what impacts such Companies in the marketplace. Searching for news articles posted on current activities, wins and changes ahead for the Company. If a public Company, then know the share price and trend, who is who in new senior hires. This is not to say don’t look at the Company website, you still need to as part of the overall information gathering, just ensure to get into the annual reports and any details on existing and new products and services.

Clarify Your Intent:

If you are genuinely interested in the opportunity and like what you have heard and discussed, then make sure that is clear before you leave the room. Tell whoever you are sitting across from conducting the interview – “I really like what I have heard, I can see a great mutual future together and absolutely would be very interested to join the Company.” In your own words. Sometimes it is said you should not be too keen or you could lose the balance of power in the process, especially at the offer stage. Not true, it is the opposite, today Companies don’t want aloofness, complacency or mild enthusiasm, they want to onboard people who really want to join and are clear about that fact.

Of course, there are many other facets in the interview process at pre, during and post, though if you can at a minimum fully exercise the ABC approach next time, it will drive a far more positive experience and potential outcome for both parties.  

Always remember, interviews can be one of the strongest real life personal and professional development opportunities you can experience!