Job Interview Preparation

I recently helped a friend (successfully) through a challenging interview process. These are the tips I shared covering 4 preparation areas.

4 preparation areas

1.     Prepare a document to share during the interview

2.     Pre-interview research

3.     Notes to take into the interview

4.     Before the interview checklist

Prepare a document to share during the interview process

Create a hard copy documents including:

1)    30 / 60 / 90-day Plan – use this method to outline the outcomes you plan to achieve in your first quarter in the role, think in terms of:

WHAT do you want to achieve?

WHY do we need this outcome?

HOW you will achieve the outcome?

2)    SWOT – consider factors affecting the task your new role is focused on, use a SWOT analysis to consider factors that you think could impact on achievement

3)    PESTLE – as well as considering the internal factors impacting your role, also present how broader external factors are impacting on the organisation you are joining, a PESTLE analysis is a useful tool to think ‘macro’

4)    Evidence – once you’ve understood the skills your interviewers are looking for, or any reservations they may have about your capabilities, include evidence of you demonstrating these skills

5)   Copy of your CV for reference

6)    Personality profile - it’s likely your new line manager will be part of your interview process, including an analysis of your personality type to help your manager understand you and how you will fit with your new team (tip: if you don’t have this already use Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), searching for a free test, then search your resulting personality type to get your profile)

Let's call this an 'Interview Preparation Document' - lean it and get ready to share it during the interview

Pre-interview research

Among other research make sure you talk to people, where appropriate, discuss the points below:

• What do they want the role to achieve?
• Do they think you're suitable for the role (why and why not)?
• What they are looking for (and not looking for)?
• Why the role is available?
• How they see the role working?

Talk with:

• Current manager (if internal move)
• Interview panel
• New role manager
• New colleagues
• People in the industry

Notes to take into the interview

• Summary of your values (can be difficult to communicate if not prepared)
• 3 key points on why you are perfect for the role
• Examples of where you are already doing the job – refer to these during the interview
• Key numbers/facts that show you know the company
• Key questions; this is your chance to interview your new management (use to demonstrate your level of research and attention to detail and most importantly to make sure you want the role)
• A finishing question to understand the next step and how the interviewers felt the meeting has gone

Interview preparation checklist

1. Learn your Interview Preparation Document
2. Neat copy of your notes - make sure your notes are clear and easy to refer too
3. Print and bind you 'Interview Preparation Document' (take enough copies for all attendees)
4. Consider sending your Interview Preparation Document to interviewers prior to the interview