I spoke to a lady in her mid 30s the other day who told me that she had applied for another job outside of the organisation she had been with since she left school. A friend had pointed her to the vacancy advert and said that it was made for her. The lady herself was not so sure but thought that there was no harm in applying “just to see” and, much to her surprise , she had been invited to interview. She was now panicking. “I have not been for an interview in nearly 20 years and I don’t remember much about it – except that I was really nervous. ”

Before I started working with her I made one thing clear. Interviewers often have an “ideal person” in mind for the vacancy. If your CV has got you  to the interview you  must have met the qualifications  and job specification requirements. Decisions about you – who you are and what you have to offer as a person and potential member of a team – will be made when they meet you. In the short time that you will be together it is crucial then that you present yourself in a way that shows you at your best!

OK  – that might appear obvious but you would be surprised how many people go into and interview thinking that they will be just asked about work and and the task. Good interviewers will ask questions which will give them a whole lot more than that.

So let me help with some tips for preparation. Think about

1. what you are really good at in your current role – especially if these skills are crucial in the new job – and provide evidence eg feedback from your manager or clients
2. what you particularly enjoy doing at work.
3. whether you like to take on quirky projects or  prefer the routine.
4. the changes and development in your current job. How did they come about ( promotion or did you seek them out?) and what were the benefits  – for you and your employer.
5. how you are in a team. If you have worked in many different teams what have you noticed about your role?  How do you contribute?
6. what you do outside of work which might benefit your employer eg any volunteering work, teaching/tutoring.
7. how you are working to deadlines or in a crisis. 

These are just some suggestions to get you thinking.

You will probably be asked to tell stories. Questions might go something like  ” We work to tight deadlines. Tell us about a time where your contribution made the difference to meeting a deadline or not” or  “Depending on what our clients want we create teams to meet their needs. Tell us about a time when you took on a role in a team that worked really well or was particularly challenging”.

There is nothing more disappointing for an interviewer than when a candidate cannot tell their own story. 

I offer coaching for interview ( face to face locally and by phone) which includes this sort of preparation and if you want more details just get in touch. You might be happy talking it through with an objective family member or good friend. Whatever you do though - focus on your positives – and emphasise them. You may be asked about what you think is your greatest weakness ( though personally I think this is a bad question…) so be prepared to tell the interviewer about something that you are working hard on improving not that you have just given up on. Another favourite is ” where do you think you will be in  5 years time?”. I know that this will depend on many things but it might be a good idea to do some dreaming and forward planning?

And some practical things 

• get details of the format of the interview if they are not included in the invitation letter
• think about what you are going to wear and polish your shoes, tidy your hair and make sure your nails are clean and tidy!
• practice your handshake  – and your smile

And finally – if you are not offered the job – ask for feedback. If there is a glaringly obvious reason ie you insulted the interviewer you will know why but small things can make a difference and it is good to know to bear it in mind next time.