Succeed in your job interview
11 July 2013
Read by 2738 persons
Your resume is at the top of the pile. The recruiter wants to talk to you in person and invites you for an interview. How to prepare, what attitude to adopt on the day, how to be effective? You don't master everything, and the part of chance and randomness in recruitment should not be underestimated. Let's not forget that the high unemployment rate in France strengthens competition in the job race. Here are some principles that will allow you to approach your job interview serenely. More than a magic recipe, this article gives you keys to maximize your chances in a job interview.
I- Before the job interview
The time before the interview is the time for preparation. It is at this precise moment, or almost, that everything is at stake. If you want the job, nothing should be left to chance. Remember that each recruiter is looking for "the best person", so you must systematically ask yourself the following question: what in your background, your experiences, your failures and your successes, will allow you to stand out? This phase of reflection and preparation is essential. If you are employed, you will not have as much time as if you were looking for a job full-time. It is then up to you to be efficient.
a) You and your experience
Even before starting a search process, introspection is essential. Who am I, what are my qualities, my skills, what are my weaknesses and the areas where I think I can improve? What are my ambitions? How do I see my professional future? What are my strengths? How important is my work-life balance to me? These questions will initially help to target the type of position you should aim for. After having identified all this data, the idea is to put it in perspective with the position that is the subject of the interview. What in my background, my experiences, my ambitions makes me a legitimate candidate for this offer? And above all, what will allow me to stand out from the other candidates? To make the difference, self-knowledge is essential because it is the uniqueness of your application that will determine your degree of attractiveness.
b) Find out about the company
It seems obvious, but sometimes recruiters are surprised to find that no research has been done beforehand on the company, its activity, its products or services, its operation, its news...However, this is the least you can do before presenting yourself for an interview. This is why candidates who neglect this are almost systematically disqualified. Websites, press articles, contacts within the company, customers or suppliers are all sources of information that must be explored in detail. The more rigorous and meticulous you are in your research, the more you will maximize your chances of making a good impression. Being able to talk about the company that is hosting you is an undeniable asset for your application: it shows your motivation and demonstrates your professionalism.
c) Find out about the position
Then, you must take a close interest in the mission described in the job offer. Even if you have probably already done so before submitting your application, you must now get to the heart of the matter. What does the job involve, what are the daily tasks and how do you think you can adapt to them? Also think about what will pose difficulties for you in adapting. And prepare your argument because your recruiter may ask you about your points of vigilance. It is clear that you cannot master everything beforehand, but the more curious you are, the more you will discover new elements and have material to argue and prove your motivation by asking questions.
d) Anticipate questions
During the interview, your employer will undoubtedly question you, ask you various and varied questions. From classic questions (qualities/flaws; motivation for the position; main experiences) to trick questions, your interviewer will try to understand your personality, your ability to think and argue, your honesty and your potential.
Investigating, meeting people who know the sector, the profession, the company, will always give you more credibility and will earn you points compared to your competitors for the position. From the first impression to the conclusion, make sure to avoid mistakes.
II- During the job interview
On the day, leave nothing to chance. Even before you have spoken, your behavior will be observed and judged, and will weigh in the balance at the time of selection.
a) The first impression
The interview begins even before the handshake. Attitude with the reception staff, clothing, punctuality are all details that count and may be analyzed by your recruiter. A firm handshake, an open and smiling attitude, a direct and frank gaze are to be preferred. Avoiding slouching in your seat is also a sign of respect.
b) Knowing how to answer questions
Answers to questions should be as precise as possible, adapted to the situation. Your preparation work should allow you to not search too much for your words or to find yourself without arguments in the face of a destabilizing question. If it nevertheless puts you in difficulty, don't panic, there is not necessarily a "good answer". It is your reasoning that will be observed more than the answer itself. So remember to justify everything, to illustrate your words with examples to prove the veracity of your statements.
c) Knowing how to conclude
This is normally the role of your interviewer: at the end of the interview, he will generally announce the next steps in the recruitment process."We still have 5 or 6 candidates to see, then we proceed to a selection based on this first phase of interviews. We retain 3 candidates whom we invite to a second session. This will focus on the realization of practical cases. You will meet such a person. You will know such a day whether or not you are selected". However, it happens that the recruiter does not inform you of the course of the next steps. It is up to you, in this case, to ask these important questions: How does the process unfold, who contacts whom, within what deadlines, what are the next steps...Try to obtain precise answers to be sure of the procedure and avoid misunderstandings.
III- After the job interview
Managing the post-interview is a criterion that could well make the difference between two candidates neck and neck...Showing yourself, without falling into harassment (incessant calls and emails), allows you to let your recruiter know that you are present and still motivated for the position.
a) Follow-up
In this matter, simplicity is essential: unless otherwise indicated by your recruiter, it is always well received to simply send an email the same evening or the day after the job interview to confirm your motivation for the position and thank you for the welcome. This action may not seem essential to you, but it can earn you a few points, because follow-up is also a sign of professionalism. That said, do not overuse emails or the telephone, which could annoy your recruiter and suggest that this offer is your only lead, thus indicating that you are not wanted elsewhere...
b) Preparing for the second interview
What did you remember from your previous interview? This question is very often asked during the second interview session. The person receiving you makes sure that you have understood and retained the main elements related to the position they are trying to fill. In order not to answer beside the point, it is wise to take notes during the first job interview (as well as during subsequent ones) and to note down, as soon as you leave, elements that seemed important to you or questions that might come to mind.
c) Continue your search
When you are looking for a job, don't put all your eggs in one basket. Even if an offer interests you greatly, this is not a reason to give up any other search process. First because it would be dangerous, since you never have all the cards in your hands, then because the fact of being taken "elsewhere" strengthens the attractiveness of your profile. The recruiter having the following reasoning: if company X wants to hire him, it is because he must be good. Finally, going to the end of each recruitment process multiplies your chances of having several job offers, which is a formidable argument for salary negotiation...
Conclusion:
Remember above all that to succeed in a job interview, it is the uniqueness and authenticity of your profile that will tip the balance in your favor. In times of economic crisis, "fitting into boxes" is no longer enough, as companies are wary and pay more attention than ever to their profitability. Each application must therefore be the subject of specific and in-depth preparation according to the company and the position targeted. Good luck!
Salaire-net.fr
Posted online on July 11, 2013.
I- Before the job interview
The time before the interview is the time for preparation. It is at this precise moment, or almost, that everything is at stake. If you want the job, nothing should be left to chance. Remember that each recruiter is looking for "the best person", so you must systematically ask yourself the following question: what in your background, your experiences, your failures and your successes, will allow you to stand out? This phase of reflection and preparation is essential. If you are employed, you will not have as much time as if you were looking for a job full-time. It is then up to you to be efficient.
a) You and your experience
Even before starting a search process, introspection is essential. Who am I, what are my qualities, my skills, what are my weaknesses and the areas where I think I can improve? What are my ambitions? How do I see my professional future? What are my strengths? How important is my work-life balance to me? These questions will initially help to target the type of position you should aim for. After having identified all this data, the idea is to put it in perspective with the position that is the subject of the interview. What in my background, my experiences, my ambitions makes me a legitimate candidate for this offer? And above all, what will allow me to stand out from the other candidates? To make the difference, self-knowledge is essential because it is the uniqueness of your application that will determine your degree of attractiveness.
b) Find out about the company
It seems obvious, but sometimes recruiters are surprised to find that no research has been done beforehand on the company, its activity, its products or services, its operation, its news...However, this is the least you can do before presenting yourself for an interview. This is why candidates who neglect this are almost systematically disqualified. Websites, press articles, contacts within the company, customers or suppliers are all sources of information that must be explored in detail. The more rigorous and meticulous you are in your research, the more you will maximize your chances of making a good impression. Being able to talk about the company that is hosting you is an undeniable asset for your application: it shows your motivation and demonstrates your professionalism.
c) Find out about the position
Then, you must take a close interest in the mission described in the job offer. Even if you have probably already done so before submitting your application, you must now get to the heart of the matter. What does the job involve, what are the daily tasks and how do you think you can adapt to them? Also think about what will pose difficulties for you in adapting. And prepare your argument because your recruiter may ask you about your points of vigilance. It is clear that you cannot master everything beforehand, but the more curious you are, the more you will discover new elements and have material to argue and prove your motivation by asking questions.
d) Anticipate questions
During the interview, your employer will undoubtedly question you, ask you various and varied questions. From classic questions (qualities/flaws; motivation for the position; main experiences) to trick questions, your interviewer will try to understand your personality, your ability to think and argue, your honesty and your potential.
Investigating, meeting people who know the sector, the profession, the company, will always give you more credibility and will earn you points compared to your competitors for the position. From the first impression to the conclusion, make sure to avoid mistakes.
II- During the job interview
On the day, leave nothing to chance. Even before you have spoken, your behavior will be observed and judged, and will weigh in the balance at the time of selection.
a) The first impression
The interview begins even before the handshake. Attitude with the reception staff, clothing, punctuality are all details that count and may be analyzed by your recruiter. A firm handshake, an open and smiling attitude, a direct and frank gaze are to be preferred. Avoiding slouching in your seat is also a sign of respect.
b) Knowing how to answer questions
Answers to questions should be as precise as possible, adapted to the situation. Your preparation work should allow you to not search too much for your words or to find yourself without arguments in the face of a destabilizing question. If it nevertheless puts you in difficulty, don't panic, there is not necessarily a "good answer". It is your reasoning that will be observed more than the answer itself. So remember to justify everything, to illustrate your words with examples to prove the veracity of your statements.
c) Knowing how to conclude
This is normally the role of your interviewer: at the end of the interview, he will generally announce the next steps in the recruitment process."We still have 5 or 6 candidates to see, then we proceed to a selection based on this first phase of interviews. We retain 3 candidates whom we invite to a second session. This will focus on the realization of practical cases. You will meet such a person. You will know such a day whether or not you are selected". However, it happens that the recruiter does not inform you of the course of the next steps. It is up to you, in this case, to ask these important questions: How does the process unfold, who contacts whom, within what deadlines, what are the next steps...Try to obtain precise answers to be sure of the procedure and avoid misunderstandings.
III- After the job interview
Managing the post-interview is a criterion that could well make the difference between two candidates neck and neck...Showing yourself, without falling into harassment (incessant calls and emails), allows you to let your recruiter know that you are present and still motivated for the position.
a) Follow-up
In this matter, simplicity is essential: unless otherwise indicated by your recruiter, it is always well received to simply send an email the same evening or the day after the job interview to confirm your motivation for the position and thank you for the welcome. This action may not seem essential to you, but it can earn you a few points, because follow-up is also a sign of professionalism. That said, do not overuse emails or the telephone, which could annoy your recruiter and suggest that this offer is your only lead, thus indicating that you are not wanted elsewhere...
b) Preparing for the second interview
What did you remember from your previous interview? This question is very often asked during the second interview session. The person receiving you makes sure that you have understood and retained the main elements related to the position they are trying to fill. In order not to answer beside the point, it is wise to take notes during the first job interview (as well as during subsequent ones) and to note down, as soon as you leave, elements that seemed important to you or questions that might come to mind.
c) Continue your search
When you are looking for a job, don't put all your eggs in one basket. Even if an offer interests you greatly, this is not a reason to give up any other search process. First because it would be dangerous, since you never have all the cards in your hands, then because the fact of being taken "elsewhere" strengthens the attractiveness of your profile. The recruiter having the following reasoning: if company X wants to hire him, it is because he must be good. Finally, going to the end of each recruitment process multiplies your chances of having several job offers, which is a formidable argument for salary negotiation...
Conclusion:
Remember above all that to succeed in a job interview, it is the uniqueness and authenticity of your profile that will tip the balance in your favor. In times of economic crisis, "fitting into boxes" is no longer enough, as companies are wary and pay more attention than ever to their profitability. Each application must therefore be the subject of specific and in-depth preparation according to the company and the position targeted. Good luck!
Salaire-net.fr
Posted online on July 11, 2013.
