Are your interview skills in tune with the times?
Part of any effective job search includes preparing for that
all-important interview, but are your interviewing skills up-to-date? What were
considered correct responses in the 1990s could actually prevent you from
getting a job these days. Why? Because the job climate has shifted and
employers have different expectations of a prospective employee than they did
even five years ago.
So how do you demonstrate that you're in touch with the
business needs of today and aren't a throwback to former times? The following
describes the major shifts occurring in the interviewing process and suggests
ways to help you respond. You'll gain insight into the mind set of a typical
interviewer and ensure that the questions you're asked don't catch you by
surprise.
- Don't worry about your career aspirations five years from
now; show what you are capable of doing now.
Just a few years ago, you walked into an interview nearly
certain that you'd be asked the question: "What would you like to be doing
five years from now?" The anticipated answer demonstrated a combination of
loyalty and ambition; you expressed a desire to remain with the same
organisation over a period of time and to step into roles of ever increasing
responsibility.
Once a standard part of the interview process, this query is
fading from use. Given today's tumultuous economic and social climate, employer
concerns about longevity have been replaced with a desire to see rapid results.
Three year plans are practically unheard of, which means you need to show that
you're capable of getting up to speed immediately and that you have the skills
and experience to solve complex problems effectively and without hesitation.
Instead of discussing where you plan to be five years from now, be prepared to
answer with something like: "How would you characterise a 90-day plan to
meet the objectives of this position?"
- Demonstrate your ability to create synergy.
Five years ago, when asked to describe your management
style, you could impress an interviewer by talking about using performance
management techniques, setting expectations, measuring feedback and rewarding performance;
all evidence that you knew how to manage. Now the situation is more complicated
and far more urgent. In addition to showing that you're a capable leader, you
must prove that you know how to encourage individuals to work cohesively to
accelerate problem-solving. In the past, team building was recognised primarily
for its ability to shape culture. However, given today's accelerated pace, you
must show that you understand how to navigate in a complex environment, where
how well you work with other parts of the organisation is what ultimately
produces results.
- Show that you're a decisive leader who's learned from past
mistakes.
"How have you solved problems in the past?" Once,
this question was best answered by demonstrating that you operated by a model,
something like: "I solve problems in a linear fashion. I gather facts, I
consider all approaches for solving the problem, I make recommendations, I
implement them and I follow up." Several years ago, there was value in
being right 100% of the time, but employers are beginning to recognise the
importance of having failed and subsequently learned from your mistakes. Your
ability to articulate the reasons for your choices, the circumstances
contributing to the failure and the lessons learned to eliminate a repeat
performance will help you to outshine an equally qualified executive, who lacks
experience in dealing with adversity. In addition, the person who gets ahead
can demonstrate decisiveness, the courage to take a stand and the ability
to adjust to change and forge ahead to produce results.
- Use storytelling to convince an interviewer that you're
the perfect person for the job.
"Why are you the ideal candidate for this
position?" In the past, when asked this question, you were expected to simply
regurgitate your CV/Résumé. You proved that you had the necessary ability by
referring back to prior roles. However, showing that you're experienced is no
longer enough. Now, you need to provide a detailed account of relevant
experiences you've encountered in your career and how they relate to your
skills. In other
words, you need to depict real life problem solving in action,
which is probably the most valuable of all interviewing skills. How do you do
this?
Before an interview, think about the skills you want to
showcase and prepare an example of how you've put these skills to use. For
instance, if you're a senior information officer and you want to display your
technical ability, talk about your former company's out of date point of
service system and how you planned and implemented an innovative solution to
speed checkout and increase profits.
Use this same approach for each skill you want to highlight.
Remember to:
1. Lay out the problem you faced;
2. Explain your solution; and
3. Discuss the results.
While doing this, take the interviewer into your world.
Paint a vivid picture. In other words, "show, don't tell" that you're
the ideal person for the job.
- Demonstrate how you will fit into the company culture.
Having the technical skills to do the job is just the price
of entry. What really determines whether you'll get the offer is fit. An
interviewer gauges this by listening not only to what is said, but also to the
way it's said. Being articulate shows you're credible and aren't making things
up as you go along. Speaking passionately shows you're discussing concepts
you've spent time pondering. Asking thoughtful questions means you're naturally
curious and a good listener who takes others' views into consideration.
In the end, all interviewing boils down to one simple query,
whether it's asked overtly or simply implied: "Will this person make the
company a better supplier/service provider?" Show that the answer is yes
and you'll ensure that you're the one who gets the nod.
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About The Author
This article was written by Paula Capelli MBA MCIPD of RYCV - The CV Writing Experts
Author Profile
RYCV are professional and specialist CV Writers and Career Management Consultants providing a unique and highly personalised CV and Résumé Writing Service. We work with each of our customers to build professional, content-rich and compelling CV’s and Résumés. From an initial discussion on why you need a new CV, to arranging a suitable day and time for a full consultation, to providing a draft CV and finally, the finished document, we are there to help you. We’ll make suggestions and recommendations to improve your CV and make you feel more confident in your job quest. We’ll provide you with our expert advice and assistance every step of the way.
Author's Contact Details
Paula Capelli MBA MCIPD
RYCV - The CV Writing Experts
1 Holbury Drove Precinct
Holbury
Southampton
Hampshire
United Kingdom
SO45 2PW
Telephone: 023 8024 3013
Telephone: 078 3315 1102
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RYCV - The CV Writing Experts website »
AllSouthamptonJobs are very grateful to Paula Capelli MBA MCIPD and RYCV - The CV Writing Experts for taking the time to provide this advice, please use the contact details above if you'd like to contact RYCV - The CV Writing Experts.
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