Interviewing Well: There is a Method to Increase Your Success

So many candidates say, “Write me a good resume to get me in the door.  I can wing it from there.”  For some people, maybe they can “wing it.” Mostly, though, I think people need to plan to interview well. Even those people who are ok with flying by the seat of their pants would benefit from some preparation. There is always room for improvement and as Benjamin Franklin said: 'By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.' Given this room for improvement mentality, the following preparation methods can help you to shine during the interview process.

Research

Research the vacant position, the organization, the interviewer, the competition, and the industry. Within an hour of time online, you can find a vast amount of information.  Research will help you prepare a case for your candidacy.

Predict Questions

There are common questions asked during interview spanning all industries.  Common questions include: “What is your biggest weakness?” “Why do you want to work for us?” and “Tell me about yourself."

Then there are more precise questions to identify if a candidate meets the requirements of a specific occupation.  Review the questions you are likely to get and prepare the answers so you are ready to respond appropriately. Naturally, you can’t be prepared for everything, but the ability to answer the commonly asked questions will bolster your confidence and might even help you with those questions that you don’t necessarily see coming.

Write Stories That Sell

Tell a story and you are more likely to engage the interviewer.  Stories leave a memorable impression.  Based on the questions you have predicted, create several stories from your history.  Frame your stories in a CAR format: Challenge- Action-Result.  The challenge places the story into a particular context.  You can replace a challenge with an opportunity in some cases. Explain your action or strategy.  Now tell of the results in quantifiable terms. Stories like this sell because they demonstrate your understanding of the larger view of the organization and your connection with the bottom line. Prepare a few stories to use as inspiration for interview questions.

Identify Gaps & Strategies to Overcome Them

Through your research, you will likely find one or more gaps in your skill set.  That does not have to be a deal breaker.  Review your values and prepare a case for how your other values offset the gap. Also, consider part of your history that serves as a foundation on which you can build to develop the missing skill.  Revert back to how you will be of value to the organization.

Prepare One or Two Smart Questions

Prepare smart questions that demonstrate your knowledge of the organization and the opportunity.  Be precise in your question and don’t ask anything that you should know.   Use your research as a starting place for your question.  For example, “I read that you are opening an office in North Dallas to tap into the recent rise in commercial real estate development. How would that impact the Credit Department?"

Practice

After you have prepared your questions, answers, selling stories, and smart questions,  it is time to practice. Practice alone in front of a mirror.  Recruit a friend of family member to practice mock interviewing with you. Speaking the words will help you commit them to memory.

The Bottom Line

In a competitive marketplace, you might be up against hundreds of candidates to earn an interview.  After gaining such an opportunity, take care to prepare for your interviews. Sometimes the process is lengthy. You need to make sure you are on your “A Game” and deliver a consistent, positive brand and marketing message that will ultimately lead to an offer.