As the CEO of a recruiting & staffing firm specialized in technical roles, I understand the importance of being well-prepared for job interviews. After all, it’s not something you practice often, and having a plan makes all the difference! Here are some best practices that help you understand the strategy behind interviewing. In most cases, “You can certainly do the job, but getting the job is a much different skillset!”
PREPARE
- Google, “Top 10 (job applying for) interview questions”.
- Find a relevant set of questions and copy them into a Word document.
- Write or type your answers for each question, ensuring each response is 5-8 sentences long.
- Print the document.
- Practice asking and answering the questions in front of a mirror, uninterrupted.
- Take a 60-second break and repeat the process two more times.
- This exercise should take about one full hour when done effectively.
During your practice & interview, stay completely away from words like “No,” “I haven’t,” or “I didn’t” which cut the interview short and rob you of the time needed to share information and assess you as a potential candidate. *51% of the reason to hire is because the candidate is the “right person”, and 49% is due to “skillset match”! Instead, focus on what you know about the items asked in the question. Take full advantage of this time to highlight your understanding and indirect experience related to the items asked in the question. Give the interviewer information about your qualities, characteristics, skills, and understanding surrounding the question topic.
Rhythm of the Interview
- Answer every question with 5-8 sentences, nothing less, nothing more! It is critical to have an exchanging of information rhythm enabling both parties to ensure a solid fit!
- PAUSE at 8 sentences! The strategic pauses allow the interview to jump in and stops you from rambling which can cause a hard pass on your candidacy.
- IF you aren’t coming full circle with your answer, at 8 sentences you can say something like, “Hope that answers your question” or “Does that answer your question?”. Then PAUSE!
- If you are the analytical type that is known for overthinking, preparing is your secret weapon to a successful and confident interview. In your answers, summarize your thoughts into the mentioned number of sentences, then practice! It really does make perfect.
Impact (Historically Successful)
The value of this exercise lies in preparing your muscle memory and reducing interview anxieties. When asked a similar question during the actual interview, you will feel a sense of excitement from being prepared. You might even be able to answer the question before the interviewer finishes asking it. This preparation will provide some much-needed dopamine in your brain, stimulating you throughout the interview. The interviewer will perceive this as confidence and strong communication skills, which are key to landing new jobs.
Remember, confidence is key to making a great impression and securing the job you want.
Need coaching support in your Accounting & Finance Career? Contact Stardom Employment Consultants at (559) 446-5815 or by email info@stardomconsult.com or come on by to see us at 8050 N Palm Ave Ste 300 Fresno, Ca 93711
Written by Lorenzo Ramirez 