ABC of Interviews - Act Yourself, Be Prepared and Clarify Your Intent.

There is an avalanche of books, papers, workshops, webinars and experts on ‘what to do at an interview’. It would be a life’s work to process all that is out there, which could mean you may not have time for an interview!

I always try to breakdown what some perceive or make a very complex process – ‘The Job Interview.’ I advise what I call, the ABC of interviewing; which translates to; Act Yourself, Be Prepared and Clarify Your Intent.

ACT YOURSELF

In addition to a Company hiring skills, knowledge and experience, today more so than ever it is the right culture fit, how one works in a team, manages the team and leads the organisation. Therefore, show your personality, businesses want to see passion as this can be channelled into 'passion' for their brand. Don’t restrain your enthusiasm, at the same time don’t scare people, keep it balanced, be clear on what you can bring to the Company without promising you can turn beans into gold coins. On a final note, if you attempt to curb your approach and demeanour, this can work against you, as your true personality and mind-set maybe exactly what they are looking for.

BE PREPARED

Doing homework on a Company is not just reading what is on their website, it is understanding the industry and market the Company operates within, the financial drivers of what impacts such Companies in the marketplace. Searching for news articles posted on current activities, wins and changes ahead for the Company. If a public Company, then know the share price and trend, who is who in new senior hires. This is not to say don’t look at the Company website, you still need to as part of the overall information gathering, just ensure to get into the annual reports and any details on existing and new products and services.

CLARIFY YOUR INTENT

If you are genuinely interested in the opportunity and like what you have heard and discussed, then make sure that is clear before you leave the room. Tell whoever you are sitting across from conducting the interview – “I really like what I have heard, I can see a great mutual future together and absolutely would be very interested to join the Company.” In your own words. Sometimes it is said you should not be too keen, or you could lose the balance of power in the process, especially at the offer stage. Not true, it is the opposite, today Companies don’t want aloofness, complacency or mild enthusiasm, they want to onboard people who really want to join and are clear about that fact.

Of course, there are many other facets in the interview process at pre, during and post, though if you can at a minimum fully exercise the ABC approach next time, it will drive a far more positive experience and potential outcome for both parties.  

Always remember, interviews can be one of the strongest real life personal and professional development opportunities you can experience!

About Mark:

An accomplished Senior Human Resources Leader with extensive local, regional and international experience; progressive and innovative, a true developer of People & Culture. Having led large scale organisational transformations, mergers and HR blueprint implementation across the Middle East, Asia Pacific and North America; successfully delivering results within high impact environments.

Bringing demonstrated strategic and operational skills, combined with a strong capability to cultivate, manage and lead local and geographically dispersed teams. Setting clear vision and at the same time having a very hands-on ‘role up the sleeves’ approach. Operating within complex matrix and diverse cultural structures across top tier multi-nationals, established homegrown, through to new market starts.

Has a highly commercial focus on sustainable growth of an organisation and their people; a proven leader, trusted advisor, respected coach, mentor and HR entrepreneur.