Having interviewed literally thousands of candidates over the years, it may come as a surprise to some that what an interviewer really wants to hear is the TRUTH!
Sure, as an interviewer I want you to present well and sell yourself to me, prove to me how capable you are of doing the job I am hiring you for.
However, at the end of the day, you could possess all the experience in the world but this is secondary to one mandatory factor – Do I relate to you.
Therefore relationship building is paramount in an interview situation.
Aside from your skills and experience, as an interviewer I want to get to know a little bit about you and your personality.
Remember that I am also assessing your ability to fit into my existing team and organisation as a whole.
The best way to start to build a relationship is to be your self.
Don’t be afraid to be a little bit vulnerable. It’s okay to admit you are nervous perhaps you haven’t been to an interview in years.
You may not have all the answers to the questions I throw at you, and that’s okay too.
We’re not saying to become a blubbering mess nor compromise your professionalism during an interview.
However if you find yourself getting worked up or nerves getting the better of you and you can’t concentrate on the questions- then stop, take a breath and tell the interviewer how you’re feeling or that you haven’t considered that question before and need a moment to think about it.
We would rather your honesty than a know-it-all hot-shot with the gift of the gab.
The best way to overcome some of these nerves and mind blanks is to prepare before your interview:
-Ensure you arrive with adequate time to spare
-Research the company
-Read and understand the job description of the role you are applying for
-Have some examples ready of where you have performed some of the tasks required in the job description
-Consider your strengths and weaknesses (and what you have done to over come them)
-Think of what you would bring to this role and how you would add benefit to the team
-Have some questions prepared
Overall be enthusiastic and positive, convey to the interviewer your interest in the position. At the end of the day, skills and systems can be taught, but enthusiasm, willingness to learn and personality cannot.
Here are some further tips to prepare for your next interview CLICK HERE