Interview Preparation

I recently had the opportunity to interview for a fantastic job. The interview process is still ongoing so I am unsure of whether I will be successful in gaining the position, but I have been told that there were only six people interviewed out of over 100 applications. All people who got through to the interview stage had postgraduate qualifications. However, this was not a requirement for the position and more likely reflects the greater life experience of those candidates. The feedback I received was that the candidates who got through had tailored their coverletters to reflect what was said in the position description. This is advice I constantly give my clients, and is often resisted by them. It is absolutely essential that candidates sell themselves in their coverletters!

My previous article discussed how to prepare for an interview. I spent my evenings before the interview preparing my answers. It's really amazing how hard it is to sell yourself in a pressure situation so have an answer prepared.  So Justin tell me about yourself? Come armed with a story that explains why your past experience has lead you to applying for the position. Zig Ziglar said in Sell your way to the top, "A 'canned' sales pitch allows you the space to be creative for the unexpected." Basically coming ready with answers for the predictable questions, leaves you mental capacity to be creative for the unexpected. If you're thinking on the spot to answer questions like what are your strengths? Or where do you see yourself in five years? You're going to be really exhausted by the time unexpected answers come along!

I had also read the organisation's annual report, my preparation was noticed. For example, I knew the organisation provided a free financial planning service and income protection insurance for casual workers. Come passionate and know that you are capable of doing the position. Say to yourself, Why not me? I am adequate. I am ready. Prepare your interview answers out loud. I did this, sure I sounded crazy in Starbucks but at least I interviewed well. Try to be likeable, on one past occasion I prepared so hard, that there was no way that I wasn't the most prepared candidate but I was so serious, I probably wasn't the most likeable. Team fit is just as important as having the right skills. This could be a barrier for you if you seem to have all the skills but aren't getting the job. 

Also, dress well. I'm no fashion expert but always give serious thought about what you're going to wear. If they don't notice you will, you will feel better looking sharp. I also feel alot better about myself since I lost 12kg, obviously it's a long term goal but looking healthy will help you in life.

Basically, writing good coverletters, preparing for interviews really matters. Also, the role I applied is very close to my ideal job, so the moral is if something seems like your dream job, maybe you're the ideal candidate. Perhaps it's a two way relationship. Just something to think about.