Top tips for interview success

By ANGELA McCARTHY

The key is preparation - but too many New Zealand job candidates are ill-prepared, says Kim Smith, New Zealand general manager of recruiter Robert Half Finance & Accounting.

Industrial psychologist Keith McGregor agrees. He reckons 50 to 60 per cent of people he sees in interviews lack preparation and don't take enough responsibility for what is going on. "You have to drive it yourself," he says. And here are the golden rules.

Research first

Research the company, the industry sector and names and positions of the interviewers, says Smith.

Collecting background information enhances your ability to carry an intelligent conversation, shows resourcefulness and ability to research.

"The internet is a good starting point, but don't stop there. Smith suggests you also talk to people from the organisation about its culture and goals.

McGregor advises people to choose something in the job advertisement that could be expanded upon, then ring and ask about it.

"Or visit. Say you're thinking of applying for the job and would like to collect some information and/or talk to someone to learn more about the job."

Frog Recruitment candidate services manager Chris Robson emphasises the importance of checking out cultural fit as well.

"Often people leave because they don't agree with the vision of the organisation or feel uncomfortable with the culture. We find people stay longer if they've checked this first."

Think positive

Take time to think carefully about your past work roles and achievements and come up with good examples to highlight your achievements, says Smith.

Describe your accomplishments - don't just outline your job, says McGregor.

State your skills and expand on them with examples, says Robson. Example: "When I worked at so-and-so, I led a team, and as a result we. . ."

Listen to the questions carefully. When the interviewer asks you to give an example of a time when you dealt with someone in a difficult situation, they're giving you all the clues, says McGregor.

And remember that if you don't understand a question, it is okay to say so and ask for clarification.

Practise

Role-play pays off, whether with a recruiting consultant or family member or friend.

"Practising helps put you at ease and makes you more able to articulate clearly," says Robson.

Also tape your role play, suggests McGregor, to check you've stayed focused on the questions.

Prepare for questions by going through the job description.

Come up with good examples of where you have utilised your strengths, then tailor these to the job description.

Deal with weaknesses

Anticipate what would-be bosses need to know. If you left a job because of a problem, they might know this, so have an explanation ready.

Sometimes an acknowledgement of a problem, followed by tangible evidence that you're doing something to overcome it, can go a long way, says McGregor - such as a communication course if you are known to be abrupt.

Take the lead

Ask questions. Interviewers gain lots of information about a candidate from the relevance and depth of questions they ask in a job interview, says Smith. "Research the company and take a list of written questions. Kiwis are often surprised they can do this."

She suggests candidates should ask more general questions in the first interview, then expand further if they reach a second interview.

General questions could include: What are the two or three qualities that are most important for success in this job?

If I were hired to do this job, what would my number one priority be? How would you best describe the future of this company?

Put yourself out there

Kiwis tend to be too reticent. "It is almost like they're thinking, who am I to be asking these questions?" says Smith, who is American.

But be yourself, cautions Kevin Chappell, Executive Taskforce managing director.

"If you don't do that you give a false picture and can come over badly. Be honest."

McGregor says people need to create a positive feeling towards interviews to prevent their subconscious fulfilling their worst expectations. Build a clear picture of yourself being interviewed and enjoying it.

Groom yourself well

Some people feel they should stick to their own personal style. "If that style is a bit out there, a lot of organisations will find it unacceptable," says Chappell. Stick to conservative for the interviews.

Manage time well

Remember that Auckland traffic is unpredictable. "Research the location and allow time for possible hold-ups with traffic and parking. Avoid being late or arriving in a stressed state," says Robson.