Last week we talked about how employers prepare for interviews. This week we will be looking at how you prepare and arm yourself with answers that will put you ahead of everyone else. Be sure that you will be asked searching questions about your skills and qualifications as indicated on your CV. You will also be expected to know something about the organisation and the role you are applying for.
What to prepare
Prepare the following:
- Proof that you meet their needs
- Satisfactory answers for those areas of your CV that might have a gap
- Knowledge of your industry and the company itself
- Clear reasons why you are applying for the job
Evidence that you meet their needs
Find examples of instances where you have successfully displayed your skills and abilities to demonstrate your areas of experience. Read the job advert and job description so as to be sure what skills, qualities, experience and qualifications are required. To do this, make a list of all the requirements and make notes to show how, when and where you have had experience of each requirement. Offer interesting and concise anecdotes to show that you meet the employer’s needs.
Also, prepare examples of occasions when you brought benefits to the company through increased profits, productivity, sales, marketability, efficiency etc. Memorize your answers and practice saying them until you are comfortable.
Satisfactory answers and explanations
Look at you CV and match it to the job description.
You will be asked about any inconsistencies such as lack of relevant skills and experience, lack of qualifications and shortage of experience in certain areas. The best way to reassure an employer is to find the closest experience you have to what they want, and show with appropriate examples how you coped and how it relates to the present role. Your experience can make up for your lack of training in many cases.
Look out for any gaps in employment, moves backwards, abrupt changes in career, frequent job changes and inconsistent choices of work and have ready explanations for them.
Knowledge about your industry
Find out all relevant information about the industry and the company that is hiring. Do this by looking through the company’s brochures, newsletters, magazines and annual reports. Visit the company website and professional and society websites to find more information. Business journals and trade publications are other sources of information. You can also ask your friends colleagues and business contacts with information about the company.
Reasons why you are applying for the job
You need to be clear about how the position fits in with your career progress. Have clear answers as to how the job matches your skills and abilities, gives you a chance to play an important role in the organisation, presents you with challenges you have experience in tackling and how your skills and talents will be of benefit to the company.
In addition to the above, have information about what the company does, who their target market is, who their competitors are and how it is organized. Also have information about the company history and its future plans.
Now that you know how to prepare for your interview, next week we will be looking at how to answer questions and how to put your answers across with confidence and enthusiasm.
We wish you a pleasant week ahead!