One of the main reasons for feeling nervous is the perception of the power imbalance. When being interviewed, some people feel their very survival (real or perceived) relies on them getting that job. What’s interesting about this power imbalance, where the recruiter or hiring manager holds most of the power and the candidate feels like a victim, is that this imbalance can be corrected and I’m going to show you how.

Please consider this… the person interviewing you would much rather you show your true self and be authentic in the interview, rather than the nervous you who acts like a deer caught in the headlights. An interview should be a two way conversation. It’s a chance to learn more about the organisation, the challenges of the role, the opportunities within the organisation, and what the day to day role really encompasses. Having some questions prepared for the interviewer can help flip the power imbalance and also give you a better insight into the organisation you’re hoping to work for.

Tackling Nerves

It’s really easy to allow your nerves get the better of you at interview. Appearing calm, confident and at ease will help you stand out. This can be achieved by preparing responses to common interview questions with examples to demonstrate your capabilities. When you are prepared it helps to settle your nerves. You will be more confident and also make a positive first impression. Your ability to ask the right questions in an interview will also help you perform better by redistributing the perceived power inequity and help you make better choices about your next role.

Flip Your Thinking

Let’s flip your thinking on this power issue and consider this. As a candidate, you have the power to help the person recruiting for the role solve a problem. You have skills, expertise and abilities that they want. The person interviewing you may have more at stake than you do because a bad decision on their part means significant and unnecessary cost and impact to their reputation within the company.

Be Authentic

To be successful in an interview you need to be authentic and present the best possible you. Stop thinking about how you ‘should’ behave in an interview and what the ‘right’ thing to say is and focus more on researching the company and considering what they’re looking for and how you best meet their requirements. Spend time thinking through and writing down examples of previous experience and scenarios that match what you are capable of and what they need. Think about how you would describe these examples in words you normally use, practice your delivery and focus on cultivating your inner strength. This will enable you to present a more comfortable and real experience for everyone at your next interview.

The Game Changer

And here’s the thing I really want to share with you, because it’s a game changer if you’re yet to try it. When you understand that an interview is a conversation that allows both of you to explore the possibility of you being part of or leading the team, then you will appreciate the value of asking questions. It’s a key way for you to show the real you, relax into the conversation and be more engaged with the interviewer.

While there will be some formality during the interview, there will also be opportunities to ask questions. If you see an opportunity, as you’re being asked questions on any of the topics below, ask whether you may please ask a question. If you’d prefer, you can wait until the end of the interview to ask your questions. Use your discretion as to what’s appropriate, and consider whether you want to work at an organisation where asking questions for clarity or further understanding is discouraged.

Questions to Ask at Your Next Job Interview

Here are some examples of the types of questions you may ask during a job interview. While you may prepare these in advance (in your head, at least), I encourage you to ask questions relevant to the conversation during the interview. The act of listening will be an asset if you use it to inform some of the questions you ask.

The Role

Examples of questions you may like to ask about the role include:

• Why has this position become available?
• What are the key responsibilities of this position, and do you expect them to change within the next year or so?
• What are the upcoming projects I’d be working on during my first few weeks?
• How will my performance be evaluated?

The Responsibilities

Open questions exploring the job description in more detail are a great way for you to assess the challenges and opportunities within this role. Some examples include:

• What are the key day-to-day responsibilities of the role?
• How does this role and responsibilities contribute to the success of the organisation?
• What training and support is provided to support new employees?
• Are there other departments would I be working closely with?

The Team

Asking about the team is also seen as an appropriate and engaging question. Learning more about the dynamics, culture and size of the team is a good starting point to determine if this position is the right fit for you. Some other questions you may consider asking include:

• How would you describe the team and organisational culture?
• Have the team members been with the organisation for a long time?
• How often does the team meet?
• What communication methods are used in the office and when working remotely?

Leadership Style

If your Manager is in the interview, it may be suitable to ask questions directly to them. If not, you can ask about who this role reports to and how they would describe this person’s leadership style. Some example questions for the interviewer include:

• What is the highlight of your career working at this organisation?
• How would you describe your leadership style or how do you manage your team?
• Have you been able to develop your career path with this organisation?

The Culture

This is where your pre-reading before the interview will help. Hopefully you’ve read the organisation’s annual report (if publicly available), made your way through their website and follow their updates on LinkedIn. Develop some questions based on what you’ve noticed about the company’s approach and plans based on what you’d like to know more about. You may like to ask:

• Are there plans for company growth or new developments in the pipeline in the next few years?
• What recommendations do you have for pursuing professional development and advancement at this company?

Perks

Rewards and remuneration are a focus in many industries right now as a way to attract great talent. Asking questions about employee benefits goes beyond remuneration and considers questions that may relate to remote and flexible work options. Many organisations also offer wellness programs. If you’ve done your research, you’ll be well versed on how they approach these elements. Prepare some questions based on your findings if this is relevant to your particular situation, for example:

• How does the organisation support employees with work-life balance?
• Does the organisation have any internal committees committed to employee wellbeing?
• What benefits are offered to employees?

Training Opportunities

Many organisations offer an induction program for new employees. You can ask questions like:

• What does your induction program look like for this role?
• Who will be training me?
• What ongoing training opportunities are provided?

Next Steps

As you come towards the end of the interview it’s absolutely to fine to ask what the next steps may be for their interviewing process. This will help you assess their timeline and how many other people they are interviewing. At the end of the interview you may also like to ask “Is there anything I need to add or clarify, to help you make your decision?” This is an especially important question if you are getting positive vibes in regard to whether this is the right job and company for you! You may also like to read my article, How to Stand Out at Your Job Interview.

Balancing the Power

Asking questions that are relevant to the role and your research, will help you assess:

• Is this the right role for me?
• Do I want to work for this company?
• Does it have the benefits and challenges I am looking for?
• Plus anything you can consider.

It’s how you determine whether this opportunity is just ‘a job’ or ‘the job’.

Interview Coaching

I know you need a job. What I want for you is the right job that matches your goals and aspirations, leverages your skills and experience, is located in the right company with values that align with yours, and has you working with co workers who’ll really ‘get you’. And it’s my belief, based on the many clients I’ve worked with who are in active job search, that if you use the suggestions I share about asking the right questions at your next job interview you’ll be in a much stronger position to assess if this is the right job for you. It’s also how you can balance out the power and reveal the real you in the interview.

If you are currently job searching and need some support with Interview Coaching, I encourage you to reach out. Click here to book a complimentary 15 minute Career Chat to learn more or share your challenges with me and together we can work on some strategies. I work with many clients and coach them through interviews to ensure they are prepared for that important interview and finding your career success. I partner with men and women to provide clarity and guidance on achieving a more satisfying career. I will support you until you get a job and can review your CV, prepare you for interviewing and help you navigate the open & hidden market to find your ideal job.

Marina Pitisano

I am a passionate Career Coach who works with individuals in the explore and search phase of their career journey, helping you realise your strengths through my career coaching and training programs. I enjoy showing people the path to greater career satisfaction and providing insight and tools to help you make your next career move.

The post The Importance of Asking the Right Questions at Your Job Interview appeared first on Letz Create.

In my experience and working with lots of job seekers, the interview is also one of the most stressful parts of the job search. You probably have lots of questions running through your mind. Are you the right fit for the organisation? What will they ask you at the interview? What are your strengths and weaknesses? What will you wear? Will you be able to get the video link working before the interview? Should you arrive early? You’ll be asked questions, some you can answer confidently, and others that may make you feel uncomfortable or worse completely unprepared with an answer. There’s a lot to consider before the interview even begins.

It’s also likely that you’ll be up against other impressive shortlisted candidates. So how can you ensure you stand out to make it to the final selection? Let’s understand the types of interviews and identify how you can achieve interview success and a job offer.

Types of Interviews

There are many different types of interviews. Here’s some examples of the styles of interviews.

Initial Screening Interview

This is the initial interview by the hiring manager. This can be via phone or video call, and is a critical first step in the interview process. It can often be in a group setting or individual, and is a key event where the hiring manager will either select you to go through to the next round, or opt your application out of the screening process.

Digital Interview

The digital interview is more of a screening interview to assess your suitability for the role relative to other applicants. It involves being interviewed via phone or computer and you will be provided with questions and have a time limit to answer. If you are shortlisted you are likely to be invited to a face to face interview.

Face to Face Interview

In many cases face to face interviews are held by a combination of hiring managers, business owners or the Human Resources department.

The good news is that if you are invited to a face to face interview, the organisation are likely to be impressed by your application. They will want to meet you and find out more about great things you’ve featured on your cover letter and resume when you applied for the role. It’s possible you also did well in a screening or digital interview and this is the next stage of the application process. Well done!

The bad news is that many of my clients find the face to face interview to be one of the scariest steps in the job application process. Most of the time this comes down to being nervous and unprepared.

Panel Interview

While face to face interviews can involve more than one person in the room running the interview, you can guarantee that you’ll be outnumbered in a panel interview! This style of interview involves being interviewed by three or four different types of people. It normally means the role has multiple stakeholders and each of these stakeholders needs be part of the interviewing process. Again, being invited to a panel interview (assuming it is not a group interview) is also a positive sign that you have impressed the organisation with your job application. And the reality is, there can be many steps and several interviews as part of this journey.

What does it Take to Stand Out at the Job Interview?

Whatever type of interview you are facing, the key factor to be successful at the job interview is to BE PREPARED. And this is where I spend a lot of time with my clients who are in the job search phase of their career journey and actively applying for roles. We work through a list of possible questions they may be asked and take the time to construct effective responses and consider all of the potential scenarios. We also discuss the types of interview and I take them through my checklists for preparing for these different interview situations.

If you are actively applying for jobs, here are my 5 key success factors. These tips will help you be prepared for your next interview and help you stand out. 

1. Be very clear what the key selection criteria is for the job

This is the number one element that the interviewer will be considering when they interview you. Take the time to review the key selection criteria. Note the language used and the outcomes they want from the role and be prepared to talk about your suitability for these.

2. Identify key achievements that meet the key selection criteria

Your ability to demonstrate how you have achieved what they are looking for will set you apart from the rest of the applicants. I often find that my clients need my help drawing out these key achievements. They have been so immersed in their roles they have not taken the time to consider what they’ve achieved and how to describe these succinctly and powerfully in an interview situation.

3. Create success stories using the STAR method

The STAR method requires you to explain a prior work situation anecdotally, provide details regarding the tasks required, what actions you took to achieve those tasks, and the results of the situation.

Letz-Create-Star-Method-interview

It’s a great way to provide structure to how you answer questions and deliver answers with impact and relevance. My clients who prepare for their job interview using the STAR method feel much more confident about their ability to answer questions, especially those more curly questions they may NOT have prepared for.

Here’s a list of 10 popular STAR interview questions.

• Tell us about a difficult decision you’ve faced in the last year.
• Can you please describe a decision you made that was unpopular and how you handled implementing it?
• Describe a stressful situation at work and how you handled it.
• You indicated on your resume team building is one of your strengths. Can you please describe an experience in which you used your team building abilities?
• Describe a time when you set your sights too high (or too low)?
• Tell me about a time when you delegated a project effectively?
• Tell me about a time you were able to successfully deal with another person even when that individual may not have personally liked you (or vice versa)?
• Provide an example of when you showed initiative and took the lead.
• Tell me about a recent situation in which you had to deal with a very upset customer or coworker.
• Give me an example of a time when you tried to accomplish something and failed?

4. Prepare at least ten scenarios

It’s then essential to prepare at least 10 scenarios of how you will respond to possible questions. While some of the questions above may be relevant to the roles you are applying for, there may be scenarios more specific to your role or industry. This is why it’s important to work with a Career & Job Search Coach in this phase to develop likely scenarios, rather than generic ones.

5. Rehearse your answers as much as you can

You didn’t learn to ride a bike the first time you got on it, and you will not be 100% comfortable talking about yourself in an interview without rehearsing these scenarios and your responses to the possible interview questions. Investing the time to practice will help you stand out in the interview. Preparing your answers is also a great way to build your confidence, which is an essential part of making sure you present the best version of you in the interview.

If you follow these steps, you have put yourself in a much stronger position to impress and stand out at the job interview. When you are prepared, confident and ace the job interview, you’ll find your career success. You may also like to read the article The Importance of Asking the Right Questions at the Interview where I cover some questions you can ask to ensure it’s the right role for you.

Interview Coaching & Preparation

It’s really easy to allow your nerves get the better of you at interview. It’s the one thing many people struggle with when applying for jobs and they get to the next stage. Appearing confident, calm and at ease helps you stand out. This can be achieved by being prepared for common interview questions and having responses ready with examples to demonstrate your capabilities. If this is something you struggle with and need some further support, you may be interested in Interview Coaching. Remember, the secret to your interview and success is how prepared you are.

If you are currently job searching and need support with Interview Coaching, I encourage you to book a 15 Minute Career Chat to learn more, click here to book a time.

Marina Pitisano

I am a passionate Career Coach who works with individuals in the explore and search phase of their career journey, helping you realise your strengths through my career coaching and training programs. I enjoy showing people the path to greater career satisfaction and providing insight and tools to help you make your next career move.

The post How to Stand Out at Your Job Interview appeared first on Letz Create.

I was walking down the street and saw a little girl step out of the car. She brushed her dress down, flicked her hair and then stood up and looked out at life confidently with a ‘here I come’ attitude. She looked straight at me saying with her eyes, “don’t I look pretty in my dress”? She then proceeded to walk down the street, with her head high and a confident stride in her step.

Her attitude said

‘here I come world, watch out! I am here. Notice me because I will make a difference’!

All I could think of was ‘what if my clients brushed their clothes down and looked straight at their recruiters in the same way? Here I come, take notice’.

HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR NEXT INTERVIEW

Here are my suggestions to help you prepare for your next interview. They will help boost your confidence so you can present the best version of yourself!

Prepare and Rehearse Your Answers

If you ask a friend or your career coach to work with you to prepare for the interview, you are well on the way to feeling more confident during the interview. It will take the pressure off by helping you rehearse potential interview answers. For more difficult or scenario based questions (e.g. ‘Tell me about a time you did this  . . ‘) I recommend you use the Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR) technique. This involves following 4 key steps to answer a question about your skills and experience.

1. Situation: Open with a brief description of the Situation and context of the story (who, what, where, when, how).
2. Task: Explain the Task you had to complete highlighting any specific challenges or constraint (e.g. deadlines, costs, other issues).
3. Action: Describe the specific Actions that you took to complete the task. These should highlight desirable traits without needing to state them (initiative, intelligence, dedication, leadership, understanding, etc.)
4. Result: Close with the result of your efforts. Include figures to quantify the result if possible.

Be Kind to Yourself Before the Interview

Before the interview it is very important to speak to yourself with compassion, like a best friend, and dispel any critical thoughts that stand in your way. Positive self-talk can be a very helpful boost for your confidence.

Use Breathing Techniques to Boost Confidence

At the heart of confidence is feeling relaxed, so breathing and mindfulness exercises are helpful. Stay present by focusing on your breathing just before an interview. This will help calm nerves and still your mind. Focus on the present moment, either by concentrating on your breathing or on body sensations, for a few moments. It will help calm you down. In the interview also remember to speak slowly, as we tend to rush when we are nervous. Don’t be afraid of silences. Sometimes leaving pauses in your sentences will help you command the situation better.

Build Rapport

You should aim to connect with the interviewers, not just impress them and so if you come across as likeable and focus on building rapport with your interviewer rather than impressing him or her. Building rapport can be done in a number of ways, including matching body language, using similar language and finding a general topic to discuss to get the conversation going.

Sell Yourself

Once the interview is under way and the conversation is flowing, don’t be afraid to sell yourself. People worry about appearing arrogant but the interview panel are not mind readers and do not automatically know what you have to offer, so it is up to you to tell them. The STAR method gives you the structure to answer questions. If you focus on building rapport, remain calm, approach the questions with confidence and remember to smile, you will feel good and present very well.

What do you need to do to make a difference?

It is my hope that this story of the confident little girl and my suggestions will encourage you to approach life your next job interview with a little more confidence.

Marina Pitisano

I am a passionate Career Coach who works with individuals in the explore and search phase of their career journey, helping you realise your strengths through my career coaching and training programs. I enjoy showing people the path to greater career satisfaction and providing insight and tools to help you make your next career move.

The post How You Can Make a Difference in Your Next Interview appeared first on Letz Create.