Ah, the job interview. It's like a first date, but instead of trying to impress your potential soulmate, you're trying to impress a potential employer. No pressure, right? Well, fear not my friends, we have interviewed one of our recruiters at Easy Skill. Follow our advice and you'll be well on your way to acing your next interview and landing your dream job. And who knows, maybe you'll even get a second interview...or at least a pity laugh from the interviewer at one of your jokes.
How to make a success of an interview?
Many parameters are important, but if we are to sum up, the success of an interview is largely influenced by 3 steps: preparation, execution and follow-up after the interview.
What advice do you give to candidates to prepare them well?
In my opinion, it is essential to research the interviewer. It is perfectly possible to connect before on social networks to get to know his or her profile. It is essential to have a good knowledge of the company, so you can take time to read the latest news about the company on its website, internet or social networks. I also encourage candidates to research competitors and the client's industry in general.
- Mastering your CV and job offer
It is important to know your CV well. I must be able to explain easily why I decided to apply for this job. What are the factors that motivate me (the industry, the experience, the missions...). You have to ask yourself why I would be a good fit for the company and why I am the ideal candidate. Don’t forget to bring examples of your work at the interview such as certificates or accolades and awards.
The preparation allows for a smoother execution and, above all, to arrive confidently at the interview.
What do you recommend for execution?
The success of the execution phase comes from the quality of the answers but also from the phase of expressing them. Indeed, tone, enthusiasm, body language and contact should not be underestimated.
When an interviewer asks a question, you have to explain why you had the experience, describe it, explain the results in relation to the objective and the long-term impacts. I encourage candidates to use the STAR method which allows you to explain your experience in a concise and relevant way: Situation, Task, Action and Results.
> Situation allow you to explain the mission you need to accomplish.
“When I started working as a mining engineer at XYZ mining company, our mining operation had encountered a significant geological challenge that was affecting our production rates and profitability.”
> Task describes your responsibilities in that situation.
“My task was to identify the root cause of the problem and develop a solution to overcome it.”
> Action explains what steps you took to achieve your objectives
“I started by gathering data and conducting a thorough analysis of the geological formation. I consulted with geologists and other experts in the field to gain additional insights. After a detailed evaluation, I proposed a new mining method.”
> Results share the outcomes of your actions.
“Our team implemented the new mining method, and we were able to overcome the geological challenges. As a result, our production rates increased by 20% and our profitability improved significantly”.
- Use collaborative language
To foster engagement with the interviewer, try to phrase your responses as collaborative suggestions. For example, instead of simply answering a question, you could say something like, "We should do this..." or "How about we try that...". This approach demonstrates that you are taking initiative and working together as a team to find solutions.
The way you express yourself is as important as the quality of the response. When expressing yourself, maintain eye contact with the interviewer, smile, use hand gestures to express their feelings, and turn negative sentences into positive ones. Be honest and ask questions at the end of the interview.
- Navigating the salary negotiation
When it comes to negotiating your salary, it's often said that the first person to speak loses. Although recruiters may not admit it, this can be true in many cases. To approach this situation effectively, consider asking the recruiter for a salary range that the company is willing to offer. If your current salary is higher than the range, but you're still interested in the job, it's important to be honest. Explain to the recruiter that you're excited about the opportunity to join their team, and that while your current salary exceeds their budget, you're open to considering market rates. Emphasize that what you really care about is how you can contribute to the growth of the company, and how the company can help you grow as well. By framing your negotiation in terms of mutual growth and benefit, you can help ensure that you secure a job offer that meets both your financial and career goals.
“Build a good rapport with your interviewer because team fit is equally important as your ability to do the job.”
What do you suggest after a job interview?
Sometimes one email separates you from your next job. Make sure you follow-up! Get feedback from your recruiter and take down notes and use it to improve on your next interview.
Always remember to put yourself in their shoes. They are not looking for someone who just fits the job description. They are looking for a passionate individual who thinks beyond the scope--someone who can get behind their mission and vision for the company, and who is not afraid to “roll up their sleeves” and get their hands dirty. Take charge!
And remember, even if your interviewer doesn't laugh at your jokes, it doesn't mean you're not funny. They might just have a terrible sense of humor. Keep your chin up and keep on acing those interviews!