In the world of job interviews, the objective is clear: employers aim to ascertain that you possess the qualities of "Can Do," "Will Do," and "Will Fit." It's one thing to excel at a job, but an entirely different skill set is required to articulate your worth under the pressure of convincing others to select you. Confidence stands as the linchpin, and to persuade an interviewer of your suitability, you must first convince yourself. This is precisely why preparation is the linchpin.
If you've reached the interview phase, you should exude confidence in your knowledge, skills, and experience, all poised to be an asset to your prospective employer. Whether this marks your maiden interview since leaving the military or the tenth in a series, your aim remains the same: to get it right. And let's underscore that preparation is indeed the cornerstone.
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Here's a checklist of activities and resources to ensure you're impeccably prepared for any upcoming interview. Use this as your guiding framework, diligently ticking off each task before you step into the interview arena.
PRE-INTERVIEW CHECKLIST
- Do Your Homework
- Investigate the company thoroughly.
- Align Skills with Job Description
- Understand how your skills align with the job requirements.
- Prepare Responses to Common and Tough Questions
- Anticipate and rehearse answers to common and challenging interview questions.
- Practice with Friends
- Rehearse your answers with trusted friends or mentors.
- Craft Your Own Questions
- Plan insightful questions to ask the interviewer.
- Consult Our 10 Interview Tips Guide
- Gain additional insights to ensure you ace the interview.
- Wardrobe Planning
- Decide what to wear, ensuring a professional appearance.
- Travel Arrangements
- Plan your journey to the interview location (offline) or understand the online interview process.
- Document Checklist
- Carry essential documents: CV copies, references, education certificates, job description, and identification.
PREPARING FOR THE INTERVIEW
So, you've secured an interview. What's next? Brace yourself for several hours of meticulous preparation to ensure optimal performance. You've come a long way to reach this point, so sparing no effort at this crucial juncture is imperative. Effective preparation instills confidence and the potential for an enjoyable interview experience.
Begin by understanding the employer's recruitment process, which can vary widely. Typically, after a job is advertised and the application deadline passes, employers create a shortlist, and selected candidates are invited for interviews and/or assessments.
Familiarize yourself with as much information as possible about the interview:
- Format: Understand the interview format (panel, one-on-one, competency-based).
- Interviewers: Research the interviewers, if possible, through LinkedIn.
- Duration: Know the expected duration of the interview.
STEP 1: IN-DEPTH RESEARCH
Company Insight:
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of the company's operations.
- Explore the company's products, services, and revenue streams.
Company Mission:
- Grasp the company's mission and values.
Competitive Landscape:
- Identify the company's top three competitors.
- Assess industry performance and differentiation.
Performance Metrics:
- Analyze the company's financial performance over the past three years.
- Evaluate industry growth and challenges.
Armed Forces Affiliation:
- Discover if the company supports the Armed Forces through the Armed Forces Covenant.
- Investigate their pledges.
Stay Informed:
- Delve into the company's blog and social media posts.
- Check recent mentions in the press for potential discussion points.
Interviewer Background:
- Use LinkedIn to gather insights into your interviewers.
STEP 2: SKILLS ALIGNMENT
- Examine the job description thoroughly.
- Identify how your skills and experience align with the role.
- Prepare to articulate your suitability effectively.
STEP 3: PREPARE AND PRACTICE
- Develop confidence in answering a wide range of questions about yourself, the role, your skills, and your career goals.
- Prepare examples of how you've applied your skills in various situations.
- Familiarize yourself with competency-based interviews.
- Leverage our interview workbook to guide your preparation.
- Practice your responses to enhance confidence using our video interview practice tool.
ACCESS OUR COMPREHENSIVE INTERVIEW GUIDE & WORKBOOK [FREE DOWNLOAD]
STEP 4: QUESTION PLANNING
- Prepare insightful questions to ask the employer during the interview.
- Engage in a two-way conversation to evaluate the company and job's suitability for you.
STEP 5: PRE-INTERVIEW ORGANIZATION
- Dress professionally and groom yourself neatly.
- Plan your transportation method and arrive at least ten minutes early.
- Ensure your phone is turned off or stowed away.
- Carry essential documentation: photo identification, CV copies, references, education certificates, and the job description (highlight key points).
- Review our 10 Interview Tips to boost your confidence and performance.
Have you ticked off everything on the list? Download our ultimate interview guide and workbook to navigate the job interview process effectively.
POST-INTERVIEW REFLECTION
Not every interview will yield success, but each one offers an opportunity for improvement. Reflect on what went well and what could be enhanced. Seek feedback from interviewers when possible.
THE JOB OFFER
Until an employment offer is extended by a company, they hold the upper hand. They can say 'yes' or 'no' at any stage of the process. However, once an offer is made, the balance of power shifts, and it's your turn to decide. Appreciate that you are no longer a mere candidate; they want you, giving you a degree of leverage. Use this advantage judiciously.
ACCESS OUR SALARY NEGOTIATION TOP TIPS GUIDE [FREE DOWNLOAD]
Now, onto salary negotiations. Conversations about salary may feel awkward, but they are crucial. HR professionals expect negotiation, so don't hesitate. Our careers consultants have compiled a top tips guide to help you navigate this conversation successfully.
In the journey from military service to the civilian workforce, your skills, experience, and preparation serve as your compass. With meticulous groundwork, you're well on your way to seizing the opportunities that await.