Put your best foot forward

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This article was published 27/01/2024 (626 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Many of us have been there: sitting in a nondescript waiting area, nervously flipping through the pages of our resumés, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension … the interview for our dream job is finally about to begin. We take a deep breath because we are about to be greeted by a panel of stern-faced interviewers — but we are not shaken. We are ready. We got this.

Excelling at interviewing is a learned skill, and even the most introverted among us can master it — including under the most stressful of circumstances. With a combination of preparation, effective communication, and a strategic approach, you can turn interviews into opportunities to showcase your skills and experiences.

Let’s explore some key strategies to help you not only survive — but thrive — during job interviews.

● Do your homework

Before walking into an interview, research the company, its culture, and the specific role you’re applying for. Understand the company’s mission, values, recent achievements, and any challenges it may be facing.

Familiarize yourself with the job description and be ready to articulate how your skills align with the requirements. Knowing your audience demonstrates your genuine interest in the position and company.

Further, in my experience, the most poorly answered question is “why did you apply for this position?”

The answer is not “because I need a job” or “because I dislike where I am currently working,” although those may well be true. Instead, your answer should present your personal values and how they align with the organization’s values.

● Tell me about a time when…

Interviews come in various formats, including behavioural, situational, and competency based.

Familiarize yourself with these formats to anticipate the types of questions you might encounter. Practise responding to both traditional and behavioral questions so you can provide comprehensive answers.

We discussed behavioural interview questions in last week’s column. For a quick refresh, they are usually recognizable and often start with, “Tell us about a time when…”

Having a pocketful of examples of your achievements — especially examples versatile enough to satisfy several bullets on the job posting — will help structure the way you prepare so your time is spent efficiently. Reflect on past experiences that highlight your ability to problem-solve, collaborate, and adapt to challenges.

Additionally, identify key behavioural traits the employer is likely seeking and tailor your responses accordingly. Highlight specific achievements and quantify results, putting a number on what you managed to do where possible to demonstrate your impact.

Lastly, be ready to discuss how you’ve learned and grown from challenging situations. This preparation will enable you to articulate your skills and experiences in a compelling manner and make a positive impression on the interviewer.

● Be a star

This next one seems a little silly when you write it on paper — but trust me, when you are speaking, you will sound structured and thoughtful. Okay, here it is: when tackling behavioural questions in a job interview, employing the STAR method is crucial for crafting structured and comprehensive responses. What is the STAR method?

Start by describing the Situation, setting the stage for an interviewer to understand the context.

Clearly outline the Task at hand, emphasizing the challenges or goals you were faced with.

Then, delve into the Action, articulating the steps you personally undertook to address the situation. This is the opportune moment to showcase your skills, decision-making abilities, and leadership qualities. Be specific and use quantifiable metrics where applicable.

Finally, conclude with the Result, outlining positive outcomes or lessons learned from your actions.

By incorporating tangible results, such as increased efficiency, revenue growth, or successful project completion, you not only validate your capabilities but also make a lasting impression on an interviewer.

Sharing real-life examples provides concrete evidence of your skills and accomplishments and reinforces your suitability for the role, enhancing the overall impact of your responses.

● Keep it simple

Another tip for excelling at interviewing is to have an elevator pitch. These are often associated with tech start-ups, but they are a concise and compelling way to introduce yourself, highlight your key skills and experiences, and express your enthusiasm for a position. This pitch is often the first impression you make, so make it memorable and tailored to the job you’re interviewing for.

Practice your elevator pitch with a friend, family member, or in front of a mirror. Pay attention to your body language, tone, and pacing. Rehearse until you feel confident and can articulate your thoughts clearly and concisely.

● Project professionalism

Your body language, eye contact, and overall demeanor play a significant role in how you’re perceived during an interview.

Practise confidence, good posture, and establishing eye contact prior to any interview situation, so they feel natural once you are in the interview room.

● Own your imperfections

No one is perfect, and interviewers often ask about weaknesses. Be prepared to discuss areas for improvement, framed in a positive light.

Share how you’ve actively worked to overcome challenges and demonstrate a commitment to continuous growth.

● Reverse the role

Interviews are a two-way street, so prepare thoughtful questions to ask an interviewer about the company culture, team dynamics, and the role itself. This not only demonstrates your genuine interest in the position, but also helps you assess if the company aligns with your career goals.

I strongly suggest you do not ask about things like the percentage of the employee discount, but rather about the company’s response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action, for example, or whether an incumbent will overlap with their successful hire. These questions show you are curious and thinking through logistics and are great questions to ask at the end of an interview.

● Close the loop

After a job interview, send a thank-you email expressing your gratitude for the opportunity.

Reiterate your interest in the position and briefly mention a key point from the interaction to reinforce your suitability for the role.

Tory McNally, CPHR, BSc., Vice President, HR Consulting is a human resource professional, radio personality, speaker, and problem solver. She can be reached at tory@legacybowes.com.