Interviews – Answer the question
For many years I have successfully been instructing people how to prepare for an interview, how to behave at an interview and how to respond to questions asked. Most times the instructions work with the interviewees being offered a position with the company.
Yet even despite all our teaching and advice some interviewees still fall down on the silliest little thing, normally when they let their guard down.
If you are attending an interview or “informal meeting” it is essential that you prepare everything in advance, we all know the normal things, look up the company, read the job specification (if there is one), get some information on the interviewer (LinkedIn), dress for the part, turn off your phone and always carry at least 3 copies of your CV with you in a folder; plus a digital copy on your phone or tablet.
You must psych yourself up for the interview and get into what I call “interview mode”, and this must be from the moment you leave your house. Give yourself plenty of time to allow for any transport delays and be extra polite while travelling to the venue, do not get into any disagreements or spats with fellow commuters or wave your fists at other drivers; should there be an incident just shrug it off. It is possible that the person who barged into you on the train or the driver who cut you up and you swore at may be the interviewer; I have heard of this happening.
When approaching the venue take care, some companies are watching you on CCTV to see how you behave and how you interact with strangers. Most companies have CCTV in their waiting areas, so no fiddling with gadgets (other than to turn them off) or lolling about; read the newspaper or the company report that is normally on the desk.
Once in the interview you will be asked questions, including the so called “curved ball question” that has absolutely no relevance to anything at all, but is just there to see how you react and respond. “Who will win Britain’s got Talent” if you are like me and never watch reality shows then say that you do not watch these type of shows; don’t say “I never watch this rubbish” in case it is the interviewers favourite show.
A recent client of ours was asked about his thoughts on Anthropogenic Global Warming, her response was that she did not feel AGW was created by humans and gave a reasonable account as to why she felt that way; without getting into any argument or dragged out discussion as she did not know how the interviewer felt about the subject. She was offered the position.
It really does not matter what your reply is to the odd question as long as you can justify your response with a reasoned answer, but do not get too controversial or aim to insult and score points.
One question that I often ask an interviewee and one that is rarely answered correctly is “Tell me about yourself”. Whenever I ask this question the interviewee normally starts off the same way, first they have to think about the response (why, don’t they know themselves?), then off they go:
My name is, I am xx years old, I work for XYZ, my job is…, I have achieved…, I am married with 2 kids; and so it goes on. I know all this I have a copy of your CV in front of me and I have read it and therefore decided that you may be interesting enough for me to talk to and possibly see if you could work here.
My question was “Tell me about Yourself.” That means I want you to tell me about the real you and not the working person. Your response should therefore be instant as you should know yourself. It may be an idea to write a short history of your life just to refresh your memory and stop that “Err umm” moment when asked the question.
I was born in London, went to comprehensive/grammar/private school, played rugby/football/netball, attended university, married/kids. Enjoy travelling, paragliding, cooking and I am an arctophile; good to throw in an odd hobby if there is one (but not trainspotting).
Another question I often ask is “What is your earliest memory” once again you should be able to respond immediately without “umming or erring”
There is no right answer to either of these questions but they will show the interviewer that you are a human being and that you do have a life outside of work, and it is possible they may share the same pastime or hobby. I would take care though on being too passionate about following any sports team, it may be one the interviewer hates or it may be felt that you will be taking time off to follow your team or start arguments about your sport.
A last word of advice, when leaving the building remember they may still be watching you on CCTV, so take care.
Need more advice and help on changing career then email me now on rick@aegle.co.uk
