What are interviewers looking for?

It’s always a good idea to prepare for an interview, but how? Knowing about the organisation and the role you are applying for is crucial, but how do you tackle those tough interview questions? We’ve all read about reframing weaknesses as strengths, and many websites claim to have the answers to interviewers’ hardest questions.

Let’s consider what the interviewer truly wants. A well-conducted interview should be collaborative, allowing you to showcase your strengths and how they align with the role.

Typically, interviewers seek to uncover several key aspects:

• What you have achieved
• How you contributed to the success of your organisation
• What you have learned from your mistakes
• What motivates you

Their questions are crafted to understand as much about your potential as possible. They delve into your past successes, decision-making processes, and what you might do differently in the future, along with your motivations and passion for the role.

The aim is to facilitate an open exchange, and the best advice is to be authentic. Remember, the perfect candidate doesn’t exist, and someone who knows everything about a role may lack room for growth. Keep the conversation natural; avoid scripted answers, and allow the interviewer to guide the discussion to other areas of interest. Ensure you’ve done your research on the organisation and are prepared to ask questions that clarify your understanding of both the role and the company.

When preparing, reflect on your significant achievements. Consider the barriers you’ve faced, the teams you’ve collaborated with, the decisions you made, and yes, even the mistakes. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively. Additionally, remember to emphasise your soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability, as these are often just as important as technical abilities.

Consider creating a visual summary, like an infographic, to encapsulate these key points for quick reference. This approach will help you articulate the key points that good interviewers want to hear.