Your interview: the view from across the table

While one might expect a correlation between a candidate’s seniority and their interview performance, our experience at Mission Talent often reveals the opposite. We’ve seen outstanding interviews from junior candidates and disappointing ones from those at senior levels.

So, what truly defines a successful interview? In-depth preparation, effective communication, and a touch of empathy are essential, alongside meeting the key requirements of the role.

Preparing

Regardless of whether you applied directly or were approached by a headhunter, showing genuine interest in the role and organisation is crucial. Engage in thorough research—understand the sector, the organisation, and its competitors. Familiarise yourself with current trends, opportunities, and challenges within the industry.

Carefully analyse the job specification to grasp what the organisation needs and the responsibilities involved. Reflect on your past experiences and how they relate to the role. Consider instances that demonstrate your decision-making, your ability to lead through challenges, and what you learned from your mistakes. Think critically about your strengths and weaknesses in relation to the role’s requirements.

With many interviews conducted via video conferencing, ensure you’re in a quiet, distraction-free environment. Test your equipment beforehand to ensure the interviewer can see you clearly. Avoid using handheld devices, as movement can be distracting. Position yourself to avoid backlighting from windows.

During the Interview

The interviewer aims to determine how your skills, experiences, and qualifications align with the position. Be mindful that panel members may not be professional interviewers, so pay attention to the following:

• Listen Actively: Make sure you fully understand each question. It’s perfectly acceptable to ask for clarification if needed.
• Take Your Time: Don’t feel pressured to fill silence; take a moment to gather your thoughts.
• Provide Comprehensive Answers: Be concise yet detailed, allowing the interviewer to guide the conversation. Focus on quality over quantity in your responses.
• Communicate Your Achievements: While discussing teamwork, don’t hesitate to highlight your personal contributions and strengths that led to success. Being reflective is an asset. When discussing weaknesses, avoid clichés like being a perfectionist. Instead, address real areas for improvement and how you manage them. This honesty fosters trust and authenticity.

Remember not to embellish your achievements. A quick reference check can easily verify your claims.like us, you are not perfect—and a quick online search or reference check will give us another viewpoint.

After the Interview

Following up with a thank-you note is essential. Include your thoughts on the interview process and briefly reiterate your key achievements. If you believe you missed discussing important aspects during the interview, address them in your note. Timely communication is critical, especially as decisions may be made quickly.

At Mission Talent, we welcome insights about your interview experiences, both positive and negative. We look forward to your comments!