There is so much information in the public domain today that I would argue it is almost unforgivable to turn up to interview without having done your homework. Indeed you could argue that there is almost too much information, so where do you start!
You should approach an interview in the same way that you should approach any other form of major sales presentation, because that is exactly what it is. It is your ultimate sales pitch and the advantage that you have is that you are selling a product that nobody knows as well as you do. Take confidence from that fact.
However, the secret to a successful sale is in knowing your customer, their needs and wants, inside out. You would never expect to win a critical business pitch with out ensuring you are fully prepared beforehand, why should you expect to nail a job offer without the same degree of preparation.
No startling reservations is a common theme throughout my blog posts, not least because in my view so much of this is about the practical application of common sense. So where do you start?
We all love people who take an interest in us, so first things first find out something about the person you are meeting. Use Linkedin, Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, Google, Blogs, whatever tools are at your disposal to understand more about your Interviewer. You are looking for the IceBreaker, something that can give you a “connection” with the person you are meeting.
If you are aware they support Arsenal, love Fly Fishing, Susan Boyle, QI, Windmills or The complete works of William Shakespeare then use such facts as an Icebreaker. We all love to talk about subjects that we are passionate about. Accepting the premise that the interviewer is as nervous as you are this gives you the opportunity to settle the conversation down whilst the interviewer makes a mental note that you are prepared, resourceful, interested, a “people” person and numerous other positive attributes before the process is even under way.
Next time I will talk about the importance of researching the company or organisation you are interviewing with. For the time being, happy researching, you’ll be amazed just what you can find out!
