Page 36 - You're Hired! Interview Answers

Perfecting your preparation PRePaRing FoR the inteRview

Preparing for your interview is essential if you are to have the best chance of
giving your best. Not only does preparation help you to anticipate some of the
questions you are likely to be asked, it also ensures that you have gathered
some basic information about the organisation that you are hoping to join.
After all, if you are planning to work for it, you should at least aim to find out
if its reputation, its operating style and the way it is likely to use you matches
your requirements. From its side, you are unlikely to impress if you can’t talk
with some understanding about the business, its operating environment and
competitors (if private sector) or its main purposes, objectives and services (if
public sector). In an ideal world – and particularly for senior level roles – the
recruitment process should be one where both parties are trying to make an
informed decision about how good the ‘match’ is. You are only going to be able
to take part in this assessment of mutual ‘fit’ if you have done some homework.

The good news is that it has never been easier – thanks to the internet – to
research organisations; the bad news is that you have to assume that all the
other interview candidates will do diligent preparation and research as well.
So, how do you make yourself stand out?

As a minimum, your preparation should include:

n researching the organisation and/or the department that you are
applying to

n finding out as much as you can about its selection criteria/competencies
n finding out as much as you can about the interview process (timing,

structure, location, interviewers)
n personal preparation – understanding your assets and risks in relation to

the job and preparing yourself mentally.

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