Top 10 Interview Tips

I've recently been coaching people to maximise their chances of getting the job. Based on experience, the psychology of influence and what CLEARLY works, here are my top 10 tips in no particular order (apart from number 1 which in my experience trumps everything):

1. Be Likeable

Likeability trumps experience, professional qualifications and ability. Experience, qualifications and ability can be gained. Likeability appears innate. Be pleasant, be interested and appear that you will fit in. If you want to stand out then wear a nose piercing or have a tattooed face but don't expect the job

2. Talk about what you've DONE not what you can DO

Most interviews now are competency based and you score points for giving examples of what you did that demonstrate your competence. You score no points for bullshitting about what you might possibly do. If you hear yourself saying "I would..." turn it into "What I did was...". Make sure you have LOTS of examples related to their competencies

3. Dress for The Job

At the interview, dress as you would for a day on the job. Find out before how people dress there. If you're going for a job at All Saints they expect you to dress as you're a store assistant so check out what they wear. If you're going for an office job then ask someone who word there how most people dress

4. Do your homework

Get on the company website. Find out their history. Read the bits about their company values - this ca provide some good clues about how to behave. Find out how they are doing and if they are currently in the news - you can impress by showing how much you know about them

5. Forget Your CV for now

Your CV may have got you to where you are now but it won't get you through the interview. Most people stretch the truth on their CV anyway. Don't plan to talk through your CV. Use the interview to demonstrate what you can do for them (as opposed to what you can do)

6. Have an answer to the "What are you biggest strengths/weaknesses

But don't be cheesy. Re the strength, emphasise that you've been told that you are strong at xyz. It always lands better when you say you have been told this so you're not seen to be boasting. Re weakness, put some distance on it and show how you are working on it, e.g. When I first started this job I had some feedback that I was disorganised. I was surprised by this so asked the person what they meant. They said I wasn't prepared at meetings. I took this to heart and have been working on this ever since - this demonstrates you respond to and act on feedback. Bad answer? I don't have any (Shows lack of self-awareness and arrogance)

7. ALWAYS have a question to ask if they ask you if you have any questions

If you don't you look disinterested. It's your opportunity to get info as well as impress. Good ones? What would I need to do to hit the ground running here? What training would I get in my first month if you were to give me the job?

8. Be Clear about what Remuneration Package you want

Money may or may not be discussed but be clear in your mind what package you are looking for and REMEMBER it's negotiable - for the right person. You don't have to answer "How much are you currently earning?" especially if you feel underpaid. If you get asked it, then you might answer by being clear what you are looking for and what you feel you are worth (which isn't necessarily the same as you're currently earning)

9. Be Positive

Don't bitch about your current employer, team or boss. If you badmouth everyone, you'll come across as a negative person who won't fit

10. Have an answer ready for "Where would you see yourself in a year's time?"

NOT 'doing your job' - which will kill the interview. Good answer? "With the right training and development I can see myself making a really strong contribution to the team, really fulfilling my role and feeling a solid part of the team and ready for the next challenge'. Use your answer to create a clear positive picture