There are always tips and tricks available to help people prepare for a job interview. However, if you have been to an interview recently, you know that they are becoming increasingly competitive. Trying to keep a potential employer’s attention is also a difficult and somewhat daunting task, making one even more nervous. This adds more pressure to an already stressful situation. So, which trick works in this day and age?
Well, if you want to nail your interview there are definitely some things that are more important than others. This book summary provides a step by step guide to each part of the interview process.
In this book summary readers will discover:
- How to grab the recruiter’s attention
- The 5 Point Agenda
- Don’t ever skimp on preparation
- Questions are important
- Presenting yourself appropriately
Key lesson one: How to grab the recruiter’s attention
First things first. When you are at an interview, never assume that you’re the only one who is nervous. As much as recruiters go through the interview process many times, they also have a lot at stake in an interview. After all, the person they eventually decide to hire will have a large impact on the organization. It costs an organization quite a bit of money to hire and train a new employee. Thus, hiring the wrong person is a costly affair. In fact, many recruiters feel the pressure of having to sift through sometimes hundreds of candidates before narrowing down their choices for an interview. Even then, candidates seem to all sound the same. This is why it is important that you make yourself stand out during an interview. You can do this by providing your interviewer with concise answers to their questions taking no longer than 60 seconds per answer.
This may seem a bit extreme but 60 seconds is actually enough time to provide a complete answer. The recruiter is most likely to appreciate your concise answers since they often spend entire days listening to people trying to impress them with exceedingly descriptive and long-winded answers. If you keep it short, you can not only impress them with your effective communication skills but also demonstrate why you would be perfect for the job.
Key lesson two: The 5 Point Agenda
The 5 Point Agenda refers to focusing on your five most marketable skills. Ideally, these qualities should highlight you in a way that matches what the company is looking for. When you decide on the five skills you wish to highlight, ensure that mention them throughout your interview. By repeating these skills, you are ensuring that the interviewer will remember you. Once again, they have to interview numerous candidates and you have to ensure that you are not forgotten or seem just like the others.
Your 5 Point Agenda should also adhere to the 60-second rule, so you should prepare accordingly. The five skills that you choose should also be different for different interviews. Your 5 Point Agenda should always be closely linked to the job you are applying for. Thus, you should understand the position you are applying for completely and know what qualities they require. This takes a bit of work on your part. Make a list of your top skills before researching the company you are applying to. You can look up the company website, LinkedIn or talk to people you know that are familiar with the organization. Then, once your research is complete, you can narrow down your skills to the five that are most appropriate.
Key lesson three: Don’t ever skimp on preparation
There’s is one thing you should never attempt during an interview and that is winging it. No matter how confident you are, the questions interviewers ask can sometimes throw you. People often start rambling as they try to formulate an answer and this leads to them forgetting important points. How many times have you walked out of an interview and kicked yourself when you thought of the correct answer to a question? It happens to almost everyone. Therefore it is crucial that you prepare for an interview and remain calm and collected throughout.
Three things can help you achieve this. Firstly, there are loads of standard interview questions you can go through and prepare. It is also beneficial to research the organization you are applying to and the products or services they offer. Secondly, think of particular examples of your past performance that make you a good candidate for the job. This will keep them at the forefront of your mind and help you convince recruiters that you are the best person for the job. These can also include your activities outside of work, like volunteer work, for example.
Lastly, you need to let them know that you have the ideal worker persona. Recruiters will likely formulate an opinion of you by your age. As weird as it sounds, if you’re older they will assume you will be resistant to change and if you’re younger they will assume that you are entitled and addicted to technology. This is obviously based on stereotypes and your answers should try to move them away from these biases. Ensure that you come across as being dedicated, a quick learner, flexible and have a growth mindset. Highlight your communication and computer skills and how your performance will improve the company.
Key lesson four: Questions are important
You know that bit at the end of an interview when they ask you if you have any questions? This is just as important as any other question in the interview. In addition, you have not only a chance to find out if you really want the job but also a shot to make a lasting impression.
The questions you ask can tell the people in the room a lot about you. What you are curious to know about the company can give them clues about you as a worker. Hence, questions related to money should be avoided. It will make it seem like money is your prime motivation and not the job itself. You can save the questions about your salary once they offer you the job.
Before you enter your interview you should have some questions in mind that you would like to ask. You can even write them down if you want. It will indicate to the recruiter that you are taking the interview seriously and have researched the organization. You can also ask questions about anything that stirred your curiosity during the interview. Of course, sometimes an interviewer can answer all your questions during the interview itself. Then it’s best to go over your written questions and point out that they seem to have already addressed your questions. You can also mention what your questions were. For example, “my questions about the training structure have been answered”. This will allow them to know that you have thought about the position carefully.
Key lesson five: Presenting yourself appropriately
No matter how informal a company may seem, you should never show up to an interview dressed too casually. You have to present yourself appropriately if you want to be considered seriously. Interviewers pay close attention to what you wear and how you act when you walk into the room. Thus, you have to ensure that you put your best foot forward. Try to ensure that your clothes are neat, clean and not wrinkled. Fingernails should be clean and clipped neatly. Jewellery should be kept simple, along with makeup. This allows interviewers to see that you could represent the company if need be.
Besides the way you dress, you must also ensure that your nonverbal communication skills are good. You can practice beforehand and should always remember the importance of eye contact and handshakes. Eye contact is important if you want to project your confidence and trustworthiness whereas a firm handshake is just good manners on any occasion. Interviewers will pay attention to the way you move and your facial expressions, so it is best that you are conscious of what you are doing. However, this does not mean that you should be stiff, uncomfortable and scared of smiling. It just means you must be genuine, confident and prepared to show the best of yourself.
Implementing these tips will ensure that you are physically and mentally prepared for your interview. There will be no need to doubt yourself as you have already prepared beforehand. All you have to do is show up and do your best.
The key takeaway from 60 Seconds & You’re Hired is:
Interviews don’t have to be a scary experience. It is possible for anyone to nail an interview if they implement some helpful strategies. To really make a good impression, you should aim to keep the answers to all questions to 60 seconds or less. These answers should be concise but succeed in highlighting your best qualities. You will be evaluated not only by the questions you are asked but also by the questions you have for the interviewer. So ensure that you have prepared adequately for the interview. Preparation is key, so don’t take any shortcuts.
How can I implement the lessons learned in 60 Seconds & You’re Hired is:
Be sure that you schedule enough time to prepare. Not only should you practice your answers to standard interview questions, but you should also take time to research the organization that you will be applying to. This will give you more information about their structure and the type of employees they have with regards to experience and qualifications. Moreover, don’t be embarrassed to ask your friends and family for help. You can have a mock interview with them to ensure that your nonverbal communication is up to par or they can help you select the best attire for the day.
