How to prepare for an interview!

Your frame of mind is really key to a successful interview. To put things in perspective: Think of the interview as a conversation. Nothing more. The interview is NOT a test, it is NOT an interrogation, it should NOT be a stress test, you do NOT pass or fail.


You are talking to the employer to learn more about their needs (relative to the position that they are trying to fill) and to determine if the position, location, environment and employees are a match with what you are looking for. The employer is doing the same thing! If the two align an offer is typically extended.


How do you best prepare for an interview?


Use the job description that they provided as a key reference point. The objective is to be able to relay to the employer how you can be of value based on their specific needs.


I recommend that you use the following strategy to best answer the employers questions. The concept is taken from the behavioral based interviewing method/model.


To divert for a minute: Behavioral based interview questions are questions that get specific examples of a candidate's past experience so an employer can determine if the candidate can be successful in the position that they are trying to fill. The interviewee's answers give the employer insight into how the candidate performed the process/job/responsibilities in a prior role.


I believe that the following strategy can be used by candidates to prepare for an interview. First review the job description. Second, review each action point on the job description and come up with the best 1 or 2 examples where you have done what the employer is looking for (use your past performance/job experience). Then apply the following tool to get your toughs in order prior to the interview:


On the right hand margin of the job description write BAR or STAR vertically and fill in the blanks horizontally. Think of the acronym BAR, B= Behavior, A= Action, R= Result
or STAR, S=Situation, T= Task, A= Action, R= Result.


EXAMPLE:

Job Description:

• Work with Sales and Marketing to develop season’s themes, promotional items and marketing campaigns

B= As Director of Men's and Boys Product

A= I worked with Design, Sales, Marketing & Key Accounts to research and develop seasonal marketing strategies (which included: POS, GWP, promotional kits, packaging, hang tags and advertising spots)

R= I had full accountability for the revenue in my assigned categories. My efforts resulted in a 30% increase to sales year over year, a 5 pt margin increase and a successful launch (and line extension) for the Men's and Boys product category.

This preparation should position you to communicate your strengths relative to the employer's needs and ultimately land you the job providing you have the KSAA's (knowledge, skills, ability, accomplishments) that they are looking for!

Update (10/16/09) -Here is another article that is consistent with some of my notes above:

http://community.ere.net/blogs/invested-innovative-brilliant-improving-the-recruiting-experience/2009/10/how-to-ace-the-interview-guest-blog-by-new-head2he/