Undercover tips for a successful job interview or meeting

A job interview is very often an akward situation for candidates. There are numerous articles on interview tips and I have written some of them myself. In this article however, I would like to share some very well hidden secrets/advice on excelling at an interview. The same advice applies to a job meeting with people you have not met before.

1. Try to understand why you have been selected
Having been offered an interview is very important. However, knowing “why” is even more important because you can plan your whole interview strategy on this single point. Whatever positive qualities attracted the employer to you, you need to make them shine even more. Think about the brand attributes apparent through your CV/LinkedIn profile and shine even more light on them. Is it your very good degree grade which denotes you are knowledgeable and reliable, is it your long (or short!) work experience, your IT skills, your online identity…make sure you know what made you so distinctive in the selection process.

2. Try to understand what your employer stands for
It is crucial to be aware of your prospective employer”s activity. However, figuring out which values you share with the employer is even more important: this knowledge will help you

• make sure the employer fits your vision and
  
• prove during the interview what a good “fit”  (HR talk) your appointment would be.

3. Stay focused
Whatever happens, the fact you have earned an interview means they have chosen to meet you amongst dozens of others candidates. Your goal is to get a job offer. Accepting the offer or not, discussing specific terms and conditions, finding out when the salary is being paid, is to be discussed when an offer is made. Stay focused on your target. It is much better to discuss details and enter a negotiation when an offer has been made rather than deciding that “I did not want the job anyway” .