Your resume has landed you a job interview and now you must make the most of a "face-to-face" meeting to get the role. In this article, Michael Page Legal (the legal division of global recruitment firm, Michael Page International) offers some practical advice on getting interview-ready.
An overview of interviews
Not all interviews follow the same structure. There are a number of techniques that can be used, and approaches are likely to vary across employers and can be dependant on factors such as the seniority of the role. The four most common types of interviews are summarised as follows:
Behavioural Interviews
The interviewer will ask you to describe how you handled various situations in your previous role. The emphasis is on your experience and its relevance to the position for which you are being considered.
Prepare by identifying four or five examples that show how you faced challenges and achieved positive outcomes in your previous role. In each case describe a specific task or situation that is relevant to the role in question.
Situational Interviews
These are very similar to behavioural interviews. The difference is that situational interviews pose hypothetical questions, rather than asking for specific examples of past performance.
Questions are based on the skills and personality traits that are required for the role. Use the job description to identify key responsibilities because the questions are likely to focus on these areas.
Unstructured Interviews
This style is conversational and information is gained through a free-flowing discussion. The interviewer does not ask a set of questions in a predetermined order.
You are required to carry the conversation and the topics you discuss generally lead to subsequent questions. Rehearsal is important because the interviewer, although apparently casual, will be looking for details that reveal your skills, personality and cultural fit for the role.
Panel Interviews
These consist of multiple interviewers who are usually sourced from different parts of the organisation. Objectives are likely to vary between members of the panel and this will affect the flow of questioning.
Establish eye contact with the member of the panel asking the question and scan the other panel members during your response. Take particular care when answering technical or strategic questions as panel members may have specialist knowledge in these areas.
Do your research
Taking the time to research the company and the role is highly recommended. From the potential employer's perspective, it demonstrates enthusiasm for the position as well as initiative on your part. It is often the candidate who has shown the most interest that is successful.
The fastest way to conduct research on a company is online. Start off with the company's website and then try expanding your search using a search engine. Try to answer the following questions:
• What are the company's core products and services?
• How is the company perceived in the marketplace?
• Find out what you can about the company's financial situation
• Try to think like a client of the company and identify potential improvements
• Research the company's competitors and the industry as a whole
• Review the news/media section of the website for statements on future direction
Do this research and you will be very well prepared in the likely event that you are asked, "So, what do you know about our company?"
In terms of researching the role, we strongly recommend that you read the job advertisement carefully so that you have a clear understanding of the requirements and responsibilities. If you are applying through a recruitment agency, ask if you can be given a detailed job description for review.
Your objective prior is to have a clear understanding of the role and its function in the organisation. If this is clear in your mind, you will be better able to demonstrate what you can bring to the position and why your skills and experience are relevant.
Before the interview
As the saying goes, if you fail to plan then you plan to fail. In every interview, no matter how junior or senior the position, the interviewer will be probing for the answers to three basic questions:
1. Can you do the job? (skills, qualifications and experience)
2. Will you do the job? (motivation, attitudes and career goals)
3. Will you fit into the team? (cultural alignment)
Keep these three points in mind during your preparation. You should prepare to the point at which you can talk comfortably about yourself, your experience and how it relates to the role. Be familiar with your CV and prepared to answer questions from it. Similarly, ensure you have read any job description thoroughly and think of ways in which your experience will benefit your potential employer.
Prepare yourself in advance for common interview questions. Equally, prepare some questions to ask the employer. An interview is a two-way process and your chance to ask about the role and the company.
Rehearse! Rehearse Rehearse!
No matter how impressive your resume is to date, a poor performance in the selection interview will threaten your chances of success. We strongly recommend that you conduct practice interviews with friends and family until you can comfortably answer each question without hesitation. Taking the time to practice will help you to deliver an articulate and impressive interview performance.
Getting the basics right
It goes without saying, but make sure that you confirm the time and the location of the interview, as well as the name and title of the person interviewing you. Make sure that you give yourself plenty of time to get there and take the contact number of the potential employer in case you are delayed.
During the interview
You only get one chance at a first impression. Ensure that you are well groomed and that your clothes reflect the business image you wish to project. Here are some points to consider for the interview:
• Dress neatly and appropriately and arrive early
• Make sure your mobile phone is switched off
• The first five minutes are vital, so greet the interviewer standing with a firm handshake and a smile
• Learn to listen as well as talk; it will give you valuable clues as to the responses required
• Watch your body language. Interviewers will recognise a lack of congruence between what you and your body are saying
• Answer questions informatively but briefly. Never embellish the truth but don't be afraid to "sell" your skills and accomplishments.
• Do not ask about remuneration until at least the second interview. If you are asked about your expectations, give as general an answer as you can until you know that they wish to make you an offer. Understand that salary discussions could jeopardize your chances of joining the company.
• Close the interview with a reaffirmation of your interest, eye contact and a firm handshake. Make a positive last impression.
Post Interview
It is important to learn from each interview so that you can continue to improve your technique. The best time to assess your performance is immediately after the interview, while the events are still fresh in your mind.
Write down a list of pros and cons; the areas in which you performed strongly as well the areas you believe need further improvement. This analysis will help you to focus your preparation for future interviews on any weak points and give yourself the best chance of success.
If a recruitment firm is representing you, call your consultant to provide feedback on the interview. This will demonstrate your professional approach to the recruitment process, as well as your enthusiasm for the role. It is in your best interest to let the consultant know of your thoughts on the interview before they speak with the employer. If you stumbled in any areas let your consultant know so that they are aware ahead of time.
Common Interview Questions
Q: Tell me about yourself
(The interviewer is really saying "I want to hear you talk")
A: This is a commonly asked question designed to break the ice. Spend a maximum of five minutes to describe your qualifications, career history and your range of skills. Emphasise those skills that are relevant to the job on offer.
Q: What have been your achievements to date?
(The interviewer is saying, "Are you an achiever?")
A: Again this is a common question so be prepared. Select an achievement that is recent. Identify skills you used in the achievement and quantify the benefit.
Q: Tell me the most difficult situation you have had to face and how you tackled it? (The interviewer is really trying to find out your definition of "difficult" and whether you can show a logical approach to problem solving)
A: Select a difficult work situation that was not caused by you. Explain how you defined the problem and what solution you applied to overcome the problem.
Q: What are your strengths?
(The interviewer wants a straightforward answer as to what you are good at and how it is going to add value)
A: This is one question you will certainly be asked, so there's no excuse for being unprepared. Concentrate on discussing your main strengths. List three or four explanations of how they could benefit the employer. Strengths to consider include technical proficiency; ability to learn quickly; determination to succeed; positive attitude; team focus and your ability to work autonomously.
Q: What are your greatest weaknesses?
(The interviewer is asking about your self-perception and self-awareness)
A: This is another standard question for which you can be well prepared. Don't say you don't have any. We all have weaknesses. Either use a professional weakness such as a lack of experience (not ability) on your part in one area that is not vital for the job, or use a personal weakness and show the steps that you have taken to combat it. An example would be, "I'm not very good at delegating but I'm learning to pass work on to colleagues by sitting down on a weekly basis and splitting the workload".
Q: Why do you want to leave your current employer?
(The interviewer is trying to understand and evaluate your motives for moving)
A: This should be straightforward. State how you are looking for more challenge, responsibility, experience and a change of environment and explain why you feel you are no longer receiving these things from your current role. For example, "I have been with my firm for four years and feel I have learnt as much about their legal function as possible and there is no opportunity for a more senior role at present".
Conclusion
We all have to do job interviews at some time in our career. The key to making a winning impression is being prepared. Focus your preparation and research on the potential employer and you will give yourself the best chance of success.
For further information or advice, please contact our dedicated legal recruiters, Annie Tang, Ingrid Broberg, Olga Yung or Janet Chan on (+852) 2530 6100. To browse our full range of available positions, please visit: www.michaelpage.com.hk