Application and Interview

This sixth and final module will provide tips and tricks for a tremendous high-power interview.

So much can happen in your interview if you take a breath, slow it down and take control.

Interviews are not a complex process. It is questions and answers in both directions. The goal here is to control the whole interview so you can be the one asking the questions. So, you want to use a top-level performance-style interview structure. You want to construct your questions to get them to give up the answers, leading to your next question. Move them off their questions and onto more constructive ones that will give you a good feeling about each other. 

What do you mean? I hear you say.

If you sit in an interview and allow the interviewer to lead with questions like, "Tell me about a time..." you will be thinking on your feet for the right answer repeatedly.

A brilliant ex-recruiter once told me the process should be more like making a sale, where you are the product offered.

If you were selling yourself, you could use an eight-stage approach to marketing and sales like the Problem-Agitate-Solve” (PAS) framework. Let's explore how you could use this in an interview:

1. Audience: Understanding your target audience is crucial for success. This involves identifying and analysing your ideal customer’s business before the interview. Remember, in Module 1, we discussed the state of the Automotive industry. Knowing the industry and where the prospective employer fits into the market is key.
2. Problem: Identifying your audience's specific problem is a fundamental step in the PAS framework. This allows you to position yourself as the solution. Every employer has a problem they hope you will solve. This could be anything from too much work for a small team that needs more hands to a technical speciality you have that will fit right into their issue.
3. Pain: This step involves agitating or emphasising the problem to make the audience more aware of their pain points. It’s about making the problem feel more urgent and significant. If, for example, the issue is that they need a developer with specific knowledge, you can point out that you understand the difficulties that not having such a developer can bring to the team and ask if they are experiencing such difficulties. This shows you have a complete understanding.
4. Transformation: This step likely focuses on showcasing the positive change or outcome you can bring about for them. An example would be to ask, "If you were to create the content they so badly needed in a very short time, what do they think the benefits would be to the department or business?"
5. Education: Providing valuable information to your audience builds trust and positions you as an expert. This aligns with content marketing strategies that aim to educate and inform potential customers. For example, you could inform them that you have an advanced certificate in what they need and how you have used it in your previous roles.
6. Authority: Establishing credibility and expertise in your field is crucial for building trust with potential customers. Inform them further that you could give them a number of people they could speak to for recommendations, tell them about an industry event where you were asked to speak on the subject, or maybe an article you published. 
7. Social Proof: Leveraging testimonials, reviews, and case studies from satisfied customers can significantly influence the interviewer's decisions.
8. Call to Action: A clear and compelling call to action is essential to guide the potential employer to the next step in the process or even an offer. Asking where you want to go from here is a good question; however, I would avoid asking when you want me to start.

Position yourself throughout as the solution to their problem. This is where you showcase your skills, experience, and unique value proposition. To do this effectively:

• Provide specific examples of how you’ve solved similar problems in the past
• Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses
• Highlight relevant skills and experiences that directly address the company’s needs

For example: “In my previous role, I implemented a new project management system that reduced project completion times by 30% and improved team collaboration. I’m confident I can bring similar improvements to your team.”

By using the PAS framework in your interview responses, you demonstrate your problem-solving skills, show that you understand the company’s challenges, and position yourself as the ideal candidate to address those issues.

Remember to tailor your responses to the specific company and role, and be prepared to provide concrete examples that showcase your abilities. This approach can help you stand out from other candidates and make a memorable impression on the interviewer.

Within 24 hours of your interview, send a personalised thank you note to each person who interviewed you. This note should:

• Express your appreciation for their time and consideration
• Reiterate your interest in the position and company
• Mention a specific topic or point discussed during the interview
• Be concise and professionally written

A well-crafted thank-you note can help you stand out from other candidates and keep you fresh in the interviewer’s mind.

Reflect and Evaluate

Take some time to assess your interview performance:

• Please write down the questions you were asked and how you answered them
• Note any areas where you could have provided better responses
• Identify key points about the company or role that you learned
• Consider whether the position aligns with your career goals

This reflection will help you improve for future interviews and solidify your understanding of the opportunity.

Follow Up Appropriately

If the interviewer provided a timeline for the hiring decision, respect that timeline. If you haven’t heard back by the expected date:

• Wait an additional week before following up
• Send a brief, polite email expressing your continued interest
• Ask if there’s any additional information you can provide

Be persistent without being pushy, and remember that hiring processes can sometimes take longer than anticipated.

Stay Active in Your Job Search

Even if you feel confident about the interview, continue your job search efforts:

• Keep applying for other positions
• Attend networking events
• Update your professional profiles

This approach ensures you have options and maintains your momentum in the job market.

Prepare for the Next Steps

Be ready for potential next steps in the hiring process:

• Research common second-round interview questions. Glassdoor is an excellent resource for this
• Prepare additional examples of your skills and experiences
• Keep on researching the company to understand where your next set of questions could be

By taking these actions, you demonstrate your professionalism, enthusiasm, and preparedness, which can significantly enhance your chances of receiving a job offer.

This brings you to the end of the set modules.

• Go back to the beginning and review everything you have done
• Update your Skills and Benefits document regularly
• Keep posting on LinkedIn
• Continue reaching out and making new connections
• Attend the weekly Get Hired Chat and stay current on what is happening in the job market.
• Set up a coaching session if you need one or just need some one-on-one advice.