JobsAndCareersWithJamesCaanAutumn2016 - 39

ADVICE:

JOB HUNTING

G

etting that
all-important
interview
is your chance to
shine. 'I think it's
important for
candidates to
stand out from the crowd and bring
something different to the interview,'
says James Caan. 'I see candidates who
appear to be the same all the time.
Research is a fundamental part of the
interview preparation - you should be
able to provide informed answers if
you are asked about the company.
'It is also vital to have thought about
your own questions. A prospective
employer wants to be convinced of your
interest in that specific role and needs to
know you're not just hedging your bets.'
Here are James's top tips for making
a fantastic impression...

Be confident
'What really matters is how
you project yourself and
how you engage with the interviewer
- if you've done your research, know
that you can do the role and do it well,
what have you got to be nervous about?
'Smile, maintain eye contact, and draw
the interviewer into what you're saying
by explaining the value you have brought
to other companies through specific
achievements - but tell them as stories,
not as a series of boasts.'

Demonstrate how
well you will fit in
'The interviewer will be
wondering: "How will he/she fit in
here?" So your job is to work towards
a specific objective in the interview to
deal with some fundamental points:
* Have I done my research?
* Do I know enough about this company
to show I am really interested?
* Can I demonstrate my ability and
enthusiasm to do this job?
* Do I look like I would fit in?
* What have I done that demonstrates
I am competent for this job?
'If you have any gaps in answering
these points, do more research ahead
of the interview.'

James says...

To impress at
❛
interviews, be prepared by
doing as much research on
the company as you can.
That way you will come
across as passionate and
determined. And always
ask questions so the
interview isn't one-sided.
Follow up the interview
with an email thanking
the interviewer for their
time, which will help them
to remember you, and
offer them the chance to
ask you any additional
questions.

❜

Go the extra mile
'Consider what you might
take along to the interview
to enhance your presentation. This
could be credentials, certificates,
awards or reference letters.
'For me, I like to see examples of
candidates' work, whatever the job.
Bringing along a document that proves
how you handle tasks may only take a
minute or two within the interview, but
the overall lasting impression you leave
behind with the employer could be vital
in getting you the job.'

Ask killer questions
'During the interview, aim to
ask the interviewer as many
questions about the job and the company
as they are asking you. You are trying
to maintain a balance of power.
'The interview should be a two-way
dialogue, not an inquisition. If you get to
the end of an interview and almost all

the questions have been asked by the
person at the other end of the table,
then quite frankly, it is highly unlikely
you will get the job. Not only does it
make you seem unconfident, but it gives
the impression you're not actually that
committed to getting the position.
'If you really want to work for
somebody, then it makes sense to find
out as much about them as possible - in
particular, things that you can't glean
from a mere job advert.
'Here are some questions you should
be asking at every single interview:
* What are your short, medium and
long-term goals?
* What's the culture like?
* What are the opportunities
for progression?
* How will I be measured?
'Try to avoid the trite tactic of asking
a question back when asked one. Work
out what lies behind the question - what
does the interviewer really want to know?'

Plan ahead
'There are standard questions
you will always be asked,
such as: "Why do you want to leave
your current employer?" Get ready for
these, so that you can respond naturally
and confidently.'

Nerves are OK
'Don't worry unduly about
showing nerves: they prove
you really want the job. A little dash
of self-depreciating humour can help
to relax the mood.'

Take a break
'If you are feeling fazed, try
to take some time out. The
easiest way is to ask if you can use the
bathroom, which gives you vital time to
reprogramme and reposition yourself,
so you can return to the interview
back on track.'

Decide if it's
right for you
'Try to get a feel for the
company's culture while you are in the
building, and ask questions to find out
more about it - you want to know if this
is a place you feel you could actually
enjoy working in.'
J O B S & C A R E E R S /// 0 3 9
JobsAndCareersWithJamesCaanAutumn2016

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