5 Tips To nail Your Next Interview
Preparing for a job interview can be both exciting and challenging. To make the most of this opportunity, it’s essential to go beyond the basics and focus on a few key strategies that can set you up for success. Understanding how to prepare effectively can set you apart from other candidates and showcase your potential to future employers. Here are 5 tips to nail your next interview, shared by Dean Roberts, Director of Retailworld QLD.
5 tips to nail your next interview
Research the Company
Know the Company's Mission and Values: Understand what the company stands for and align your responses to show how you fit in with their culture.
Familiarise Yourself with Their Products/Services: Be prepared to discuss how your skills and experiences can benefit their specific offerings. Choose a product they offer that you connect with and learn as much as you can about this product - use the interview to showcase your sales ability and sell this product back if given the opportunity.
Practice Common Interview Questions
Prepare STAR Responses: Use the Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR) method to structure your answers to behavioural questions. As a retailer you have natural sales ability - an interview is the perfect opportunity for you to use these skills to sell yourself and your experience. What are the features and benefits of your experience/skill set?
Mock Interviews: Practise with a friend or use online platforms to simulate the interview experience. Connect with a recruitment partner who will interview you as part of their process, this is a great opportunity to brush up your skills in a safe environment where you can receive feedback and coaching. Your recruiter is your cheerleader and wants you to succeed!
Dress to impress
First impressions count: Your choice of outfit is your silent seller - the goal of an interview is for the interviewer to visualise you within their business, dressing the part and taking influence from their current employees will ensure you put your best foot (and style) forward.
Showcase Your Skills and Experience
Listen to the question: Sometimes we can over prepare for an interview and go into the meeting knowing what we want to say, this can backfire and take the interview off track and make it look like you’re not an active listener. Trust in your experience and provide answers and examples to the questions that are being asked. If you don’t get asked a specific question you had prepared an answer for that’s OK you can always share this insight at the end of the meeting.
Quantify Your Achievements: Use numbers and specific examples to demonstrate your accomplishments and impact. When sharing examples use this three step response to ensure a well rounded answer (What was the issue? What did you do? What was the outcome?). Data is king so know your numbers! (sales results, % increases, KPI targets etc)
Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare Questions in Advance: Show your interest in the role and the company by asking insightful questions about the team, company culture, and growth opportunities. Asking the interviewer to share their own journey with the business is a great way to see first hand the growth opportunities whilst also building a stronger connection.
Be engaging: Treat the interview as a two-way conversation. This demonstrates your enthusiasm and helps you determine if the company is a good fit for you. Interviews are just as much for you as the interviewer - go with your gut! If this is the right business you should leave the interview energised and inspired.
With these strategies in your toolkit, you’re ready to approach your interview with confidence, clarity, and a strong sense of how you can contribute to the company’s success.
- Written by: Dean Roberts, Director of Retailworld QLD