How to Nail Your Interview from the Employer’s Perspective

I had the pleasure of sitting in on one of my hiring manager interviews this month, and what I saw was eye-opening. Prior to that interview, I spent about 15 minutes with each candidate, telling them precisely what to expect and how to focus their time. But in reality, it doesn’t always come out so easily when under pressure. Here are a few key points:

• How will you solve their problem? Your goal should be to quickly identify the main issue the role is designed to address and use relevant examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you’ve tackled similar challenges. While this might sound straightforward, many candidates fall into the trap of discussing past achievements that don’t directly relate to the prospective employer’s needs. This is a missed opportunity to make a strong impression. Instead, listen carefully to the questions asked and ensure your answers provide clear, valuable solutions to their specific problems.
• Round 1 is often the most challenging interview. If you can successfully navigate this initial stage, you’re well on your way. However, don’t relax or assume you’ll automatically get another chance to impress. If a recruiter has presented you, it means you’ve already been pre-qualified and possess most, if not all, of the skills needed to solve their problems. Now, it’s crucial to clearly articulate your abilities to the interviewer and demonstrate that you are the ideal candidate to address their needs.
• Discuss Your Life Outside of Work. Sharing who you are outside of work is a great way to open up and let the interviewer see your true self. This is especially beneficial if your interests align with the company’s mission. Often, well-rehearsed interview answers can prevent the hiring manager from getting to know the real you, so don’t hesitate to highlight your personal interests and passions.