NEWS
CAREER Professional development tips for executive-level PAs
INDUSTRY EXPERT
ALEX JONES How to ace your next job interview
If you are looking to advance your career , a successful job interview is one of the most important steps you ’ ll take . To ensure your next interview is a success , whether it ’ s taking place in-person , over video or on the phone , you need to consider three crucial and distinct steps – your pre-interview preparation , the interview itself and essential post-interview actions .
Step 1 Before the interview . Research the industry , organisation , hiring manager and role by speaking to your recruiter and reviewing news stories , websites and LinkedIn . Plan how you will introduce yourself and talk through your ‘ story ’ so far . Don ’ t forget to also research the STAR technique , prepare for common questions and plan suitable questions that you can ask .
Step 2 On the day of the interview . Make a good first impression and build rapport with your interviewer by smiling , remembering their name , being mindful of your non-verbal communication , never interrupting , asking follow-up questions and trying to relax and be your true , authentic self . Have a few strategies to fall back on if your mind goes blank .
Step 3 After your interview – what ’ s next ? Once your interview is over , talk to your recruiter straight away , follow up with a thank you email for the interviewer and give your references a heads-up . If you remain unsure if the job is right for you , ask if you feel excited by what you heard in the interview , are aligned to the organisation ’ s purpose and are impressed by your potential new manager .
If you are invited back for a second interview , don ’ t assume the format will be the same as the first interview . Check with your recruiter and ask who will be attending – most likely you ’ ll meet someone more senior and be introduced to more team members .
Understand what the interview is trying to assess – most second interviews are held to determine your level of interest , unearth examples that demonstrate you have the skills required , check your cultural fit and address any reservations . Expect your availability and salary expectations to come up , too .
For further job interview advice , download our complete Hays Interview Guide . S
Alex Jones is Senior Regional Director at Hays Office Support
66 Chief of Staff | Issue 1 2021