Interview Tips for Top Performers
In general, there are four main types of interview:
1. Chronological – where the interviewer will discuss your CV with you in date order and may ask you to explain how you got to your current position in your career. You may also be asked where you see yourself in the years ahead and what your goals are. Try to structure your answers to demonstrate what you can do for the organization, rather than what you personally want to achieve or gain.
2. Role specific interview – This is often used for temporary or contract roles where you are expected to already possess the necessary skills. You will be asked to give broad examples of occasions when you have performed the tasks listed in the job specification and what the outcomes were. Again, if you have prepared, this should be easy.
3. Competency Based – The interviewer may ask you to demonstrate certain competencies that are needed for the job, such as leadership, attention to detail, resilience or team skills. The job specification will give you clues as to what these competencies are. To make your answers more convincing, you should try to think of examples of occasions in your professional career when you have successfully demonstrated these competencies.
4. ‘Informal chat’ – Again, another method used for temporary roles, though some interviewers also use this for permanent recruitment. It is often used by small companies that do not have a Human Resources department or by a hiring manager or Director over the course of a second or third stage interview. It is particularly appropriate when commercial acumen or team-fit is important, or when they are trying to assess how valuable you will be to the company in the years ahead. Remember to smile, try to strike up rapport with the interviewer and get across some of the long-term benefits of hiring you.







