Interview preparation is expected and standard practice. But when should you start preparing for the interview for that amazing job
Some clients say to me that they would like to book a slot for interview preparation coaching – only once they have had the interview confirmed.
That sounds fair enough – but it is simply wrong.
The preparation for your interview should start way back before you even apply for the job, start drafting a CV or covering letter or even researching the company.
There are a few reasons for this.
Interview and CV consistency
First, your covering letter and your CV have to be consistent and of the same quality as you in your interview. Otherwise, it will unsettle the interviewers and they will wonder about your inconsistency.
Many people experience the opposite too – they have a polished CV and cover letter but underperform in comparison on the day.
Secondly, the biggest issue is getting through to the interview. Think of it like this. A job is advertised – a few hundred apply externally plus maybe 20 internals also apply.
The first sift is the paper sift. This is the most brutal in any selection process. The function here is usually to sift OUT – not to search for nuggets of ability or the next Mandela or Branson.
The interview funnel is toughest in the early stages
So 250 people are sifted down to the 20, or even 15 – these will be invited to interview.
Of the 20, 10 will get second interviews, 4 will get 3rd interviews and 1 person may – or may not – get the job.
They may even use telephone interviews to save themselves the hassle of meeting so many people – also a great way of sifting people out. Find out here how to survive and flourish in a telephone interview.
Your chances of getting from the list of 20 to getting the job are huge compared to your chances of getting from the 200 to getting the job. It is also so much easier to showcase your personality and experience when you are there in person.
So logically – there should be at least as much effort put into your CV and covering letter as your interview preparation.
Of course if you keep getting, and blowing, interviews then you may have some amazing credentials, qualifications, references or CV items but you probably need to focus on your interview techniques, being a human, body language, dress and hygiene or generally being likeable.
I can help you get started early. From perfecting your CV to getting you ready for the interview.
Find my executive interview preparation page here.
Update: Take a look at this interesting read for internship jobs in the media, where some jobs are attracting over 600 applicants. If this was you, how would you stand out?