Good Interview Techniques – Tips for A Successful Job Interview

Job Interview Case Study

“We have a line-up of many talented candidates seeking this job. Tell me, why do you think we should recruit you?”. When placed in situations where you have to defend your own worth for the role, even the most placid candidates will end up frustrated by such intense condescension and vitriol. This method of interviewing certainly does not inspire any interest or confidence for the job, potentially even turning talents away despite the role’s suitability or remuneration.  

One of the candidates prepared by Citadel Search for a HR Manager role was highly qualified and had more than 15 years of specialised experience, but could not excel in interviews. She had a really quirky style of answering, often circumventing questions entirely. Our interviewers’ spider-senses were tingling, but pressed on, keeping a level head and constantly reminding her to stay focused. Fortunately, we saw her strengths and we were able to put aside our personal judgments. We discerned her suitability, strategised and gave her feedback on how she could improve her skills in answering questions.

The Pitfalls of Hostile Interviewing

Instead, imagine if the interviewers had decided to test her mettle to see if she can rise up to the challenge. Had we taken a more hostile approach, we would have torn through her like a hot knife through butter. It would not only have cost the applicant a perfect job, but the client may have lost a stellar candidate simply because we were too eager to weed out the less qualified.

Nothing holds more importance to job seekers than an interview, and job hunters spend the most effort working on themselves and what to say for the interview. However, when you start behaving like a hiring manager freshly emerged from the bowels of hell, you risk sifting out and losing the best applicants even before they have a chance to present themselves.

Still, this is perfectly understandable; most hiring managers are not trained to be interviewers. For a high-pressure work environment, some interviewers set an intimidating tone to provoke a unique reaction from candidates and justify themselves that if the candidates cannot take the pressure at the interview, they won’t be able to take the pressure at their aggressive workplace. But, don’t pronounce the candidates guilty until proven innocent.  This type of proving is not useful as the candidates have already been pre-judged. You go into the interview with a negative bias. 

Of course, in certain industries such as Sales and in the corporate environment, where the fortitude of candidates under stress should be tested, this would be a good way to test their mettle and professionalism. Sometimes, candidates may excel in such positions, but cannot prove themselves in an interview. You see the circumstances are different, the context is known but in an interview, the blind spots are everywhere.

Mastering the Interview Techniques 

In today’s rapidly evolving job market, mastering the art of conducting a successful job interview is paramount for both employers and candidates alike. As times change, so too must our approaches to candidate screening. While challenging interviews have their place, they shouldn’t overshadow the potential outcome of a diverse pool of talented employees. Citadel Search understands the intrinsic value of diversity. By emphasising meticulous preparation steps, a well-defined interview structure, strategic management of interview phases, seamless flow, effective planning stages, varied interview formats, thoughtfully sequenced questions, clear interview procedures, efficient scheduling processes, and precise timeline management, both interviewers and interviewees can collaborate to ensure each interaction maximises potential and cultural fit.

Effective Interview Techniques (For Both Interviewers & Interviewees) 

Interviewers

The traditional “difficult interview” might be getting a makeover. While challenging interviews can be relevant in certain high-pressure environments, a one-size-fits-all approach can stifle the potential of a diverse talent pool. At Citadel Search, we value diversity and believe in creating a successful job interview experience for everyone.

One key to achieving this is through effective interview techniques like competency-based interviewing. This method starts by thoroughly understanding the core aspects (“DNA”) of the job at hand. We then use a structured interview format to assess all candidates against the same criteria. This creates a level-playing field from the very beginning, ensuring no one is unfairly disadvantaged until the need for comparisons arises.

Here’s how this approach aligns with becoming a successful interviewer: 

Fairness: Competency-based interviewing ensures all candidates are evaluated based on the same essential skills and experience.

Objectivity: Structured questions and scoring rubrics minimise personal biases and promote data-driven decisions.

Diversity: This method allows candidates with different backgrounds and communication styles to showcase their strengths.

By adopting these techniques, employers can move beyond the limitations of the “difficult interview” and conduct successful interviews that attract top talent while fostering a more inclusive hiring process.

Interviewees

While employers have a responsibility to create a fair and informative interview experience, the interviewee also plays a crucial role in achieving a successful interview. Here are some key tips for a successful interview on your end:

• Research: Thoroughly research the company and the specific role you’re applying for. Understanding their needs allows you to tailor your responses and demonstrate your understanding of the company culture.
• Preparation: Practise answering common interview questions and prepare examples showcasing your skills and experience relevant to the job description. This helps you showcase your qualifications effectively and confidently during the interview.
• Communication: Develop strong communication skills to ensure clear and concise responses. Active listening allows you to fully understand questions and tailor your answers accordingly.
• Enthusiasm: Express genuine enthusiasm for the opportunity and the company. Your passion for the role can be a major factor in making a positive impression.

By taking a proactive approach and demonstrating these qualities, interviewees can significantly contribute to a successful interview. When both parties come prepared and engaged, the interview process becomes a valuable opportunity for mutual assessment, leading to a strong foundation for a potential future employment relationship.