Interviews can be daunting, but they don’t have to be. Not if you’re ready for anything.
There’s a few common mistakes our recruitment team sees on a day-to-day basis, so here’s some of the top pieces of advice they wanted to let you in on. Ready to get ready?
- Make sure you’re answering the question
We get it, you’re super proud of the time you climbed Kilimanjaro. While this is definitely impressive, it may not be what the interviewer is looking for.
When asked a question which starts with, “Tell about a time when…” or, “Share an example of a situation where…” make sure the example you give is relevant. Which leads us on to…
- Are you listening carefully?
Of course, preparation is important, but you won’t know exactly what questions you’re going to get! That’s why listening carefully is crucial. Remember, there’s nothing wrong with asking the interviewer to repeat or rephrase a question.
- Use the STAR technique
So, you’ve been asked to give an example, now what?
STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, Result. It’s a nice, simple method that helps to keep your thoughts in order and your answers concise. Here’s how you do it…
Situation: First, describe the context. Where was this? When was this? Who were you working with? This sets the scene for the interviewer.
Task: Now, it’s important you describe exactly what your role was in this situation. What was your responsibility? Highlight any specific challenges you faced.
Action: This is the most important bit. Quite simply, what did you actually do? How did to achieve the goal/solve the problem/save the day? No need to be modest, this is an opportunity to big yourself up! It’s all about “I” not “we”.
Result: After all that, what was the outcome? It may seem obvious, but try to pick one with a positive result. How did your actions impact the situation? What difference did you make?
Also, something which takes a “good” answer to an “excellent” answer is detailing what you learnt from the situation, and if there was anything you’d do differently if faced with the situation again.
- Are you putting the customer first?
We’re all about customer service at the AA, and we want our people to give our customers the best possible experience. Try to put yourself in their shoes, because often, they’re in a stressful situation and will need reassurance.
Remember, even if you’re answering a technical question, keep the customer in mind.
- Chill out
Communication is important, and it’s easier to do if you’re relaxed. We know that’s easier said than done, but there’s no need to be worried or nervous. Our recruitment team are a lovely bunch of people, so just have a chat with them, let your enthusiasm shine!
Now it’s over to you. Best of luck with your future interviews!
