If you interview people what makes people stand out (for the right reasons)

[newlabelwriter]

Just that really, I've had a few interviews recently which I've thought have gone well and either not heard back or made it to second stage and then nothing. I think I'm personable and reasonably confident but obviously I'm not doing that great. I'm really hoping to be put forward for a couple of interviews this week and would love some advice. All interviews are on Zoom etc BTW if that makes a difference. TIA

Being well prepared, so knowing about the industry, the company and the role. Asking insightful questions which show your knowledge and experience, being on time and presentable.

As someone who interviews others quite often, I’d echo exactly what @katmarie said. Can’t put it better than that.

Enthusiasm, enthusiasm, enthusiasm.

Thank you and what would you say are good questions? Mine are a mix of being about the business and more tailored questions around what they're looking for.

For me I need to see at least a basic understanding of the company, we have a lot of info online and even send our values out in the interview pack but you'd be surprised how few people bother to read them.
I do like to see someone prepared, but too well rehearsed and polished can sometimes come across a little fake. That worries me because if I don't see the 'real' you I can't imagine how you will slot into the existing team.

As a PP says enthusiasm. My absolute bug bear when interviewing is when someone clearly hasn't done research on the company or the role, that shows a lack of self awareness or desire for the job. Research, research, research, this can seep through in so many answers right through to your own questions.

Smile, eye contact, don't be afraid to be nervous or to laugh at yourself, but be personable.

And don't be afraid to ask for help if a question doesn't make sense to you.

People who give full responses that answer the question- you would be amazed at how many people don't do this. I always recommend the STAR approach to interviews.

Also I have often interviewed a number of great people for one role and someone just misses out so take heart. I hope places are giving you feedback- I know the whole process can be soul destroying!

This is all great - thank you.

@katmarie it's impossible to suggest questions without knowing the job spec etc, one thing I'd say is make sure you don't ask anything you could find the answer to on their website.
I usually ask questions around the role and ask them to expand on something in the job spec for example.

I find it's a good opportunity to show off your research too "I read that the company achieved XYZ last year, how has that impacted...." if you get my drift. Hard to write hypothetically!

@Redcliff yes absolutely, if number 1 is research for me, number 2 is STAR. With one employer in particular we had a really strict grading system that was completely set by STAR competencies, you could only get high marks with a full STAR answer, it was a bit frustrating as it didn't always result in the best candidate because some people can answer them very well with limited experience and those with more experience could score less if they didn't round their answer off. It was a huge fight with HR to try to hire someone who didn't score the highest even if you felt the second or third candidate was a better fit with more experience.

A good story teller. Interviewing is quite exhausting so when the candidate makes it easier and engaging it makes a good impression. If I ask a question like - tell me about a time when you did blah blah blah... I want to go on the journey with you. A bit like STAR but more personable.

Sorry I meant to tag OP not @katmarie in my previous post!

Giving good examples of what they’ve done, and the result of it.

Not rushing answers, it’s ok to think before you answer.

Enthusiasm and company knowledge.

And depending on the role and appreciation of how to prioritise work.

Enthusiasm, being relevant, knowledge

Everything already mentioned - plus being polite. I interviewed someone recently who mentioned 40yo mothers in a derogative manner. I gave him my best 40yo Paddington stare through the screen .

As you are doing it via Zoom this thred may be of intrest to you

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/4079960-To-ask-how-to-prepare-for-a-zoom-interview?msgid=101788410 .

What’s STAR?!

Don’t waffle. The amount of people who prattle on is horrific. I do understand nerves but be calm and focused, take time to think about your response if you need rather than just start talking...and keep talking...

On time
Unflustered
Organisational skills
Prove that they understand the role, the company and what's expected
Friendly

Agree @Redcliff people giving short answers. In my intro I always say to try and give a full answer. I will prompt for more but it's hard when people clam up.

I gave him my best 40yo Paddington stare through the screen

@newlabelwriter one big difference interviewing now vs pre-covid is the Zoom element. Successful candidates have brought much more energy to their interviews than unsuccessful ones. And secondary (but still important) those who dress for an interview despite it being online always make a more positive impression!

It's very depressing to hear people crediting STAR and other competency bollocks.

That just results in you appointing the biggest bullshitters.

@Chamberlai I'm not sure if anyone is crediting it perse but just that unfortunately a lot of employers use this model so if you want to do well you have to know your way around it, not all interview panels have flexibility to deviate from it. So whether you like it or not, you have to learn it! I agree, it doesn't result in the best candidates in my experience and is very frustrating.

I had to interview six people for a role recently. The guy I've hired was the least knowledgable about our department, had the least obvious experience but was so enthusiastic, so keen to learn, had a great educational CV so I knew he was really bright. He was friendly, unassuming, asked the right questions and I just figured he would be super keen to learn the role but bring his own skill set to the department.

He starts next week. I really hope I was right