In order to deliver excellent interview answers and accurately rate your own interview performance, you need to have a clear understanding of what recruiters are looking for in your answers. This blog post outlines exactly what hiring managers are looking for and how you can demonstrate this effectively.

The main purpose of an interview is to assess who the interviewers believe will be best at doing the role, who will enjoy it most, and who will fit in best with their team. In order to do this the interviewers look at the following areas:

Your Skills and Experience

Interviews assess how closely your skills and experience align with the essential and desirable criteria on their job description. Most interviewers assess this by obtaining evidence – specific STAR examples of when you have demonstrated each skill in the past, or by asking what you would do in a hypothetical situation related to the role.

How to stand out in job interviews

• Use the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. Outline what you did and the impact this had. You may wish to read this post on how to use the STAR technique.
• Choose your best examples, where you have made the largest impact for the company, worked on high-profile projects, or completed more senior tasks than would be expected at your level.
• Focus on the measurable outcomes of what you achieved. Include a metric whenever possible. “This reduced project delivery times by 20% over 6 months”

Communication Skills

Excellent communication skills enable you to clearly, concisely and confidently answer interview questions, and engage the interviewer. Listen carefully to each question and ensure you directly answer it. If you prepare interview answers in advance, tweak these to directly answer the specific questions they ask. Communication skills are one of the most sought-after skills in every industry.

How to demonstrate this:

• Some people benefit from preparing interview answers in advance – or considering what to include in their answers
• During the interview pause before answering questions to organise your thoughts, and avoid rambling.
• Speak positively, creating the impression of enjoying overcoming challenges, outline what draws you to this company, not what pushed you away from your previous company.
  

Cultural Fit

Employers look for candidates who share their company values, will thrive in their company and contribute positively to the workplace culture.

How to demonstrate this:

• Research the company culture and core-values, reflect this in your answers. Show enthusiasm for the role and organisation.
  

Problem-Solving

Hiring managers are keen to understand how you approach challenges, think critically, resolve issues, demonstrate logical thinking, initiative and resilience under pressure.

How to demonstrate this:

• Prepare examples of solving problems or overcoming challenges. Be specific about how you chose your approach and the results you achieved.

Personal Growth

Most companies are looking for high achievers with the potential to progress into more senior roles, so your examples need to clearly demonstrate the impact which you have made. Employers value candidates who are curious, keen to learn and develop new skills.

How to demonstrate this:

• Highlight any courses or certifications you have completed or are currently pursuing, as well as the skills you are developing, to demonstrate your commitment to personal and professional growth.
  

Your Motivation

Companies are interested in what motivates and drives you, why you do what you do, and how your goals align with the company and role. Someone who is passionate about their role will be highly motivated and achieve far more than someone who is less engaged. Interviewers want to see that you are genuinely interested in this role and company.

How to demonstrate this:

• Research the company’s mission, products, and recent news. Integrate your research into your interview answers.
• Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer.

Confidence

Interviewers look at how confident, honest and self-aware you are, whether you show integrity, and an awareness of your strengths and weaknesses. If you can confidently explain what you’ve done and how you’ve added value, it reassures employers that you can deliver similar results in the role.

How to demonstrate this:

• Be yourself. Authentic candidates are more memorable and trustworthy than those who try to give “perfect” answers.
• You can improve your confidence in interviews, by thoroughly preparing for interviews, preparing answers in advance and practicing your interview skills
• Controlling your body language can help you look confident even if you don’t feel confident.
• Sit up straight with your shoulders back, maintain eye contact, keep your hands relaxed, smile, engage the interviewer and look interested
• Speak clearly, slightly slower than normal and maintain a consistent tone of voice.
  

Further help and advice

You may find it helpful to read some of the other blog articles for further interview skills help, including advice on improving your interview skills.

Do you need professional assistance in improving your interview skills? I provide interview skills help via interview skills coaching sessions where I can identify your development areas and teach you how to improve these, so you can deliver your answers as effectively as possible. Please don’t hesitate to contact me.