How to deliver a killer interview to get the job of your dreams!

For you, the candidate, the employer interview is the most important step towards finding a position that suits your personal aims, vision, experience, skills and personality. It is a valuable opportunity for you to find out about the position and whether it's something you would enjoy. For the employer their objective is the same in reverse they want to find a person who will suit the position and the organisation, not just for the present but also for the future.  

The FM industry is a relatively small one for prominent Facilities Managers, with many of the key players well known to each other.  I am always amazed when a plum job is taken by someone who I know has not worked out well in a previous role. The key to this is that the individual has developed a ‘Killer’ interview ability. It seems that the top jobs get taken by the same few faces.   Most people are not sitting interviews on a regular basis and are therefore out of practice.

So how do you produce a ‘killer’ interview?  There are two significant mindset changes that you must make.  Firstly, you have to commence an immediate interim assignment, in sales! The product you’re selling is yourself! You will not secure a role unless you highlight your positive skills and experience. Secondly, you must have mutuality. The potential employer needs you as much as they want the right person for the role, especially in the current skills short market. You should conduct your application as if it were any other business process: the key to a good presentation is knowing your subject and who knows you better than yourself?  You will overcome nerves if you treat the interview as a mutually beneficial business meeting.

So what are the tips for producing the killer interview?

1.  Research

You can never do enough research about your potential employer.

• Review their website for key facts and search the internet for extra information  
• Download their company accounts from Companies House to ensure your facts are accurate and that they are financially sound
• Request their company brochure
• Speak to industry colleagues confidentially to get first hand opinions
• Ensure you have a copy of the job specification and prepare a briefing document of how your skills / experience match their requirements.

2.  Plan your journey to the interview                                          

Plan to get to the venue 15 minutes early, to give you time to collect yourself, freshen up and check your appearance

3.  Preparation                                                                            

Ensure that you are dressed appropriately to match the culture of the company. Don’t put off getting that haircut and avoid unusual physical statements such as brightly dyed hair, nose rings etc.

4.  Rehearsal                                                                                         

Most companies ask the same open-ended questions to encourage the interviewee to talk about themselves. These are a great opportunity for you to sell yourself and why you’re right for the role. You should practice your answers either in front of the mirror or to a friend asking them to positively critique. Ensure that your answers do not last more than two minutes as psychologists have proven that the interviewer will lose interest after this.                                                

5.  Remember Important Documents                                                          

Take a copy of your CV with you and use it as your prompt for answering questions. Take a small portfolio document folder rather than a suitcase, and have at hand any relevant literature about your current role.

6.  Facts and Data                                                                                  

Interviewers want people with specific experience. You should illustrate your experience with specific facts and data which you can substantiate.  For example:-

• Size of FM budget
• Size and number of locations managed
• Numbers of employees reporting to them
• Numbers of employees they provide services to
• Scope of services managed
• Cost savings
• Three greatest achievements in role

This information must be factually correct and, to be substantiated by references. Never lie at an interview!      

7.  Personality                                                                                    

Be personable at the interview. Interviewers have interests and want to employ somebody that they get on with. Talk to the receptionist; greet the interviewer and give a professional, firm handshake; use the interviewer’s name; hold their eye contact; don’t stare at your notes or the floor. Take notes on the interview as you would in a business meeting.

8.  Refreshments                                                                                   

The interviewer has a limited time, don’t waste it ordering a latte with one sugar, just ask for a glass of water, if offered.

9.  Answers                                                                                      

Deliver your pre-prepared answers to the questions as rehearsed. All answers must be credible and positive. If asked an un-rehearsed question, turn any negative into a positive.

10.  Questions                                                                                     

Have a prepared list of typed questions, ensuring that they are not trivial or purely related to remuneration.  Even if the interviewer has covered all of the questions you had, ask at least one question.

11.  Feedback and Action Plan                                                               

At the end of the interview ask the interviewer for their thoughts as to the likelihood of your application progressing and ensure you clarify what the action plan after the meeting will be.  When leaving, thank the interviewer for their time, give a firm handshake and say goodbye to the receptionist.

12.  Post Interview                                                                         

Always write that same day to the interviewer thanking them for their time and reiterating your interest in the role.

Key Points