Interview advice – How to Impress an employer:

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It should not come as a blinding surprise to learn that civilian employers look for much the same things as Service recruiters when they select someone for a particular job. They want to be sure that they can do it, and do it well; they want to see commitment to work for them; they would like some evidence of success in similar positions in the past; and they want someone who shares the same general set of values.

Let us suppose that you have the necessary qualifications for the job; you are the proud possessor of the right driving licence, a degree, or simply a broad back and a pair of steel-tipped boots. Let us further suppose that you have some relevant experience of the type of work involved; maybe through your Service trade, a job before you joined up, part-time work while serving or a resettlement attachment.

‘If you have sent in a CV then remember it as they might ask you about it’ – CO19

What else can you do to make the difference?

The answer is simple – enthusiasm and self-confidence. And these qualities are different to bull-in-a-china-shop and cockiness! Employers want to see people with spark, get-up-and-go, hit-the-ground-running, can-do attitude, call it what you will when joining their organisation. They generally do not want stuck-in-a-rut, comfort-zone oriented, nine-to-five jobsworths. The reason is simple – the former help an organisation to grow and develop. Their enthusiasm fires up other people and brings in more business. The others are resistant to change and lead to organisational suicide.

Of course, there are some organisations in which initiative and thrust are not required. But do you really want to work in them? After all, you have been selected and trained to think for yourself. Leadership abilities have been nurtured and honed. Operations and exercises have demanded quick and decisive thought and action. Could you now settle for less?

How do you show these qualities to the person making the employment decision?

First of all, find out everything you can about the job and the organisation. Do your research and conduct a thorough reconnaissance. Get hold of brochures, documents, reports and accounts. Look at websites. Talk with the organisation’s HR or PR departments or, better still, the current incumbent of the job, or their secretary or front-office staff. Be polite but insistent. Ask for information. Make sure they know your name, and make sure you read the material you gather.

‘Spark and ask relevant questions.

‘Do a recce and time appreciation for the location of the interview, the last thing you want to do is turn up late’ – Hippo

Angle your CV and covering letter to answer all the written and implied requirements of the job advertisement. Or, if this is a speculative approach, make sure you express real enthusiasm for working in the organisation and explain why you want to. If you are going to see a contact, ask them about their job and their organisation; most people respond to flattery and are only too happy to talk about themselves! Try something like: ‘What you’ve told me about XYZ Ltd sounds really interesting. I’d really like to work here and be a part of it. How do I go about getting a job with you?’ And follow this up with a letter and phone call to remind people about how keen you are. Even if there is no job there, you may well be remembered long enough to be mentioned to another potential employer as a likely prospect.

Show your enthusiasm at interview. ‘Spark’ and ask questions that show your interest, that you have done your research, and that you want the job. You may not get it but sometimes you will be remembered long enough to be offered another one. Do not posture or bluff – you could be found out. Show a belief in yourself and your abilities, and be ready to prove it through your achievements to date.

Remember that an interview is a two-way process and you may discover that you are not right for the job or that the job is not right for you. You can only do your best to present yourself and your strengths; if the interviewers choose someone else, that is their loss. Forget it and move on to the next one. But learn from the experience and do not repeat any mistakes you made.

Be persistent after the interview if you really want to work for the organisation. Whatever the result, write a polite letter thanking the interview panel for its time. Write to the HR director or contact anyone you know to say how sorry you were that you were not selected but please would they keep you in mind for any future opportunity. If you want that particular type of appointment in that particular organisation enough be persistent and do not take no for an answer. If you are genuinely that interested and are in any way suitable for the job, someone may notice you if you stand out from the background noise on their radar screen.

‘You only get one chance to make a great first impression’ – Covert Munkey