How to Nail Your Next Interview

Something that I see quite a bit in my line of business is extraordinarily talented and capable professionals continually finishing 'second' when apply for higher roles. They have the experience, the skills, enthusiasm and the passion required for the role, they just can't seem to land the job.

Does this sound familiar? There may be many reasons, unbeknown to you and out of your control, why the job has not become yours eg. an internal candidate has been groomed for the role, the successful candidate has experience in an extremely specialised area.

It may, however, be because you are unable to articulate your value and worth to the team, the department and the organisation in a way that catapults you to the front of the pecking order - and holds you there. This could be due to lack of preparation, lack of confidence or communication skills or good old fashioned stage fright.

We all know what we are good at, right? Something I was extremely good at, throughout my career, was interviews. I enjoyed them. I had fun with them. I always nailed them. If you have found yourself feeling nervous or unsuccessful when it comes to interviews in the past, or would like to avoid it in the future, here are 7 tips to nailing the next interview. Spoiler alert: most of them you do before you even arrive.

Side note: If you’re going for a senior leadership or director-level role, you may already be doing the basics in this article. At that level, interviews become a different conversation. It’s less about proving you can do the job, and more about demonstrating judgement, presence, and your ability to lead the real job. I’ve written a separate article for you and you can access it HERE. 1. Research, Research and Research some more. The very first question I ask every candidate, and I'm not alone, is in three parts: a) What can you tell me about us? b) What can you tell me about the role? c) What inspired you to apply for the role? More than once, the candidate has disappointingly been unable to describe the organisation and/or the role. If you don't know what the organisation does or what the role entails, how do you know if you are the right fit? On the flip side, one candidate pulled out a folder and we could see she'd printed out every page of our website, made her own notes and had excellent questions for us about the organisation and department's future vision. She was offered the job. 2. The Role and You Once you are knowledgeable about the company and the role, get clear on why it's a match for you. Create a brag document (remember, it's not bragging if it's true), outlining all your skills, strengths, gifts and successes. Highlight the ones that will serve you, the team and the organisation if you are the successful candidate. Talk about them in the interview. Do not be afraid to admit you are not already experienced in every aspect of the role. Why would you be applying for a role that you already have, or have done before? Be ready to explain where you are excited to be challenged, learn, grow and expand. 3. Be Aware of Your Surroundings (before you enter the interview). If the interview is a physical interview, ensure you know where the building is located, how to enter and the time it may take to find reception and/or the pre-arranged meeting place ie. high rise buildings may have security before reception. Be aware of everyone you interact with on the way to the interview. That person you spill coffee on in the cafe next door (due to nerves) may very well be your interviewer. The receptionist you're dismissive to may report your behaviour back to the interview panel pretty quickly. If the interview is online via video, ensure that software is downloaded onto your computer or tablet and test it earlier in the day. Ensure your headset, mic and speakers are in working order. 4. First Impressions Count Dress aligned with the organisation and role. Check their website to get a sense of their dress code, if you are unsure. Make eye-contact, shake hands (if applicable), smile. Be ready for any small talk the panel may begin with. If online, check your background is clean, tidy and professional; or select a virtual background provided by most online software these days. 5. Know your CV/Resume Backwards It may be a while since you looked at your resume, or a professional resume writer may have prepared it for you. If this is you, please, I implore you, know what's on it. Answering with "Oh, may I take a look at that?" when you're asked about something on your resume creates mistrust, suspicion and is just plain awkward. This is a true story and did not go over well with myself and other members of the recruitment panel. 6. Get Your Head in the Game If you don't feel worthy for the role...if you feel like an fraud or an impostor...if self-doubt creeps in and renders you speechless...if a lack of confidence causes a physical reaction...if a voice is whispering you're not 'good/experienced/qualified/smart enough'...if you hear your old school teacher's statement that you'll never amount to anything...you may be self-sabotaging your efforts and thus your career. It may be time to invest in yourself. You are your biggest investment, after all.

7. Be Prepared for the 'Weakness' Question

I saw this question in a Facebook group yesterday: 'I have an interview coming up. What do I say when asked what my weaknesses are?' I was shocked and dismayed to see many people had posted comments, advising this person exactly what to say, word for word. If you are asked what your weaknesses are I invite you to steer away from the well-worn 'I'm a perfectionist' or 'I work too hard'. Your most likely response will be an eye roll. Be honest. Where are you excited to learn more, expand more, grow more? Within this team and organisation, with your potential new boss as your coach and leader? Be prepared for the question, and if it's asked, tell them the truth. Go out and get that role you desire and absolutely deserve!

If this article resonated and you want something practical to work with, I’ve created two complimentary Blueprints you can download.

If you’re often the youngest woman in the room, or you’re in male-dominated spaces, and you know you have a habit of over-preparing, over-proving, or second-guessing yourself, you’ll want The Unshakeable Woman Blueprint.

And if you’re an accomplished woman who’s done the career, done the responsible adulting, and you can feel a “what’s next?” chapter calling, you’ll want Success Was The Warm-Up.

They’re both free. They’re both practical. And they’ll help you take this work further in a way that actually changes how you show up.

Until next time, keep expanding, creating, and leading.

Janelle Ryan is a globally recognised personal, career and leadership coach who works with high-performing professionals and established leaders navigating growth, change and the next phase of their life and leadership. She is the founder of Sky High Coaching, an international speaker, retreat leader and published author, known for her work on internal authority, soft strength and sustainable success. Janelle blends deep insight with practical application to help capable women lead with clarity, confidence and precision.