Before you continue reading… this will be a repetition of what you already know!
Why did I bother then? I just felt like I should write this down as well…
So here we go!
When you have made it to a job interview, you hope that you can fall back on the resume that you have created, showcasing what you have to offer in line with the required job specifications. That being said and done, means you can now focus on what you would like to showcase about yourself.
So the main thing to my mind is: what is it that you want to get across to the interview panel? What is it that you want to make sure they know about you?
And, when you have figured that out, how does this align with the competencies they deem relevant for this job?
Are both clear? You can now do the math – adding those two up, you have got the basis for your interview covered!
Next, it might be worth to come up with scenarios for the competencies they are most likely interested in. These scenarios will make it more easy for you to answer the questions, and, you have some groundwork to fall back on. If possible, think of examples from various jobs in various places you have worked in; it allows you to show that you have broad ‘relevant’ experience.
By now, you have the essence you want to get across, you know how to align this to the competencies, and you have examples to talk about.
What remains I guess, is to practice how to answer potential questions. If it helps you can use a structure like the STAR (Situation-Task-Action-Results) model to make sure your answers are clear to the panel.
Done? Think of an introduction (yep, what is the first impression you want to give and – again – what do you want to make sure the panel takes away from your introduction). You can also think of a relevant question to ask – the latter you can of course leave up to the moment if you dare 🙂 Just make sure it is not a too generic question, but one that sparks interest on the panel’s side – at least, that is what I would think.
Don’t forget to thank them for their time! Oh yes, and do keep in mind an interview goes both ways; in so far as it is possible it can help you figure out if the job and the working environment are what you are looking for, and suited for you. The catch here… they are recruiting! (I guess you know the joke about making a choice between heaven or hell and how the recruitment ‘team’ in hell misleads the ‘applicant’ *)
Ok, so that is my short recipe for the interview! Good luck 🙂
OVER Merlijn
Met Musical Minutes breng ik twee elementen samen:
muziek en persoonlijke ontwikkeling.
Al meer dan 20 jaar heb ik een carrière in zowel muziek als HR en persoonlijke ontwikkeling. Muziek is voor mij essentieel omdat het zo’n sterke verbindende kracht is; werken met mensen en hen helpen met hun loopbaanontwikkeling staat aan de basis van hoe ik mijn HR werk benader.
Het idee voor Musical Minutes ontstond uit mijn improvisatiesessies tijdens workshops, waar ik samenvatte wat er was gebeurd in een muzikale piano-improvisatie. Het waren de ‘musical minutes’ van die gebeurtenis.
In mijn werk voor de internationale gemeenschap in talent acquisition vind ik het essentieel om uit te zoeken wat mensen werkelijk drijft en motiveert. Voor mij gaat het erom ervoor te zorgen dat de mensen met wie ik werk het gevoel hebben dat ze worden gezien om wie ze zijn en op welke plek en rol ze het beste kunnen bijdragen, met echte voldoening.
Ik geniet van de combinatie van werken als componist en muzikant, als coach en HR-professional. Beide hebben elkaar verrijkend effect. Met de coaching en het Passie Profiel breng ik zowel muziek als coaching samen. Hiermee is het mijn oprechte wens om bij te dragen aan het leven van mensen, hen te helpen hun doel te vinden, en hen muzikaal in beweging te brengen, als begeleider van hun persoonlijke reis.
ABOUT MERLIJN
Musical Minutes was founded
to merge and combine two elements: music and personal development.
For over 20 years I have had a career in both music as well as HR and personal development. Music for me is essential as it is such a strong connective force; working with people and helping them with their career development is at the core of how I approach my HR work.
The idea for musical minutes arose from my improvisation sessions at workshops, where I summarised what had happened in a musical piano improvisation. They were the ‘musical minutes’ of that event.
Whilst working for the international community in talent acquisition I find it imperative to find out what actually drives and motivates people and to make sure they feel that they are seen for who they are and where they can contribute best, with fulfilment.
I enjoy the combination of working both as a composer and musician, as well as coach and HR professional. The both have an enriching effect, and with the Passion Profile coaching, I bring both music and coaching together. With this combination it is my sincere wish to contribute to peoples lives, to help them find their purpose, and to musically move them, to the benefit of their personal journey.
