Preparing for your next career move? Here Dave Stitt FCIOB, professional certified coach at DSA Building Performance, shares some essential advice for construction professionals hoping to ace a job interview.

Enjoy yourself

Go with the intent of enjoying the interview – it will ‘inform’ how you show up. If you are dreading it, or looking to scrape through, that will also inform how you show up.

Consider your values

Think about what you really value as a person and in your work. If one of your values is ‘family’, then that may be a factor if the job involves working away. Having thought about your values, have a look on the company website and see if there is some match between theirs and yours.

Be interested

Set out to be interested rather than interesting. Do your research about the company and people; for example, look at the About Us section of their website and the leadership team. Also ask questions, be curious.

You want to find out about them just as much as they want to find out about you. Handle questions honestly – if you don’t know, say so and that you will find out. 

Remember your hobby or passion

Check out the back page of your CV. As an interviewer many years ago, I would look at the back page first. What are they into? Have they shown dedication? If so, they will likely show dedication in their work. Also, be prepared to talk about the hobby or pastime you are passionate about – if asked, though, don’t get carried away. 

Think about your presentation

I’m old fashioned and the person interviewing you might be as well. Polish your shoes! Turn up clean and smart and early.

Check your composure – take a deep breath, hold it at the top for 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 and breathe out slowly. Do this while you are in the waiting room – it is a great calming technique. And be aware of your breathing throughout. Steady deep breaths will keep you calm before and during the interview. In fact, always!

Good luck and make sure it is the right job for you.

This article was recently published in CIOB People