What makes a CEO ‘exceptional’?
By Mckinsey&Company
We assessed the early moves of CEOs with outstanding track records; some valuable lessons for leadership transitions emerged.
A deal-making strategy for new CEOs
By Mckinsey&Company
New CEOs typically raise the tempo of transactions at first, then the pace slows down. Is that costly?
How to Evaluate, Accept, Reject, or Negotiate a Job Offer
By Harvard Business Review
Congratulations! You got the job. Now for the hard part: deciding whether to accept it or not. How should you assess the salary as well as the other perks? Which publicly available information should you rely on? How should you try to get a better deal? And what’s the best way to decline an offer if it’s not the right job for you?
What makes a CEO ‘exceptional’?
By Mckinsey&Company
We assessed the early moves of CEOs with outstanding track records; some valuable lessons for leadership transitions emerged.
The global forces inspiring a new narrative of progress
By Mckinsey&Company
Growth is shifting, disruption is accelerating, and societal tensions are rising. Confronting these dynamics will help you craft a better strategy, and forge a brighter future.
How to pass the job interview successfully
By Near East Consulting Group
While the qualities required in different fields vary greatly, there are some common aspects that most interviewers seek while recruiting candidates like self-confidence, which is often a result of thorough knowledge; punctuality which shows that the candidate is responsible and time conscious; maturity, which may seem not easy to find; great interpersonal skills...
For most people, interviewing for a new job doesn’t happen every day, so it’s important to prepare, and no matter what style the interview process may take: phone, skype, face to face panel, or one-on-one, the following steps will surely lead towards interview success.
First impressions count
Greet your interviewer with a smile and firm handshake. Look for eye contact. Try to make small talk during the walk from the reception area to the interview room. The candidate should sell himself the first 30 seconds, since the interviewer subconsciously makes decisions about whether they like you or not and whether you will fit into the team.
Look sharp
Select what to wear to the interview. Depending on the industry and position, get out your best interview clothes even if the company has a casual environment.
If you feel good, others will respond to you accordingly.
Show enthusiasm
A firm handshake and plenty of eye contact demonstrate confidence. Speak distinctly in a confident voice, even though you may feel shaky.
Be prepared
Read well the job profile of the position you are applying to. Do your research thoroughly and check out the company’s website.
Prepare well your CV
Prepare a good CV; write your own CV. Let it be straight to the point and not too detailed; pinpointing your education, experience, key skills and achievements. Try to limit it to 1 or maximum 2 pages. It is recommended to have a Career Objective.
Bear in mind that your CV is your first ticket to the interview!
Listen
One of the most neglected interview skills is listening. Make sure you are not only listening, but also reading between the lines. Sometimes what is not said is just as important as what is said.
Why should they hire you
Most job adverts will list qualities they’re looking for – a team worker, a good communicator – so it’s up to you to think of examples of how you can demonstrate these skills. Be ready to talk about your knowledge, experience, abilities and skills. Have at least three strong points about yourself that you can relate to the company and job on offer.
Answer the questions asked
Candidates often don't think about whether they are actually answering the questions their interviewers ask. Make sure you understand what is being asked, and get further clarification if you are unsure.
Be ready for behavioral questions
The trend in interviewing nowadays is towards “Competency Based Interviewing” or “Situational Questions”; so be ready to answer questions such as: “Tell me of a situation where you had to deal with a tough boss” or “Give me an example where your leadership skills stood out” ...
Remember your body language
It is not what you say, but how you say it. During the interview, do not fold your arms and lean back, cross your legs or look to the floor! Sit upright and try to maintain good eye contact. Use your hands and lean forward when making a point. Many people cannot think and control their body language at the same time, which is why you need to prepare or even rehearse.
Clarify anything you are unsure of
If you are not certain what is meant by a particular question, ask for clarification. At the end, ask the interviewer if there is anything else he or she needs to know about.
Be positive
Your interviewer will be thinking about what it would be like to work with you, so the last thing they’ll want to hear is you talking about your boss or current colleagues behind their back. Interviewers like to see someone who enjoys a challenge and is enthusiastic.
Give specific examples
One specific example of your background is worth many vague stories. Give examples that highlight your successes and uniqueness. Your past behavior can indicate your future performance.
Remember your manners
Tell the interviewer why you are interested in the company and job opportunity. Take the opportunity to detail the key advantages you bring.
Ask them for a business card and follow it up by sending a thank you email or letter, saying how much you enjoyed meeting them and how interested you are.
If you have no news about your application, it is good to send a follow-up email after 10-14 days; this will denote your interest in the company and the role.
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Interviews are not necessarily easy. They can be nerve-racking yet exciting and a great learning experience whatever the outcome is.
Practice and preparation are the best things one can do. So prepare to win!
Hopefully these steps will position you well for a successful interview and a golden opportunity in Lebanon or abroad!
NECG Team
About Near East Consulting Group (NECG)
Near East Consulting Group (NECG) is a Management Consulting and Recruiting agency based in Beirut - Lebanon operating since 1985 in the Lebanese, GCC and MENA markets.