What is interview coaching and what are the benefits of having an interview coach?
The main question I am asked about interview coaching are:
What is interview coaching?
What are the skills needed for interviews
What will be included in interview coaching?
How do I prepare for interview coaching?
What are the benefits of interview coaching?
How much does interview coaching cost?
Is interviewing coahcing worth it?
How to find the best interview coach
In this blog, we will look at answering these questions so you can decide if interview coaching is for you.
Introduction
In an era where the job market is more competitive than ever, securing a position that matches your skills and aspirations requires more than just a stellar CV. It demands a compelling performance in the interview room, where your communication skills, confidence, and ability to present yourself come under scrutiny. This is where interview coaching steps in, offering a beacon of guidance for those looking to not just navigate but excel in the challenging waters of job interviews.
What is Interview Coaching?
Interview coaching is a specialised service aimed at enhancing your interviewing skills. It involves personalised sessions with a coach who provides insights, feedback, and strategies tailored to your specific needs. These sessions can cover a range of aspects, from crafting impactful responses to mastering the non-verbal cues like body language and attire, ultimately making you a more confident and persuasive candidate.
The Skills Needed for Stellar Interviews
Interview success is built on a foundation of several key skills:
Communication: The ability to express your thoughts and ideas clearly and engagingly is paramount. This includes structuring your responses well and using language that resonates with your audience.
Active Listening: It's crucial to listen attentively to the interviewer's questions and comments, demonstrating your engagement and ensuring your responses are well-targeted and relevant.
Confidence: Presenting yourself with assurance (but not arrogance) can significantly impact the interviewer's perception, conveying that you are competent and believe in your abilities.
Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: Many interviews involve scenario-based questions designed to evaluate your problem-solving skills and your approach to overcoming challenges.
Adaptability and Resilience: The ability to adapt to new situations and bounce back from setbacks is often explored in interviews, especially through behavioral questions.
Preparation and Research: A deep understanding of the company and the role you're applying for demonstrates your interest and commitment, setting you apart from other candidates.
What Will Be Included in Interview Coaching?
Interview coaching is customised according to the type of interview an individual is going to be facing. Some of the interview formats we can prepare for are:
Behavioral Interviews
These aim to uncover how you've handled situations in the past, under the premise that past behavior is the best predictor of future performance. Coaching in this area focuses on reflecting on your experiences and presenting them in a way that highlights your problem-solving, leadership, and teamwork skills. behavioural interviews can be around skills (competency-based interviews) or values.
Competency-Based Interviews
These interviews focus on specific skills or competencies relevant to the job. They are a type of behavioural interview. Coaches help you identify and articulate clear, concise stories that showcase these skills in action, often using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique.
Pre-recorded Job Interviews
Increasingly common in the digital age, these interviews require you to record answers to pre-set questions without the presence of a live interviewer. Coaching for pre-recorded interviews includes technical aspects, such as setting up a professional-looking background and ensuring good lighting and sound quality, as well as delivery aspects like maintaining eye contact with the camera.
Mock Interviews and Feedback
A core component of interview coaching is the mock interview—a practice session that simulates the real interview experience. This allows you to test out your responses in a safe environment and receive constructive feedback to refine your technique.
Personal Branding
Coaching also often includes guidance on how to align your responses, resume, and even your digital presence to present a cohesive and attractive professional image.
Preparing for Interview Coaching
To get the most out of interview coaching, preparation is key:
Self-Assessment: Reflect on your skills, weaknesses, career aspirations, and the reasons you're interested in the specific role.
Documentation: Have your resume, cover letter, and the job description handy, as these will be reference points during your coaching sessions.
Mindset for Feedback: Approach coaching with an open mind, ready to receive and act upon feedback, even if it challenges you.
Engagement: Be prepared to actively participate in exercises, mock interviews, and discussions. The more you put into coaching, the more you'll get out of it.
The Benefits of Interview Coaching
The advantages of engaging in interview coaching are manifold:
Boosted Confidence: The practice and feedback loop inherent in coaching builds confidence, which can be a game-changer in how you present yourself during interviews.
Manage interview nerves: Experienced interview coaches can help dramatically reduce interview nerves and interview anxiety through coaching clients in different techniques to manage problamatic emotions associated with interviews.
Enhanced Communication Skills: Coaching helps refine your ability to convey your thoughts and stories in a more impactful manner.
Tailored Strategies: Coaches can help develop strategies suited to different types of interviews, ensuring you're well-prepared for any format.
Invaluable Feedback: The objective feedback from a coach can highlight blind spots and areas for improvement that you might not have identified on your own.
Higher Success Rates: Many who undergo interview coaching report a noticeable improvement in their interview outcomes, often leading to job offers.
The Investment: How Much Does Interview Coaching Cost?
The cost of interview coaching can vary widely based on the coach's experience, reputation, and the depth of the coaching program. Prices can range dramatically from hundreds to several hundred pounds per session. Some coaches offer package deals that include multiple sessions, which can be more cost-effective and provide a more comprehensive coaching experience. Other coaches, such as myself charge by session so progress can be reviewed and extra interview coaching sessions are are only charged if required.
Is Interview Coaching Worth the Investment?
Determining the value of interview coaching ultimately comes down to its impact on your interview performance and the career opportunities it helps you unlock. For many, the personalised feedback, strategies tailored to various interview types, and the significant boost in confidence make the investment worthwhile. Given the competitive nature of the job market, the edge that interview coaching can provide may well be the deciding factor in landing your desired role.
In essence, interview coaching is more than just preparation for an interview; it's an investment in your career development and future success. With the right coach and a commitment to the process, you can transform your interview skills, making you a standout candidate in any interview scenario. Whether you're new to the job market or looking to advance in your career, interview coaching can equip you with the tools, techniques, and confidence needed to achieve your career aspirations.
Finding the right interview coach is a crucial step in ensuring that your investment in interview coaching yields the best possible outcomes. Here are some key considerations and steps to guide you in finding the right coach:
Understand Your Needs
Before starting your search, it's important to have a clear understanding of what you're looking to achieve through interview coaching. Consider your industry, the level of positions you're applying for, and specific areas where you feel you need the most improvement, such as answering behavioral questions, improving your communication skills, or gaining confidence.
Check Credentials and Experience
Look for coaches who have a strong track record in your field or industry. Many coaches will have profiles that outline their professional background, certifications in coaching, and testimonials from previous clients. It's essential to choose someone who has experience in coaching individuals for similar roles or industries as yours. Choosing a career or interview coach is generally a better idea than choosing a generalist life coach without specific experience in interview coaching.
Look at Logistics
Consider practical aspects such as the coach's availability, the mode of coaching (in-person, video call, phone), session lengths, and the overall coaching package. It's important that these logistical details align with your preferences and schedule.
Assess Success Metrics
Ask potential coaches about their success rates and how they measure the success of their coaching. While it's difficult to guarantee specific outcomes, a reputable coach should be able to share examples of how they've helped clients improve their interview performance and achieve their career goals.
Price vs. Value
While cost is an important consideration, it's essential to weigh the price against the potential value the coaching could bring to your career. Cheaper isn't always better, especially if it means compromising on quality. Consider the coach's expertise, the relevance of the coaching, and the potential return on investment in terms of career advancement.
Trust Your Instincts
Finally, trust your instincts. The right coach for you is someone you feel comfortable with, who inspires confidence, and whom you believe can genuinely help you improve your interview skills. If you feel a positive connection and believe in their approach, you're more likely to engage fully in the process and see significant improvements.
By taking the time to carefully select an interview coach who aligns with your career aspirations, understands your industry, and employs an approach that resonates with you, you'll be setting yourself up for a successful and rewarding coaching experience.
I am Diana Dawson, Founder of Working Career. As a Professional interview and Career Coach, Career Psychologist, Career Counsellor, Career Consultant, Executive Coach and Wellbeing at Work Coach, I work with you to be scuccessful at interviews.
I am an Accredited Master Coach with the Association for Coaching, a Coaching Psychologist and Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapist with nearly 20 years of experience in the field.
I work with professional people from different sectors and backgrounds to cope and flourish at work. I also run Career Workshops and Wellbeing Workshops for organisations.
I can provide one-to-one career coaching and interview in Edinburgh or Teams or Zoom sessions worldwide. I can provide Career Workshops at your organisation or remotely. Find out more about me here