The Effective Interview, article written for professionals by Nick Roud, Global Award Winning Coach.

The effective executive is well versed in meeting with people. You only have to glance into an executives diary to see the typical deluge of interactions with others. Interviewing is and remains one of the biggest stumbling blocks that a human no matter their level of responsibility faces. But why and how do many of us continue to fail? 

For many reading today’s article in (long form) as opposed to a 1 min video, growing up you were asked to speak only when spoken to. As a #DyslexicThinker and introvert this is music to my ears. Why make an effort to speak if your voice or input isn’t required. It isn’t unreasonable to think therefore that to many of us the very thought of taking part in an interview with a complete stranger or strangers is seen as a nightmare. What we must get to grips with is in order to transition into a new or different role an interview is very much the norm. An interview will in some shape or form happen. Get used to it my friend and together lets ensure you are well positioned to do your very best. 

In the broad sense an interview is a process, typically structured and a time and place for two people to come together to share thoughts and exchange insights. So much is wrapped up in that 45min interview. Done well an interview can be like meeting someone for the first time and you leave with a sense of having known each other for years. Done badly and the taste lasts a life time. 

Over the years I have researched Interviews and found it staggering that still today in 2025 we interview like it’s 1920. One person working thought a number of questions and the other trying there best to answer them. When observing interviews some remind me of watching a tennis match – each person doing there very best to out smash the other!  Some remind me of visiting the opera where you feel complete synergy between the musical instruments and what you are hearing is very moving. More often than not though it’s a tennis match. 

Typically an interview can take many forms, from structured, panel, presentation, assessment based, in-person etc. They can run from 45mins to 2hours again depending on situation. Since the Covid period more interviews have taken place on-line, and, there in lines another layer to wrap your heads around both for the interviewer and interviewees. 

Let’s focus our attention on evidence based insights concerning. 

Before Interview (the proper preparation work needed)

During Interview (the value of having clear outline points)

Post Interview (the self evaluation of what has happened)

In my soon to be released book Interview 4.5 ‘A simple and authentic way to interview on your own terms’ I delve deeper into each of these aspects and explore the importance of each area. For today’s article my intent is to ensure you have some clarity should you be invited into an interview. 

Before Interview

Careful thought must go into your pre interview preparation. Simply turning up at said time and in said location and just seeing what occurs may suit some but again to many that isn’t going to cut the mustard, nor is it going to show the hiring manager that you care!. Many, no I mean some of my clients who engage with me on Interview Coaching struggle at the before interview stage. What I mean by that is they are very reluctant to know when enough preparation is enough preparation and they soon run into the ‘robot’ stage as I like to call it and forget the all important aspects of ensuring your interview goes well and that’s to be able to carefully ‘read the room’. Enough thought and the right focus areas should be addressed as an executive prepares for an interview. Some little aspects that are at time missed due to stresses or pressure is to understand; 1) what type of interview are you going to 2) who will be in attendance 3) what information/documentation will be provided 4) what is the expectation of the interview

How long is too long. How much time and attention needs to go into your preparation. Again what works for you? As an over thinker you may want to intentionally agree where and what to focus on. As a ‘she will be alright’ type you may want to understand your why on going for the role and get clear on certain aspects that complement the opportunity. As I continue to coach professionals it all boils down to you and what work best for you!

A lack of effective and adequate planning for an interview is the greatest single fault found in my studies of the interview process. To often the lack of attention to detail will shine through during the interview stage. 

During Interview

It’s not what comes out that lands the role it’s a lot more. Studies around the world have shown that your words play an important role as well as how you show up. So what does that mean exactly. The word ‘aura’ springs to mind. You know when you meet a complete stranger for the very fist time and you are left with a feeling – that feeling of something you can’t quite put your finger on (it’s not bad) in fact the opposite its pretty bloody impressive. We all have an aura. Many don’t even know it. Do you know yours? Are you bringing that into the interview room or leaving it at the door? A person can show up with all the nerves in the world yet to others can come across very calm, relaxed, present. Or on the flip side to that coin a person can come across rushed, stressed, not focused yet inside feel at piece. We are all very interesting humans and we each have our own little quirks. When put under the spotlight those quirks will appear. Are you aware of  how you show up. I once coached an executive and during times of pressure she would pick up her pen and constantly click the top of it. She never even knew she was doing it until I gave her a gift of a pen without a clicker on it! We are all born with two ears and one mouth and like many situations in life during an interview it’s wise to remember that. So often people are in such a rush to get their nightlight reels across to the potential hiring manager that they forget to stop, pause and actually listen to what is going on. Sounds familiar? Again how do you know. Have you ever recorded yourself to listen to just how fast or slow you speak? Do you know what you look like from the other side of the interview table (or screen)? What is going on when you are not talking and or when you are talking, are your hands and arms flying around, are you eyes flicking all over the place, do you breath? Again Interview coaching looks at you not just the words which come out. 

Post Interview

The interview is over, the final question has been asked,  but, remembering the process isn’t over. The exit from interview, the few days post the interview are all very much part of the interview. We know all to well that when visiting a restaurant with our partner, husband, wife, friends etc the desert is typically the one thing that lands the plan. The time and effort that a chef and team put into the desert is more than you can imagine. You could have a terrible starter, and ok-ish main but if the desert falls short then you will not be returning to that restaurant any time soon. Same as with an interview, you may have missed a few points, struggles at times but the ending and post interview is as important as during and before interview. To often again I ask clients to share with me how they ended the interview and the normal look and response is well Nick I stood up shook hands and thanked them and said goodbye! Interesting and then what, well nothing Nick you know I never even heard back from them?

What are you therefore putting into your post interview practice? There are a few little things that I share with clients that have ensured the phone rings and conversations etc continue post interview. 

Like the ‘before, during part of your interview – don’t ruined your meal with a bad desert. 

In conclusion the effective interview is doable With careful and pointed preparation you can and will be in control (of what you can control). An effective interview is not about hitting all the high notes there is a lot more that goes into ensuring your interview well.