The Apprentice: Episode 11 | Home James

The much anticipated interview round of The Apprentice was aired last night, whittling the contestants down to a final two, with three sent on their way, including the eminently likeable James.  I don't think the episode had the fireworks of previous series.  The lie on Lorraine's cv for instance wasn't quite as severe as that of last years winner Lee McQueen, who infamously mentioned on his cv that he had spent two years at university, rather than the four months he had actually been there.  As such I don't think there were any big surprises.  James, whilst hugely likeable was always an unlikely winner, as I think was Lorraine, for all (or perhaps because of) her quirky tendencies.  The biggest shock was perhaps Debra as she has become someone who one could imagine Sir Alan moulding.  My own personal favourite Yasmina safely made it through, so on that basis I'm a happy camper.

Anyway, last night was purely focused on interviews, and whilst I don't really think the interviews represented an interview that you or I might expect to undertake, there are a few hints and tips that we can take from last night into our own interview attempts.

The CMI Guide to Interviews

1. Clarify your objectives - It helps considerably if you know beforehand what you expect from the interview.  James memorably came a cropper with this because his application attempted to serve two purposes.  His general tone worked well in drawing attention to his application in the initial selection process, but then backfired when interviewed for the final.
2. Do your research - This includes both research on the role you're going for, the company you'll be working for, the people interviewing you and last but not least, your own career.  Yasmina almost came unstuck last night by not knowing her own figures as well as her interviewer.
3. Prepare yourself for success - Going into the interview confident of success is crucial to performing well.  Lorraine was visibly nervous and as a consequence tended to ramble when answering questions.  Kate in contrast was very calm and measured and as a consequence interviewed well.
4. Prepare for questioning - Mental role playing can be a real aid before an interview.  Put yourself in their shoes. What questions would you ask?  What weaknesses would you focus on?  For Yasmina it could be on giving up the business she's worked so hard on, Debra on her personality, Lorraine on her 'intuition', James on his goofiness and so on.

Interviewing well is something that can deliver you huge benefits throughout your career.  By and large the candidates did quite well last night but the aforementioned tips may have helped to sell themselves a bit better.

3 Must Do CMI Interviewing Tips

1. Don't argue, interrupt or get on your soap box
2. Avoid being evasive, speaking too quickly or giving long, involved answers
3. Don't critisise former employers

Well, that's our view on the show last night and how the losing candidates could have
performed their task better.  It'd be great to hear from you.  What did you think of last nights show?  Do you have any patented interview tips you use?