Job interview tips from the Dragons Den

We are huge fans of the BBC program Dragons Den. The Den is much like a traditional job interview. The prize is a little different, and it’s on TV, but there’s still some great learning we can take from the program into job interviews so here’s our top 5 lessons from The Den.

1. Be prepared

How many times have you seen people unable to get their facts and figures straight? We see a lot of this in interviews. Read back through your application letter and CV. Make sure you’re able to explain every comment or role in there. If you can’t substantiate the claim, it shouldn’t be there. Also, find out as much as you can about the interviewer and the company you’re applying to and be prepared to discuss it.

2. Don’t over rehearse

Don’t try and stick to a script. Remember seeing the countless applicants in The Den who have frozen because they tried to memorise a passage of text? Your brain doesn’t cope well with recalling text verbatim. What’s more, it tends to be useless as you seldom get the question worded in the way you expect. Instead, just go over the basic structure of your response to key questions and be prepared to think on your feet.

3. Don’t get defensive

Be open and honest. A defensive person is trying to hide something and will come across as dishonest. An interviewer is often looking for evidence that their candidate has high integrity and trustworthiness as much as for specific knowledge and experience. Don’t undermine yourself by folding your arms and giving off a negative vibe. In The Den, we often get to see people refusing to admit to mistakes and looking all the worse for it. Interviews are designed to apply pressure and may well get you feeling defensive. Just don’t let it show.

4. Don’t get aggressive

Cardinal sin for The Dragons is to be made to feel under attack. After all, they hold the money. Same for an interview. If you have a temper, you should be aware of it and consider ways of coping. Always remember that you’re trying to persuade the person across the desk to give you a job. Calmness under pressure is a virtue.

5. Listen to the question

Q: How will you make sure you deliver the profits this year?

A: Er. Well, we could make it into a pumpkin.

A genuine example from The Den of a person not listening to the question. Listen carefully, think, and then speak. Don’t jump in feet first. Don’t make the assumption you know what’s coming and cut off the interviewer. Let them finish, check for understanding if necessary and then answer the question that was asked of you.

If you like what you've seen here, why not head to our website to find out about our coaching on interview techniques. Also, for more information on The Den, have a look at this excellent resource which will tell you where all The Dragons Den contestants are now.