Interview Tips (3min Read)
Interviews can be intimidating, and it isn’t always clear what employers are looking for. But while this awkward professional situation is sometimes daunting, like anything else, it is a skill that can be practised and perfected. The more carefully you prepare, the better you will do.
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What Makes an Interview Successful?
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The first step in doing well at an interview is to simply understand what a successful interview looks like. Here are four key aspects to keep in mind:
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You should demonstrate that you’d be a pleasure to work with. They want to see how you will fit into the company or team.
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Your presentation must be professional at all times.
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Being genuine, honest and transparent is vital to demonstrating your professional code of conduct.
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Any detail about you may be scrutinised including your body language.
What Employers Look For At An Interview
You have a short time to make a good lasting first impression so consider these aspects during an interview:
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Your Appearance: Do you look professional? Even if the company have a ‘dress down’ approach to work, your attire on the first meet must show that you can represent the company professionally.
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Language: Are you able to speak with diplomacy and professionally? If you will be interacting with customers/clients, they need to know that you can choose appropriate language and tone.
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Body language: Your body language is also something that they watch. Is your posture professional? Do you look interested?
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Confidence: Are you qualified for the job? Are you confident you meet the person specification?
Before the interview:
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Arrange the interview early in the week if possible as employers are more likely to remember you better.
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Eat a healthy and energising breakfast before going in. Avoid being over caffeinated.
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Dress professionally
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Exercise can help you feel more confident. Exercise regularly in the lead up to your interview.
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Re-read your CV and application. Remember to elaborate on the points in the interview.
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Research the company and secure your industry knowledge.
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Spend time researching the market and the forces that are influencing the industry. Set up Google alerts to keep you abreast of the latest developments at the company.
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Write and practice some potential questions that may be asked. Consider open, closed and scenario - based questions.
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Prepare your answers as best you can, thinking of examples to support your claims. Consider your career goals and clearly define your reasons for wanting the job. Practice these with a friend or colleague.
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Breath deeply, relax the muscles of your face, and take the time to pause before the interview. Be positive and refrain from dwelling on possible negative possibilities.
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Ensure that the most recent posts on your social media accounts show something positive and professional.
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Arrive early, plan for delays and greet all staff professionally. You want to impress everyone as it can be an opportunity to network.​
During the interview:
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Greet your potential employer by name. COVID restrictions may excuse hand shakes
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Check your body language: posture, positioning, eye contact. Try not to fidget and remember to smile.
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Consider your answers and respond thoughtfully. Allow yourself thinking time to give the best possible answer so you avoid getting flustered. It is acceptable to ask to return to a question or admit tactfully that you don’t know the answer.
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Use language that is appropriate for the job environment and demonstrate your experience by using a bit of well-placed jargon. Refrain from using slang or non-professional language.
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Always be positive about your previous colleagues and experiences. Keep all remarks professional.
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Describe your qualities in a humble way. Humility is a powerful, persuasive tool. Highlight your biggest strength. Equally avoid making excuses for your areas of development.
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Take time for pleasantries and a bit of casual social conversation.
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Be yourself. You want to project an authentic and genuine demeanour. Show you are a social person and are easy to work with.
After the interview:
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Follow up with a thank-you email, letting the interviewer know it was nice to meet them and that you look forward to hearing back soon.
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Show you actively follow the company on social media which subtly puts your name on their radar the day after the interview
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A reasonable amount of time for an employer to make a decision is usually a week however they may tell you that it will take longer. Avoid chasing the employer for an answer – twice in fourteen days is acceptable.
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Request feedback on the outcome of the interview.
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