Interview success
11 Jan 2022
We have coached hundreds of candidates on interview technique over the years. If you have decided to take the plunge and search for a better job, give yourself a head start by following our top tips for interview success:
Know the role you are going for
Most recruiters will send you a job specification, or you can usually access one online. Go through it and see if you can provide examples from your own experience and skills to tie in with their requirements – it will save you fumbling for answers in the interview or coming up with weak responses.
Practice, practice, practice
Go through your CV as if you were the interviewer, what would you ask? Jot down simple bullet point responses and practice your replies so that when you are in the interview you can recall the answers more easily.
Preparation
As the majority of interviews are being held online, check you’re set up well before-hand. Have a backup ready if your computer glitches, check that your background is clutter free and that you are dressed appropriately for the role. Most companies have adopted relaxed attire while working from home, but it is better to look smart than too casual.
Make sure you know who your interviewers are and research their backgrounds. Your recruiter should provide you with this.
Create the right impression from the beginning of the interview – the first 30 seconds are crucial. A friendly greeting and saying something like “Thank you for seeing me, I’ve been looking forward to meeting you” etc., will set a positive tone and demonstrate your enthusiasm.
Take a moment
When you are asked a question, do make sure you listen to what is being asked. It is a common complaint that interviewees answer the question they think they are being asked. If necessary, pause and take stock for a moment to consider your answer. This is far better than rushing in with an inappropriate response and will demonstrate maturity, even if you don’t get the answer spot on.
Be active in the interview
This doesn’t mean that you have to go all out sales mode, but you don’t necessarily have to wait for the interviewer to ask the questions you want to be asked. Try to engineer opportunities to get across what skills you have that you think are relevant for the role.
Show enthusiasm
Show enthusiasm for the organization through your research. Make sure you have looked at their website and any relevant press releases and mention it in the interview. Not “I looked at your website…” but something like “I saw that you have expanded into …. which is an area that I have started working in and would like the opportunity to develop further….” This is a far better way of showing them you have done your research, are interested in their organization and have relevant skills.
And finally
Always have some questions to ask your interviewer at the end. This demonstrates a proactive approach and a genuine interest in the company and the role e.g. “Can you tell me about the structure of the team, what training do you provide, how will my performance be measured, what is the scope for promotion, what is the culture like, how do you see the firm/team developing over the next 5 years…” etc. But, never ask about salary or benefits.
No matter how badly you feel the interview has gone, always end positively e.g. “Thank you for seeing me, it was really good to meet you and I look forward to hearing from you.”
Good luck with your search and remember, an interview is a two-way conversation – it is as important for you to find the right fit as it is for the employer to find the right candidate. Often you might be right for the company but not right for that particular role. Even if you aren’t successful, you are building up a network and gaining valuable practice from each interview.