Finding the Right Job

25 Tips for Interview Success

So, your polished CV has got you within sight of your dream job and the only thing left to face is the interview. Make sure you don’t fall at the final hurdle...

BEFORE THE BIG DAY

1. Do your homework. Always research the company beforehand. Find out what they do and how they do it, who their competitors are and what their company philosophy is. Most of this information should be available on the company’s website. Also try to take a look at any of their in-house publications.

2. Do you fit? We all have strengths and weaknesses. Make a list of what they’ve mentioned they’re looking for in the job advert and how your experience and skills reflects this.

3. Nothing but the truth. Don’t be tempted to tell white lies on your CV or application form to make it sound more impressive. Only write things that you can back up in person or you may end up looking very silly indeed!

4. Practice with a friend. Think of some potential questions like ‘Why do you think you are suitable for this role?’ or ‘Why do you want to work for us?’ and practice your answers. It may help to get rid of your nerves.

5. Refresh your memory. Read through your CV or application form beforehand. Interviewers will nearly always ask you to elaborate on it and will ask how your experience will benefit you in the new role.

6. Carry a spare. Take along a few extra copies of your CV or application form in case the interviewer asks for one.

7. Dress to impress. First impressions are all important, so make sure you look neat and professional. This is no time for making fashion statements, so keep your hair, jewellery and make-up discreet.

8. Get the when and where right. It may sound simple, but make sure you know exactly where you’re going, the name of the person you’re meeting and what time you have to be there. Always make a note of the phone number of the company, so you can call ahead if you’re going to be late.

9. Perfect timing. Plan your journey beforehand and set off a little earlier than you need to – it will look really bad to a potential employer if you arrive late. Also, try not to arrive more than 15 minutes early – if you do, take the time to get a coffee nearby and read over your CV.

10. Be polite to everyone you meet. From the receptionist to the MD, you never know who may have influence over who gets hired. You could also soon be working with these people.

IN THE HOT SEAT

11. Be approachable. Introduce yourself with a firm handshake and keep good eye contact throughout the meeting. Try not to fidget when you talk and remember to smile!

12. Don’t rush. Take time to consider how you’re going to answer a question. Think about your past experience and use it to back up any skills you claim to have.

13. Grab the chance to shine. Feel free to move the conversation into favourable areas. If you know you’re great at leading a team and have an eye for detail, talk about a project you’ve worked on where those strengths have played an important role.

14. Jabber, jabber. When you answer questions in your interview be friendly and open, but also concise. Try to avoid long, rambling answers that don’t have a point. Stay focused on what you’ve just been asked.

15. Don’t evade the question. It’s no good talking about your impressive IT skills if someone has just asked you about whether you can work to tight deadlines. If you’re not sure how to answer something, don’t be afraid to ask for time to think about the question. Simply say ‘That’s an interesting question, may I take a moment to think about that please?’ then answer as promptly and concisely as possible.

16. Weaknesses. Don’t claim to be perfect at everything – no one is. Admitting to a few minor flaws will show that you are honest and open to development. For example, if you’ve always struggled with giving presentations, suggest that this is something you’d like to practice and improve upon.

17. Positivity. Don’t be negative about past employers or colleagues – this will only show you in a bad light. Even if you hate your current job, just focus on things you have learnt or skills you’ve picked up.

18. Sell yourself. This is not a time to be modest about your abilities. Make sure the interviewer knows just how you can add value to the company.

19. Money talks. Try to avoid bringing up the issue of salary, particularly in your first interview. Your first thought should be about the role and not about how much you’re going to earn. The interviewer will usually bring up the subject when they feel it’s appropriate.

20. Q&As. Have a few questions prepared for the end of the interview, as this will show you are really interested in the role. Perhaps ask what the team are working on at the moment, or what opportunities are available for training. You might even want to ask the interviewer how they got started in the industry or what is the best thing about the profession.

21. Phone interviews. More and more companies are conducting interviews over the phone and these should be treated just as seriously as a face-to-face meeting. Pick a quiet place and if possible use a landline instead of a mobile – the last thing you want is for your battery or signal to fail halfway through. Have your CV and cover letter in front of you and write a list of points you want to cover. You may even want to dress smartly for the occasion, as this will help you get in the right frame of mind.

22. Be yourself! This is probably the most important thing you can do. Try to relax and be friendly. They will be looking for someone they really want to work with and who will fit into their team.

THE FOLLOW UP

23. Be accessible. Make yourself available for a call back – some companies will hold second and even third interviews, as well as assessment centres or psychometric tests. Some companies may ask you to put together a presentation, so be prepared for this.

24. Email. Follow up your interview with a short email, thanking them for their time and expressing your continued interest in the role.

25. Face facts. If you are unsuccessful, make sure you collect feedback from the interviewer. They may highlight weaknesses that you can work on in the future. You could also ask if they have any other positions available that you may be more suitable for.

Always remember that an interview should be a two-way exchange. This is your best opportunity to find out about the company and whether you really want the job.

Recruiter tips

‘Don’t regurgitate information word for word from the company website or graduate brochure – it’s likely that the person who is interviewing you was involved in producing the information so will know if you do! Show that you fully understand the company and the role by explaining things in your own words.’
Nadia Thompson, Recruitment, Towers Perrin

‘If you are asked a competency based question, try using the STAR technique. First describe the Situation, then the Task, then the Action you took to achieve the goal and then describe the Result.’
Sandra Petersson, Graduate Recruitment, Watson Wyatt Worldwide

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