First of all, congratulations are in order if you’ve secured an interview! Now it’s time to prepare yourself for success. Follow these key tips to make a lasting impression and increase your chances of landing the job.
Preparation is key
Research the company thoroughly. Visit their website, read recent news articles, and familiarise yourself with their products or services. Understanding the company’s culture and values will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.
Review the job description carefully. Identify the key skills and experiences the employer is seeking, and prepare examples from your background that highlight these qualities.
Practice makes perfect. Ask a friend or family member to conduct a mock interview with you. This will help you refine your responses and boost your confidence.
Dress for success
First impressions matter. Opt for professional attire that’s appropriate for the company’s culture. When in doubt, it’s better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed.
For most corporate environments, a suit in navy, grey, or black is a safe choice. For more casual workplaces, smart business casual attire may be suitable. Ensure your clothes are clean, pressed, and well-fitted.
Keep accessories minimal and avoid strong fragrances.
Common interview questions
While every interview is unique, certain questions are frequently asked. Prepare thoughtful responses to these typical queries:
- “Tell me about yourself.”
- “Why do you want to work for our company?”
- “What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?”
- “Where do you see yourself in five years?”
- “Can you describe a challenging work situation and how you overcame it?”
- “Why should we hire you?”
The STAR technique
When answering behavioural questions, use the STAR technique to structure your responses:
- Situation: Briefly describe the context of the situation.
- Task: Explain your role or responsibility in that situation.
- Action: Describe the specific actions you took to address the challenge.
- Result: Share the outcomes of your actions, using specific examples and data if possible.
For example, if asked about a time you demonstrated leadership, you might say:
“In my previous role (Situation), I was tasked with improving our customer service ratings (Task). I implemented a new training programme for our support team and introduced regular feedback sessions (Action). As a result, our customer satisfaction scores improved by 25% over six months (Result).”
Final tips
- Arrive early. Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes before your scheduled interview time.
- Bring copies of your CV, a notepad, and a pen.
- Turn off your mobile phone before entering the building.
- Make eye contact and offer a firm handshake when greeting your interviewer(s).
- Listen carefully to each question and don’t be afraid to ask for clarification if needed.
- Show enthusiasm for the role and the company throughout the interview.
- Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about the role and the organisation.
- Check in with your recruiter and let them know your thoughts on the interview and the employer.
Remember, an interview is not just about the company assessing you; it’s also an opportunity for you to evaluate if the role and organisation are a good fit for your career goals. By following these tips and presenting your best self, you’ll be well-prepared to make a strong impression and take the next step in your career journey.
Good luck!
