How to Ace your Interview

Published date: October 22, 2019

Interviews can be daunting, especially if it’s a job you really want. With the right interview preparation, you can optimise your interview performance and land that dream job!

Your consultant will give you as much specific information about the interview as they can, but the below is a must-read before attending any interview.

Preparation

With a little preparation you can anticipate those tricky questions that would otherwise floor an unprepared candidate.

It’s critical that you research the company you are interviewing for. Find out about their company history, products, and services. The best place to start is their website, but don’t rely on this alone. A good tip is to read some recent news stories about the company. This will help you establish that all-important rapport with your interviewer. You’ll be able to demonstrate a deep understanding of the company and show that you’ve taken your time to fully understand what they do.

Make sure you know the exact date, time, and location of the interview as well as who you’re meeting. Your consultant will provide you with all of the above information. Plan your route the night before, knowing different ways to go if there’s an accident or unexpected road works. There’s no excuse for being late because you got the details wrong or didn’t allow enough time to get there. If for unforeseen circumstances, you will be late, you need to phone your consultant immediately so they can inform the client.

Interview Questions

Before the interview, think about the types of questions you might be asked. “Why do you want this job?” and “Why do you think you’re suited to this position?” are staples, so make sure you line up a few points to tackle them.

Probably the best piece of advice for answering questions in an interview is slow down. You always have more time than you think. Take a few moments to compose yourself before you answer a question. Taking a sip of water is a great way to do this. This will help you stay confident and not get too thrown off by awkward questions.

Try to answer questions in a clear and concise way. This makes your answers easy to follow and stops you from rambling. Be specific in your answers. If you’re not sure something is relevant, consider whether it’s worth mentioning at all.

Come prepared with a handful of questions to ask the interviewer. There’s nothing worse than coming to the end of a great interview and then having nothing to say when the interviewer says “Have you got any questions for me?” Asking about training and development within the role is a good idea. Don’t ask about the salary/package though, this has been covered with your recruitment consultant. Don’t ask too many questions about promotions either, as this is likely to make the interviewer nervous about how long you’d be happy in that position.

Dress Code

Always dress smartly for an interview, no matter the position. By looking professional, you’re telling the interviewer that you are serious about the role. If there’s a dress code the client has recommended, your consultant will inform you.

If you'd like any further advice on how to prepare for your interview, feel free to give us a call.