Job interviews can be nerve-wracking but with the right preparation and guidance, you can significantly enhance your chances of success and make a positive impression on hiring managers. To help you effectively plan and excel in your next job interview, we have gathered tips from CV writers and career professionals. Whether you're a seasoned job seeker or a first-time interviewee, these tips will give you the knowledge and confidence needed to navigate the interview process.
- Review the job description/advert and identify key areas that are likely to be explored during the interview. Reflect on the reasons behind the recruitment for the role.
- Use the CAR (Context, Action, Result) or STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) models to provide examples that showcase your skills and accomplishments relevant to the role.
- Research the job, company, culture, missions, and values to gain insights into the working environment. This knowledge will enable you to provide authentic answers during the interview, showcase your genuine interest, and demonstrate how you will contribute to the company's objectives.
- Become familiar with your CV and avoid fabricating any information. Recall impressive statistics and be prepared to discuss your fit and interest in the company. This will help you confidently answer questions related to your qualifications and experiences.
- Prepare well-thought-out answers and seek opportunities to rehearse interview scenarios with friends, family members, or career professionals to gain confidence and refine your answers.
- An interview is a two-way conversation. Create a list of questions to ask at the interview, highlighting your enthusiasm for the role and finding out key things about the company and expectations for the first few months.
- To ensure a smooth experience on the day plan your route, transport, and parking in advance. It's best to arrive at least 10 minutes early unless otherwise specified.
- Plan your outfit. Make a positive first impression by dressing appropriately, taking into consideration the company's culture and dress code. Research the company through its website, social media platforms, and online reviews to get a sense of its style and expectations.
- In the case of a virtual interview, it's important to practice using the software and consider camera-friendly clothing. Choose a well-lit uncluttered room with a suitable background and record yourself to review your body language and lighting.
- To calm your nerves, learn and practice breathing techniques. Utilise diaphragmatic breathing to slow your heart rate, clear your mind, and speak confidently.
- Smile during the interview to project a positive and friendly attitude. Maintain good eye contact and pay attention to your body language to convey confidence and interest. If the opportunity arises, engage in informal chats with potential line managers to build rapport and demonstrate your interpersonal skills.
- Treat the interviewers as equal professionals, engaging in a two-way dialogue rather than a one-sided conversation. Use appropriate humour and small talk to showcase your authentic personality.
- Authenticity is key. Avoid pretending to be someone you're not and focus on presenting your true self. Choose weaknesses that are unrelated to the job role and stay true to yourself, even if it means not conforming to certain company expectations.
- Use the common "tell me about yourself" question as an opportunity to highlight your key strengths and accomplishments. Focus on positive experiences in your career.
- Demonstrate how you fit with the role and the team by connecting your past experiences to the value you will bring to the position.
- Support your answers with actual examples from your past experiences, and link hypothetical responses to similar situations you have encountered.
- Take notes during the interview to help you remember important points and demonstrate active listening.
- Remember to ask your prepared questions if they’ve not already been answered.
- Avoid over-analysing every detail of the interview. Instead, reflect on your overall experience and make notes or record your thoughts for future reference. Keep your plans light for the rest of the day to allow yourself time to decompress.
- Follow up with an email thanking the interviewer/s for their time, expressing your interest in the role, and conveying your enthusiasm about joining the company. State how much you are looking forward to hearing back from them.
By following these expert tips, you'll be well-prepared and equipped to succeed in your next job interview. Remember to tailor your preparation to the specific role and company, stay true to yourself, and demonstrate your passion and commitment to the position.
Sally-Ann Monger Sally-Ann Monger
Suzie Henriques The CV Bee
Tracey Salisbury CV Prime
Recruitment Director at Taylor Hawkes Limited, placing Accountants in Practice in the UK and US / Bill Brace Recruitment, coaching jobseekers with the 5 Step Recruitment Bootcamp program.
1yAlso, consider the competition. You are not the only one going through the process. How are they preparing? When you stop to watch Eastenders, are they running over their script one more time. It’s a harsh world and you need to be the best you can.