Interview tips
A job interview is not interrogation but an opportunity to exchange information.
So, what is going to increase your chances of a successful interview?
Preparation
Make sure you know how to get to the interview and allow enough time to get there. Take into account likely traffic or transport conditions.
Assemble the information you need to bring well in advance (e.g. qualifications, examples of work etc). Be able to explain your current remuneration package and be clear about what you are expecting. It may not be appropriate for you to raise this at the first interview but you should be prepared to discuss it if the employer wants to.
Research the organisation so you can ask informed questions. If you are using a recruitment agency, ask them for insights about the company, the interviewers and their style. Try to go beyond clichéd questions to find out what really matters to you – is it culture, structure, work variety, your areas of interest, work/life balance or travel opportunities.
Interviewers often seek real life-examples to tease out your skills, attitudes and achievements. Be prepared for these behavioural interviews. Prepare clear examples that highlight the actions you took and results achieved.
Arrival and greeting
Make sure you are dressed professionally. Your objective is to make the conversation as pleasant as possible for the interviewer – don’t arrive sweaty, smelling of smoke, strong perfumes or after shave.
You should also arrive five minutes before the interview. If you are running late call ahead with an estimated arrival time. Apologise and explain your lateness at the interview. Remember to be nice to everyone – receptionists and support staff are often asked for their feedback on you.
In the interview, rote learn the interviewer/s name/s and use them often. Use body language by looking the interviewer in the eye, sitting up straight and minimising nervous habits such as fingernail biting and fidgeting. Turn off your mobile phone. If you forget and it rings during the interview then apologise and turn it off. Do not take the call!
Don’t duck small talk. It’s designed to put you at ease and shows your social skills. But don’t go over the top when it comes to talking about yourself. Let the interviewer lead.
The interview
There are different types of interview. Some will be very structured and others very casual. More detail on this is available in our types of interviews section.
Be yourself. Speak clearly and enthusiastically about your experiences and skills. Be professional but let your personality come through.
Listen carefully. That way you won’t offer wrong answers, repeat topics or miss information that could be important to your decision.
Be positive. Don’t wallow on bad experiences but focus on the facts and what you have learnt from your experiences.
Do not interrupt. Never swear – even if the interviewer does.
Prepare for likely questions with friends or family and you will give better answers with fewer ‘ums’ and ‘ahs’. Take notes into the interview with you. It shows you are serious and have thought about the job.
Make sure you cover some key issues in your prepared questions. Topics could include:
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Is this a new or existing position?
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What are the main job responsibilities and priorities?
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Who does this position report to?
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What criteria do you use for measuring success?
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What are the next steps in the interview process?
Concluding
If you are genuinely interested in the role then say so. Leave the interviewer with a good impression. End with a smile and a firm handshake.
Follow-up
Where appropriate, it is recommended that you write a follow up letter/email. The letter should be brief and relevant. It should:
- Express appreciation for their time
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Re-emphasise significant points
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Add points you didn't cover
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Reiterate/elaborate how you can contribute
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Express interest in speaking/meeting again.
If you have been asked to provide further information, do quickly and efficiently. If the interview was arranged by a recruitment agency make sure that you provide the consultant with feedback immediately.
Nervousness during an interview
If you are feeling nervous it may calm you to verbalise it. Say, ‘I haven't interviewed for some time and I'm a little nervous’. Many people speak much faster when they are nervous and drive themselves off the topic. Remember to breathe slowly and deeply and slow down your responses. Take some time to formulate your response before jumping into an answer.
Important things to avoid
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Don’t be too casual or overly friendly
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Don’t make very general statements which lack substance
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Don’t arrive poorly prepared
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Don’t make derogatory remarks about your present or former employers
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Don’t be late.