Is an interview coming up? Boost your chances of success by following this advice on interview technique
Before the interview:
Regardless of the type of interview you’re preparing for, doing plenty of research and planning is key. Generally, you should:
- Consider how you’ll explain problematic aspects of your career, such as gaps in your work history.
- Identify the skills, interests, and experiences that the organization is looking for by looking at its website and social media channels.
- Plan your journey, aiming to arrive ten minutes before your interview is scheduled.
- Prepare answers to common interview questions, as well as your questions to ask at the interview.
- Find out about the people who’ll interview you.
- Research the issues, trends, and opportunities affecting the organization and the wider job sector.
- On the night before your interview, avoid alcohol, prepare your outfit, and get plenty of sleep.
- On the morning of your interview, eat a healthy breakfast and don’t consume too much caffeine. You can combat nerves by exercising – if you have time, of course – as this creates feelings of well being.
What to wear to an interview:
The typical interview dress code is usually straightforward for men: a dark suit and tie combination is the safest option. However, things are slightly more open for women. You could wear a dress, a trouser suit, or a skirt and blouse; black, navy or brown are the safest colors.
You should also:
- avoid wearing too much jewelry or make-up
- cut and clean your fingernails
- ensure that any briefcase or handbag you take is smart
- Polish your shoes
- tidily arrange your hair
- use aftershave or perfume sparingly
- wash and iron your outfit.
4 ways to make a good impression:
Positivity – Be well-mannered with any staff you meet before or after the interview and, if you’re feeling particularly nervous, remind yourself that the very worst thing that could happen is you simply not getting the job. During the interview, avoid talking about any personal problems unless completely necessary, and never badmouth your previous employers.
Body language – Give a firm handshake to your interviewer(s) before and after the session. Once you’re seated, sit naturally without slouching in your chair or leaning on the desk. Throughout the interview, remember to smile frequently and retain eye contact.
Clarity – Answer all questions clearly and concisely, evidencing your most relevant skills, experiences, and achievements. It’s perfectly acceptable to pause before answering a difficult question to give yourself thinking time, or asking for clarification if, at first, you’re unsure what the question means. When answering, don’t speak too quickly.
Enthusiasm – You must allow your personality to shine throughout and ask thought-provoking questions at appropriate moments. Both of these strategies will demonstrate that you’re genuinely interested in the role and listening closely to the interviewer.
After the interview:
When leaving the organization, let the interviewer know that you’re available to answer any follow-up questions. If you feel things went particularly well, you could email the interviewer the next day, thanking them for their time.
In most cases, the organization will now have enough evidence to make their decision. In some cases, however, you may be asked to attend a second interview, which aims to more closely scrutinize what you and any other remaining candidates can bring to the role. Prepare for your second interview just like your first, but you should also:
- Request feedback from your first interview, before addressing anything that caused you difficulty.
- Research the organization in even greater detail than for the first interview, preparing examples that demonstrate how you can benefit the organization.
Don’t worry if you don’t get the job. Ask the recruiter for feedback.
