Interview hints and tips:
- May 25
- 2 min read
Being interviewed is a daunting experience for most of us. Dealing with a pressure situation when something important to our career is on the line can be an intimidating experience, but with the right preparation, everyone can learn to perform better at interviews
Before you get there:
Research the company- find out what they do and any values that they live by, this can help with the interview question ‘why do you want to work for us’
Print your notes, CV and job description and take a pen- this shows you are organised and have actually taken time to prepare
If you need to do a presentation- run through it, time it, print it off in case of any technical glitches on the day
Know where you are going- get it on Google maps, time how long it takes and add 15mins so you allow for traffic etc. and you can arrive early
Before you go in, go for a quick walk down the road, your brain works better and quicker after exercise
In the interview
If you are offered a drink- take water, you will need it
Start with a smile, take an interest in the environment you are in, comment on how nice the area is etc. and how easy it was for you to get there, nice ice breaker and shows your human
Make a note of the people’s names who are interviewing you, you can integrate them into your answers
Write down the questions as they are asked, they may have two or more parts to them, and it ensures you can prompt yourself and cover each one
Structure your answers- follow the SBO ( Situation, Behaviour, Outcome) or STAR model (Situation, Task, Action, Result) especially when answering competency-based questions
Think of positive words or phrases to incorporate into your answers such as successfully, gladly, positive, wonderful, excellent- make eye contact and say them with a smile.
If you don’t have an example, say so and move on, make a note of it and come back to it later- but make sure you do as if it’s a point system you won’t get any for not answering.
If it is a presentation give yourself time to set up, feel the room, make sure you can present without blocking the screen, answer any questions they have after it.
Just when you think it's over
Have two or three questions to ask them- always remember you are interviewing them as much as the other way around, you must feel comfortable asking the questions and be comfortable receiving the answers.
Unless asked don’t discuss salary, this will be offered to you during the offer conversation and you are totally entitled to think about it and call somebody back.
As you are going out and they are thanking you for coming, smile, shake hands and offer a phrase such as ‘hopefully see you again soon’ it’s their lasting impression of you so make it a good one!
