By Jennifer Leeman, Recruitment Consultant
Interview success isn’t just about being the most qualified candidate. It’s about presenting yourself in the best possible light and showing you’re a genuinely good fit for the role and the business.
Preparing for interview should not be taken lightly.
You need to research the company and what they do. Set a strategy to talk about your strengths. Showcase your skills and sell your personality.
Hopefully, with a few of our essential interview tips in your toolkit, you’ll find it easier to tackle your next interview with confidence – and land that dream job.
1. Research the company like mad
Before you even walk into the interview room, you need to know as much as possible about the company, their vision and values.
A survey by Glassdoor found that 88% of hiring managers say being well-informed about their company is a key factor in interview success. Understanding their culture and goals will help you tailor your answers to align with their needs.
Take a look at their company website, LinkedIn and recent articles to gather relevant information that you can refer to in your answers.
2. Make a great first impression
Studies show that interviewers form an opinion of you within the first 7 seconds of meeting you. To set the right tone for the entire interview, walk into the room with confidence, offer a firm handshake, make eye contact and smile.
It’s also important to dress appropriately for the company culture. If you’re unsure what that looks like, it’s better to be overdressed than underdressed.
3. Prepare for common interview questions
Certain questions pop up in almost every interview, so be prepared for them!
Tell me about yourself. This is your chance to summarise your experience in two minutes or less. Focus on your professional background, key skills and how they align with the role you’re applying for. Be concise and relevant.
What are your strengths and weaknesses? When discussing strengths, choose those most relevant to the job. For weaknesses, frame them as areas where you’re actively working to improve.
Why do you want to work here? Try to align this with the company’s values, mission or recent achievements – and in relation to your overall career goals. This is why your research comes in handy!
4. Ask insightful questions
It always gets asked at the end of every interview, so be prepared when the interviewer says “Do you have any questions for us?”
Always say yes – because this is your chance to find out about their company culture and assess if they are the right fit for you.
According to a LinkedIn report, 84% of interviewers say asking insightful questions is a key part of standing out from other candidates.
5. Showcase your soft skills
While qualifications and technical abilities are important, companies often want to assess your soft skills just as much (or more).
Try to give examples of how you are adaptive, the way you like to communicate, how you solve problems and why you work well in a team. Employers want candidates who can thrive in collaborative environments and handle changing priorities.
6. Be honest about your experience
Whilst it can be tempting to exaggerate your experience to seem like a perfect fit, this can often backfire. Most employers would rather hire someone who is honest and coachable than someone who has overstated their abilities.
If you are lacking in a skill, acknowledge it but express your enthusiasm to learn. Employers appreciate honesty and a willingness to grow.
7. Manage your nerves
It’s perfectly normal to feel nervous before an interview. But it’s essential to manage your anxiety so it doesn’t interfere with your performance.
Take a few deep breaths before walking into the interview room. Try to think of the experience as a conversation rather than an interrogation. Stay calm and remember you are both there to determine whether you’re a good fit for each other.
