Kudos to you! Your impressive resume has landed you an interview opportunity. This is your moment to shine and prove that you’re the perfect fit for the role. Interviews can be daunting, but with adequate preparation, you can ease your anxiety and increase your chances of success. As a seasoned Recruiter, I’ve guided countless candidates through their interview preparations, offering valuable insights and strategies. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you ace your interview and secure your dream position.
Research is Key
One of the most common questions interviewers ask is why you’re interested in their company. Your response reveals your knowledge about the organisation and the depth of your research. Candidates who showcase their understanding of the company often have an edge over those with generic answers. To stand out:
- Explore the Company Website: Familiarise yourself with the company’s mission, values, and culture.
- Stay Updated with Company News: A quick Google News search can provide recent updates about the company, such as major achievements or new partnerships.
- Understand the Market: Identify the company’s competitors and understand its position in the market.
- Leverage LinkedIn: Check out the company’s LinkedIn page for recent updates and initiatives. You can also connect with current employees to gain insights into the company culture and hiring preferences.
- Engage with Other Social Media Platforms: This can offer additional insights and talking points for your interview.
Anticipate Interview Questions
Review the job description and identify the essential skills and experiences required. Prepare examples from your past roles where you’ve demonstrated these skills. Here are some potential questions based on the job description:
Initiative Requirement: “Can you provide an instance where you worked autonomously?”
IT Proficiency Requirement: “Which software or systems are you familiar with?”
Competency-based questions are popular in interviews. They require you to share real-life instances where you’ve showcased specific skills. To answer these effectively, use the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result). This method helps structure your response, highlighting the problem, your role, and the outcome.
Practice Makes Perfect
Rehearse your answers with a friend or family member. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll feel. Seek feedback to refine your responses.
Be Punctual and Prepared
Whether it’s a virtual or in-person interview, ensure you’re early. For virtual interviews, test your equipment in advance. For in-person interviews, plan your route and have a backup plan in case of unforeseen delays.
Dress Appropriately
For most interviews, it’s best to opt for professional attire. Even for virtual interviews, dress professionally (at least the top half).
Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, you’ll likely have the opportunity to ask questions. This is your chance to learn more about the role and demonstrate your enthusiasm. Some questions to consider:
“What are the primary objectives for this position?”
“How is performance evaluated?”
“How does this role contribute to the company’s broader goals?”
Bring Essentials to the Interview
Carry a notebook and pen for notes, multiple copies of your resume, and any other relevant documents. Ensure they’re protected from potential damage, like rain.
Conclude Gracefully
Express gratitude for the opportunity and follow up with a thank-you email within 24 hours.
If you’re not selected, seek feedback to improve for future opportunities. If you’re offered the position, congratulations! Now’s the time to discuss your compensation package – and don’t forget to check out my blog post, Ten Easy Ways to Achieve a Higher Job Offer, to learn how.
For more insights, check out these articles:
The top 5 mistakes made when attending an interview – and how to avoid them
How to write a great CV in SIX easy steps
Elizabeth Willetts is the Founder of Investing in Women – a female-empowering job board and community helping family-friendly AND forward-thinking employers hire professionals looking for fulfilling flexible and part-time work. She is an experienced Recruiter with over 17 years of experience – both in-house at one of the Big 4 and from one of the UK’s largest recruitment agencies.
Elizabeth is also a mum to two daughters – Emily and Annabelle (and a Labradoodle called Dougal). She is a passionate believer in the power of part-time and flexible work to retain women in the workplace and close the gender pay gap.
If you hope to return to work after a career break, we have a great selection of flexible, part-time and work-from-home jobs on the Investing in Women jobs board. To see the latest flexible and part-time jobs click here.
