Article Summary
When it comes to an interview, you can never be too prepared. Read our blog to know 7 tips for your next interview.
When it comes to an interview, you can never be too prepared… Whether you’re new to job hunting, or you’re a well-practiced interviewee – thorough research and effective preparation is absolutely essential to guarantee interview success. Attempting to ‘wing it’ will only ever end badly (and/or in awkward silences). We’ve already covered telephone interview dos and don’ts and video interview tips, but if you’re invited to a face-to-face interview – here are our top tips on how to prepare:
Getting started
First things first, you need to know what to prepare for. Aside from giving you an insight into the role and organization, good interview preparation will also give you some all-important confidence. Let’s face it, no-one likes surprises. But what specific preparation should you carry out? Here are a few key things to cover:
- Research the company
- Look up your role
- Find the address
- Pick an outfit
- Think of some potential questions your interviewer may ask
- Prepare some potential questions you could ask at the end of the interview
101 interview questions you’ll never fear again
The week before the interview
Research the company Interviewers expect candidates to have a good grasp of what their organization does – meaning your ability to research effectively is essential. Consider aspects like: how big the company is, how it’s divided up, who their customers are, and who their main competitors are – as well as any recent developments or plans within the company. With this knowledge, you’ll be able to add value to the conversation, whilst showing a genuine interest in what they do. Read the job description When it comes to interviewing preparation, the job description is your best friend. Not only will a thorough examination of the duties and required personal qualities help you to understand more about what the role entails – it’ll also help you to recognize exactly what the employer is looking for. Then, you can tailor your answers accordingly – coming up with tangible examples that prove you’re the best candidate for the role. What job adverts really mean Figure out the format Interviews can take a number of forms – from one-on-one and group interviews to position-specific tests, role plays, and psychometric questionnaires. And each one will require a different type of preparation. Often, this will be explained when you’re invited to the interview, but there’s no harm in asking for more information if needed. Researching online to find out how the process has worked for other people in your situation will also help you to figure out what to expect. Finding out who your interviewer(s) will be and researching their roles within the organization will additionally help to reduce surprises on the big day. You can look these up on the company website, or try finding them on LinkedIn. Competency-based interviews: What you need to know Group interview tasks and activities Write things down Unfortunately, you can’t predict every interview question that’ll come up. So instead of relying solely on memorized answers, prepare an additional list of your most relevant skills, attributes, and work experience. Each question you address will be an opportunity to provide some of this information to the interviewer. That way, you can get be sure you’ll get your most suitable qualities across – even if the specific questions you were hoping for don’t come up. What are transferable skills?
The day before the interview
Although you should have the bulk of your preparation done by now – that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to organize the day before. Here are a few things to do:
- Pick your outfit and try it on
- Find a map of the location
- Do a trial run to check the journey time
- Put important information into a folder (e.g. your CV, portfolio, certificates, or any other examples of your work and/or qualifications)
- Read and review the research you’ve done
Sorting out all of the above in advance will mean less stress on the day of the interview. You’ll be sure your outfit fits, you’ll know exactly where you’re going, and with all of your important documents to hand – the interviewer will be able to see you’re prepared. Even if you don’t end up needing examples of your work – they could turn out to be a great way to demonstrate a point or answer a question. Pre-interview checklist
The day of the interview
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FAQs
Start by researching the company, reviewing the job description, and understanding how your skills match the position. Prepare examples from your previous experience and practise answering common interview questions clearly and confidently.
Research the company’s products or services, values, recent developments, workplace culture, and position within its industry. This knowledge can help you provide relevant answers and demonstrate genuine interest in the organisation.
Listen carefully to each question before responding and keep your answers focused. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills, responsibilities, achievements, and how you handled challenges in previous roles.
Choose clean, professional clothing that is appropriate for the company and role. If you are unsure about the dress code, a smart and slightly formal outfit is generally a safe choice.
Prepare thoroughly, arrive early, take a few deep breaths, and avoid rushing your answers. Remember that it is normal to feel nervous and that preparation can help you feel more comfortable.
Consider asking about the role’s priorities, team structure, company culture, professional development opportunities, or expectations during the first few months. Good questions can show that you have researched the position.
Review your performance while the conversation is still fresh in your mind and identify areas for improvement. If appropriate, send a brief thank-you message and remain available for any further information the employer may request.
Avoid arriving late, failing to research the employer, giving overly long answers, speaking negatively about previous employers, checking your phone, or appearing uninterested in the role.
Communicate clearly, maintain appropriate eye contact, listen attentively, demonstrate enthusiasm for the role, and support your answers with relevant examples. A professional and positive attitude can help you stand out from other candidates.