Interview tips and techniques
How you perform in an interview will ultimately decide whether you will secure a role – so it’s important to get it right.
These are some mostly ‘common-sense’ tips to ensure that you get off to the right start.
Preparation
You should prepare for an interview by researching the organisation. Suggested things to research may be as follows:
- The company’s core activities
- Their history and origins
- Where the company operates
- The type and number of company employees
- Current initiatives and future plans
- Who the head of the organisation is
- Any recent press comments
Make sure you’re clear on your own achievements and aspirations, as most interviewers will ask you about these throughout your meeting.
On the day
It may seem obvious, but the key thing in interviews is to appear friendly, confident and interested in the role you’re appling for. Remember that you’re ‘on trial’ as soon as you arrive on site – so be polite and courteous to everyone you meet.
Other general tips include:
- Dress smartly regardless of the company dress code
- Turn up five to ten minutes before the meeting. Don’t be late, and equally don’t turn up too early – the interviewer may still be preparing
- Be courteous and confident
- Listen to questions and answer them as honestly as possible. It’s generally not a good idea to over prepare for interviews. Interviewers can sense when you are giving stock answers
- Take each point in turn and ask for clarification if necessary
- If you don't know the answer, say so
- Don't give one-word answers, such as "yes" and "no" – try to elaborate
- Make eye contact and assume a relaxed but formal body position. If there are multiple interviewers, give your attention equally
- Make sure you know if you need to prepare anything prior to interviews (presentations, preparation for numeracy/literacy tests)
- Be sure to ask questions at the end of the interview based on topics discussed
- Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol or eating strong-smelling food directly before the meeting
If you need some more advice on any stage of the job search process, please give us a call and we’ll do our best to help.
