If you’re going for a job interview, remember that the person doing the hiring is not trying to prove that you’re the wrong candidate, rather they are searching for a clear, honest impression of why you might be just what they need.

PREPARATION is the first step in the interview process.

Make sure you know all you can about the business/company you are applying to work for.

Let your interviewers see that you have done your research as this will show your interest in the business as well as demonstrating your initiative.

When looking them up, start by looking at their website to get an understanding of what they do, then widen your research and look at what’s in the media about them, or talk to anyone you know who is/ has worked for that company or in that particular sector, to get a deeper understanding.

Know the role

Understand the role you are applying for.

Examine each of the points on the job description and make sure that you can give examples of where you have experience/knowledge with regard to these.

Also have a think about how you might be able to advance/improve your skills within the role.

Know your CV

Just because it’s all there in black and white on the printed version or the pdf that you have sent with your application doesn’t mean that you won’t be expected to discuss it in more detail at interview stage.

Make sure the CV is up-to-date, but also that you are aware of every detail that’s on it.

Also audit your digital presence – make sure you LinkedIn profile aligns with your CV.

Employers will check.

The right attitude

A positive, friendly attitude goes a long way in impressing an employer, and they will be looking for someone who can get along well with both clients and colleagues.

Remember to dress to impress, think positive, and keep talk about previous experience/employers positive.

Having a dig at an old boss or colleague while applying for a new job sends a very negative message to a prospective new employer.

It also opens up questions about you and might have the interviewer wondering if you were the problem in the previous scenario.

Be an active listener, talk about your strengths in a clear, factual and sincere manner.

Body language is also very important – maintain good posture, smile, and speak clearly.

Keep calm

Interviewers understand that you may be nervous.

They’re not out to get you, but they do need to get as clear a picture as possible regarding you and what you have to offer them.

If you get thrown by a question, take a breath and if you need a moment to think, take a drink of water.

It’s better to compose yourself and give a good answer than to just blurt something out in a panic.

If you don’t understand a question, simply ask for it to be rephrased.

It shows that you are more interested in giving the right answer than trying to bluff your way through.

It also demonstrates confidence.

Practice

Although you can never guess the exact questions you will get, there is often a pattern that interviewers will follow.

Normally, they will start with questions around your CV and experience.

They might ask you to talk about yourself and perhaps to take them through your CV.

Again, this is where familiarity with your own CV, while it seems obvious, is very important.

They may ask you to give examples of your performance in previous work situations, e.g. where you worked as part of a team on a particular project or where you were able to troubleshoot and subsequently solve a problem.

They may delve further and ask, ‘Why do you want this job?’ or ‘Why are you leaving your current role?’.

Have answers ready and keep them positive.

The best policy

As the saying goes, honesty is the best policy, and this should be a common thread throughout your entire application and interview process.Don’t falsify information about yourself or make claims with regard to your skills that you simply cannot back up.

Not only does this set you up for a fall in a job that you are not qualified for, but it also leaves a bad taste with an employer when you are found out.As far as an employer is concerned, skills can be taught, honesty cannot.

They might like your ‘vibe’ and be willing to hire you without some skills, safe in the understanding that you will learn on the job. They simply will not employ someone they don’t trust.

Confidence

Confidence is key to a good interview, but be careful not to come across as arrogant or overly self-assured. Interpersonal skills are important and you need to show that you can listen, take information on board and not assume that you know it all already.

Be patient

Prematurely asking questions about salary, benefits etc makes you look interested only in the money and perks and not the job or the company. It is best if you delay asking these questions until you receive an offer.

However, an interview is a two-way street and there are questions you can ask that will show you are thinking more as an employee than just a candidate. For example, questions like ‘how does the team handle mistakes or setbacks?’; ‘What is the most significant challenge the team is facing right now?’ or perhaps most significant ‘Is there anything about my background or experience that gives you pause, or that I should clarify further?’.

Questions like these demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.

Courtesy

Finally, the interview does not end when you walk out the door or end the video call.

Send a follow-up ‘thank you’ email to the interviewer within 24 hours.

This demonstrates courtesy and it also helps to keep you to the forefront of their mind in the midst of all the other candidates.

Use the opportunity to again express your enthusiasm for the role.

It’s also an opportunity to highlight something you may have forgotten in the interview itself.