EIGHT GOLDEN RULES FOR NAILING AN INTERVIEW

Even superbly confident people can be nervous when faced with a job interview. Whether you’ve done many interviews before or you’re approaching your first, preparation is always your key to getting closer to a job offer. Putting the time in before you are in the hot seat will guide you towards that dream job.

Do these 8 things at interview

1. Be honest

First and foremost, you must present your true self to the interviewer. There might be a temptation to embellish your ability or experiences, but your potential new employer will value truthfulness. Likewise, if you don’t know the answer to a question, it’s OK to admit that.

Hint: If you are stuck for the exact answer, say so and follow up by explaining how you would approach finding the solution or answer they are looking for.

2. Ask for clarification

Don’t be intimidated just because the interviewer is on the other side of the desk or noting down everything you say. He or she is human too, and probably an imperfect human, like the rest of us! If you are confused by a question, there is no need to panic. Ask the interviewer to explain what they mean: this avoids you going off on the wrong tangent when you answer. The interviewer will appreciate your ability to question in order to understand exactly what they are looking for.

Hint: If you have a rough idea of what they want, it’s okay to think aloud and share your thoughts as a way of moving towards an understanding, and an answer to their question.

3. Tailor your answers

Your best friend in the interview is the job description, which you will already have from the application stage. Make sure you know it inside out before the interview, so you’ve already worked out how to match your experience and skills to what the job requires. Many interviewers will ask candidates why they think they are suited to the job. Having the job description in advance means you can really prepare for this question.

Hint: Expand how you match the job by sprinkling your answers with information relevant to the wider organisation, not just the role you are applying for.

4. Research, Research, Research

In the run-up to the big day, be a detective! Take time to understand the firm’s values, recent news, and any challenges it faces. The LinkedIn platform is a goldmine for discovering more about the people interviewing you. Think about some examples you can give to show you’d fit in.

Hint: If your invitation to interview does not include details of who is interviewing you, it’s okay to ask.

5. Prepare thoughtful questions

Don’t be stumped for an answer if asked, ‘Do you have any questions for us?’ You can really set yourself apart here. Prepare some thought-provoking questions; steer clear of ones that can be answered with a yes or no. Keeping up to date with industry news should help you.

Hint: Focus your questions on factors such as market trends or industry challenges, allowing your interviewer to share their specific insight.

6. Master your body language

There is more to think about during your interview than your answers. Be aware that your body language will give off nonverbal cues. So, arrive with a bright smile, sit up straight, and maintain good eye contact. Crossing your arms can make you seem defensive, while holding your hands open with touching fingertips shows confidence; lower them to show you are concentrating when the interviewer is speaking.

Hint: Aim to come across as interested and confident; try not to seem arrogant, unfriendly or smug!

7. Plan ahead

The interview starts well before you enter the room. Don’t mess things up by forgetting to bring any documents they have requested, such as ID or certificates. Plan your route and aim to arrive 10-15 minutes early.

Hint: Interviews don’t start when you walk into the room; they begin even before you leave home, so be prepared for every step of the process.

8. Mind the small talk

Your interview may start with some small talk. This might be about the weather or your journey to the interview. Use this as an opportunity to calm your nerves and build rapport before the questions start. Be warm and approachable—show interest in the interviewer and mirror their tone. A little chemistry can go a long way in leaving a positive first impression.

Hint: If you tie with another candidate, the employer can factor in chemistry – see point number 4 above about researching your interviewer!

STAR At Your Interview

A great interview stems from preparation, professionalism, and presence. It is a two-way process, giving you a parallel opportunity to assess the role and the company.

No matter how much you prepare, you might not be the right fit, have the necessary experience or possess the ability to do the job. The goal is not to have a 100% success rate but rather to find your niche that will bring you long-term satisfaction.

And a final note about a strategy for answering questions:

The STAR method helps guide you in answering interview questions effectively and efficiently. Get to grips with using this method [https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/careers-advice/interview-advice/the-star-method]; write out several answers using the situation, task, action and result (STAR) and apply them to your interview answers.

It’s always a good idea to follow up with a thank you. Send a brief email outlining your gratitude for the opportunity and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. If you don’t get the job this time, don’t forget to ask for feedback. Firms are used to being asked to provide this, and it’s a very useful way of fine-tuning your answers for your next interview!