National Recruitment Service UK

For a lot of Candidates, interviews can be nerve-wracking. They are often worried about saying or doing the wrong things. That is understandable, especially if you’ve been out of a job for some time, and your previous interviews have not gone the way you want.

However, worry not, because, with the right amount of confidence and these tips, you will be fine.

So, to cover the bases, we are going to divide this article into three parts: Before the interview, during the interview, and after the interview.

 

BEFORE THE INTERVIEW

1. Do Your Research: Research is a huge part of preparing for an interview. So, before your interview date research the company. Find out their strengths and weaknesses and come up with ways you can add value to the business. Also, research their major competitors, not every company in the industry, just the ones giving them a run for their money. Interviewers love it when Interviewees have done their research, and even better, they love it when you proffer solutions and recommendations.
2. Arrange Your Selling Points: You can do the job, and you’ve great qualities and achievements that prove it, so don’t be afraid to say it. Go in with at least 3 to 5 selling points as to why you are the perfect Candidate for the job. Remember, you are not the only one they are interviewing, so you need to stand out.
3. Practice: A lot of candidates are afraid of sounding rehearsed and unnatural if they practice too much, never mind this. Practising your answers ensures that you do not go off point, and if you practice well enough, you will sound natural. To practice better, do it in front of a friend, they will help point out your flaws. Present your answers in a natural conversational tone of voice and your preparedness will be well received. No company will be impressed by generic answers found on the internet, so make sure your answers are tailored to the position you are applying for, and the company you are interviewing with.
4. Be Certain of the Job Description: If you have to, re-research it. When you are certain of the job description, you can align your skills and achievements to them when answering questions from the Interviewer.
5. Have Great Answers for Common Interview Questions: These are questions such as: “Tell me about yourself? What makes you unique? Why do you want to work for our company?” These questions will often crop up, so make sure you have some ideas for responses that are tailored to your specific interview. Also, don’t drone on, stick to the essentials; answers explicitly related to the job you are applying for, guided by the job description.
6. Have Your Résumé/References with You: It is unlikely that the Interviewer will not have or may have lost them, but to be on the safe side go with them. It will show that you are prepared. Also, if the Interviewer has lost them, then you can save them the embarrassment by providing yours. It is also worth taking any relevant proof of qualifications and ID, this shows further preparedness and may be required in order to further progress you through the on boarding process should you be successful.
7. Choose Your Outfit Beforehand: Do not wake up that morning and pick the first random thing you see. Save yourself the time and the agitation and set your clothes out beforehand. Something smart and confident, and makes sure anything that needs ironing is looking crisp, first impressions can be lasting.
8. Have Your Work Samples with You: Sure, you’ve already submitted them, but no rule says you can’t have them with you, especially if you are a creative or craftsman. Also, when you answer questions, do so with examples from your previous jobs where possible.
9. Prepare Your Questions: Don’t ask random questions when the Interviewer gives you the floor. All of this stems from researching the company and the job description. When you research them, you will ask the right questions. Here are some questions for the Interviewer to guide you.

 

DURING THE INTERVIEW

10. Answer Questions With the STAR Method: When the Interviewer asks a question about a previous task or a situation that needed your expertise to resolve it; the STAR method will cover all aspects of the question. STAR stands for:

• Situation: This is the circumstances.
• Task: This is your role in the situation.
• Action: This is the effort you put in to resolve the situation.
• Results: This is the result you got from the effort you put in.

Answering with the STAR Method effectively keeps you from going off-point.

11. Arrive Early: Get there at least ten to fifteen minutes early so that you can be relaxed and ready before you get called in. The worst thing you can do is come running into an interview with two minutes to spare or five minutes late. The Interviewer will not be impressed, and you will feel overwhelmed. That is no way to start an interview.
12. Be Aware of Your Body Language: Interviewers look out for non-verbal cues when asking questions. They are listening to the things you are not saying, so, do not fidget. Sit tall and stay confident, look your Interviewer in the eye when you talk. If you interview for a company whose culture is vastly different from yours, do your research. A body language you see as normal may come across as offensive to them.
13. Don’t Be Overly Nervous: It is normal to be nervous during an interview, but try to be as calm as you can, remember being nervous can actually help us to be more sharp, and after all the worse outcome is a no, and even with that you will have learned and had better practice for your next interview. Before you go in for the interview, take deep breaths to calm yourself. Use positive affirmations if you have to. Tell yourself you’ve got this, then go in there and ace that interview. Most good employers will understand most candidates have nerves, so just try to relax and enjoy the opportunity.

AFTER THE INTERVIEW

14. Send a Thank-You Note: You can do this via email. Make it more authentic by referring to things that you and the Interviewer discussed during the interview. Also, send this thank-you note within  48 hours of the interview. This will show you are keen and also demonstrate you have great manners and etiquette, which goes a long way!
15. Try Again: Sometimes, even when you are prepared, interviews may not go the way you want,. That is okay, and more often than not, it’s not about you, not everyone can get the job. So, try again with other interviews. However, before you do make a list of the things you feel you could improve on from the previous interview so that you improve each time, until you get the job you are seeking.

We hope these tips were helpful. Best of luck for any of your upcoming interviews. Go get that dream job!

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