7 basic interview tips to stand out and get the job

Have you got an interview coming up?

Has it been a while?

We have plenty of interview tips to get you started with your preparation.

Attending an interview can be a daunting feeling. Read on to discover our top tips to show your best side during an interview.

As soon as you submit an application you are being considered. Take time to really think about every interaction and how you are coming across because the small things really matter.

Interview Attitude

When you are contacted by a prospective employer or Recruitment Agency, it’s important that you are upbeat and open on the call. In every interaction, you are not only being assessed on your skills fit, but also on your culture fit too.

Should you receive any emails relating to the recruitment process, acknowledge them with a reply. Showing likeability and engagement toward the opportunity will ensure that the person you are in contact with is supporting you and your application.

Interview Research

Knowing a bit about the company you are interviewing with is essential. It is bound to come up during the interview as ‘what do you know about us?’ so don’t get caught out.

Have a look at the company website. About Us is a good starting point to discover more about what the company offers to their customers and what makes them unique. Next, head over to the Careers page. Here there should be some insight into the company culture and values. Make a note of these points and have a think about how you match.

If you are struggling to grasp the company offering, head over to YouTube. Most tech firms will upload a Key Note address from their leaders which is an excellent insight into the direction the business is headed and if you are interviewing for a Technical role, look for a product demo for insight. You can also check out Glassdoor which is a platform that allows prospective, current, and past employees to review a company. This can make for an insightful read.

Interview Questions

Whether it’s an informal interview, a competency-based interview, a structured interview, or a panel interview, an interview is going to be a test of who you are, what experience you have, and what you can bring.

Spend some time looking at your CV. Relate it to the job description of the role you have applied for, and highlight the areas you feel are most important in the new role. Think about how you can convey the experience you hold within these all-important areas and write notes to support you.

It’s important that you show confidence in the abilities you have. Offer well-articulated examples of where you have demonstrated these skills to illustrate this.

Zoom Video Interview Tips

Interviewing over video can be daunting as it can be harder to build rapport and feel natural. But with video interviews and video-calls becoming more frequently used, this concept is here to stay. Ensure the room is well lit, your microphone is working, and that the background is neutral and not overly distracting. Have a drink close by as well as any notes you might need. The great thing about a video interview is that you could have a whiteboard behind your camera full of your helpful notes and only you will know.

Plan properly, the sound of shuffling bits of paper might be picked up on the microphone. Log out of any apps that might lead to notifications popping up. The most important thing is to ensure you have downloaded the Teams or Zoom software being used long before the interview, as well as being ready to spot if you’re on mute before needing to be told.

Telephone Interview Tips

Some people feel telephone interviews are much easier than video interviews because you are able to move around and don’t have to make eye contact with someone through a screen. Take advantage of standing up. Your voice will project more and you will feel more in control.

In preparation, have a think about how you explain experiences to people. Whether it’s how you first learned to ride a bike or land that huge deal, are you an engaging storyteller? If it’s not one of your strong points, try not to worry, find someone to practise with. Remember to structure your answers with a clear beginning, middle, and end to stay on track.

What to wear to an interview

If you are working from home most of the time for a relaxed employer, you might be wondering how to dress for an interview. There is probably no need to wear a suit unless you have been asked to, but think smart casual. A smart shirt or top, collared t-shirt/jumper should be perfect. It’s important that you feel that you are in an interview. By making a bit of extra effort with your appearance, this will help you get into the right mindset.

How to finish an interview

As the interview is coming to an end, be sure to thank the interviewer for their time and if you have enjoyed the call, tell them. Make them aware that you are interested in the role, and would be very interested to move along in the process. Sometimes our nerves get the better of us. Despite giving a good interview, we may not show that we really want the job. If this could be you, make it clear by giving a little feedback to the interviewer.

An interview should be seen as a business conversation between two parties to find a mutually beneficial agreement to join together as a team to deliver incredible work. Remember, you are deciding to attend the interview, it is you who must assess if the role and employer are right for you.

Good Luck ⭐

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