Interview advice

So, you’ve landed an interview — congratulations! Now it’s time to make sure you’re fully prepared. Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but with the right preparation, you’ll be able to perform at your best, whether you’re meeting in person or via video.

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Research, Research, Research!

It’s surprising how many candidates walk into an interview without knowing much about the company. Take the time to thoroughly research the company, its culture, its products or services, and its competitors. This research will give you conversation topics and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role. It also helps you prepare insightful questions, making you appear more engaged and knowledgeable.

What the Interviewer Expects

Regardless of whether the interview is in person or virtual, there are some basics that remain the same:

Dress Appropriately: In person, aim to be slightly overdressed rather than underdressed, and ensure you’re clean, neat, and well-groomed. For virtual interviews (Zoom, Teams, etc.), dress as you would for an in-person interview — from head to toe! While you may only be seen from the waist up, dressing professionally will help you feel confident and maintain a polished appearance. Avoid distracting patterns or overly bright colors.
Punctuality is Key: Aim to arrive 10-15 minutes early for an in-person interview. For video interviews, test your tech setup at least 15 minutes in advance to ensure everything works smoothly — this includes checking your camera, microphone, and internet connection. Being ready on time shows professionalism and respect for the interviewer’s time.
Body Language & Confidence: Whether in person or on camera, try to look calm and composed. Offer a firm handshake if in person. For video interviews, smile and maintain eye contact by looking into the camera, not at your screen. Keep your posture straight and your hands visible, but avoid excessive movement.

Engage with the Interviewer

Answer Questions Clearly: Be honest and concise. It’s natural to feel nervous, but focus on keeping your answers clear, relevant, and positive. For video interviews, remember that sometimes there may be a slight delay, so be patient and wait for the interviewer to finish speaking before you respond. Don’t interrupt!
Show Enthusiasm: Even in a virtual setting, let your passion for the role shine through. Employers are looking for candidates who are not just qualified but genuinely interested. Be ready to elaborate on your experience and achievements, but always stay humble and avoid overselling yourself.
Be Prepared to Discuss Your Skills: Make sure you’re ready to discuss the skills listed on your CV, providing specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past roles. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to frame your answers effectively.

Ask Thoughtful Questions

At the end of the interview, you’ll likely be asked if you have any questions. Don’t hesitate to ask! Here are some examples:

Is this a new position, or are you replacing someone?
What is the company culture like? Is the team collaborative?
Can you tell me more about the work environment?
How do you measure success in this role?
What opportunities for growth and development exist within the company?

These questions show that you’re thinking about the long-term fit and are invested in the role.

Wrapping Up the Interview

In Person: End the interview with a smile, a firm handshake, and express gratitude for the opportunity. Let them know you’re excited about the next steps.
On Video: Thank the interviewer for their time, and be sure to express your enthusiasm for the role. Don’t forget to maintain eye contact as you conclude the conversation.

After the Interview

Your next step should be reaching out to your recruitment consultant to provide honest feedback about how the interview went. The more information you can provide, the better your consultant can represent you and discuss your potential with the client.

If you have any additional questions about the role or the next steps, don’t hesitate to ask your consultant. They are there to support you throughout the process!

If you have seen a role that has been advertised and would like more information, or you have a general enquiry, please contact our team of recruiters today. Alternatively, you can upload your CV directly to our recruitment team.