How to do well in an interview?

You've likely experienced the nerves and anticipation that come with preparing for an interview. Knowing how to excel can make the difference between receiving an offer and continuing your job search. So, what strategies truly elevate your performance, and how can you best prepare? Dive into understanding the interview process to boost your confidence and chances of success. Let's explore what an interview involves, the various types, and typical stages, so you're equipped to handle your next opportunity with ease.

1. Understand the Interview Process

1.1 What is an interview?

An interview is a structured conversation where employers assess your suitability for a role. It's not just about your qualifications but also about how well you'll compliment the existing team. Your goal? To effectively communicate your skills, experience, and working style.

Pro-tip: Use each question as an opportunity to showcase your skills, aligning your answers with the core competencies outlined in the job description.

1.2 Types of interviews

Interviews come in many formats, and recognising each type helps you tailor your approach:

• Phone Interviews: Used for initial screening, often focusing on qualifying criteria and enthusiasm.

• Video Interviews: Popular for remote and hybrid positions.

• Panel Interviews: Multiple interviewers evaluate different aspects, so address each one individually.

• Group Interviews: Show teamwork and leadership abilities, not just individual brilliance.

Pro-tip: Ahead of the interview, identify its format. Practise with friends or mentors to receive critical feedback on your approach.

1.3 The typical stages of an interview

Understand that interviews generally progress through a series of stages, from initial contact to final decision:

1. Initial Screening: Brief, often telephonic, to evaluate basic qualifications and interest.

2. First Interview: More in-depth, focusing on skills and role fit.

3. Assessment Tests: Evaluate specific abilities relevant to the job.

4. Final Interview: Discuss career goals, and to meet the wider team.

Memorise these stages to anticipate what's expected at each step, ensuring you're less likely to be caught off guard.

Pro-tip: After each stage, send a thoughtful thank-you email, referencing specific points discussed. It keeps you fresh in the interviewer's memory and shows eagerness for the role.

2. Research the Company and Role

2.1 How to research a company

Researching a company before your interview is crucial to showcase your interest and preparedness. Here's an effective strategy to gain valuable insights:

• Visit the company's website: Focus on their mission statement, values, and recent news in the "About Us" and "Press Releases" sections.

• Explore LinkedIn: Follow the company's page for updates and note key personnel, especially those in leadership or related to your desired role.

• Check industry news: Use platforms like Google News or industry-specific publications to find the latest developments about the company.

• Financial health: If it's publicly traded, review their latest financial statements or reports available on sites like Yahoo Finance.

Engaging with employees, either directly or via platforms like Glassdoor, can provide a behind-the-scenes perspective on the company culture. Additionally, perusing customer reviews or employee testimonials can reveal common themes about the work environment or service quality.

Pro-tip: When exploring LinkedIn, pay attention to recent posts shared by current employees. It might highlight ongoing projects or initiatives that you can mention during your interview for added relevance.

2.2 Understanding the job description

Breaking down a job description is essential to tailor your approach effectively. Start by identifying core responsibilities and required qualifications. Break down the job description into:

• Key responsibilities: Highlight these to ensure your experiences align with the company’s needs.

• Essential skills: Note any specific technical or soft skills that are repeatedly mentioned.

• Desirable traits: Look out for preferred qualifications or experience that could set you apart.

Pay special attention to any repeated phrases or specific software or tools mentioned, as they usually indicate what's highly valued. Incorporating examples of when you've successfully utilised these skills can make a significant difference.

It's also helpful to interpret what isn't directly stated but can be inferred, such as the pace of work (e.g., "fast-paced environment" indicates high adaptability). This attention to detail helps anticipate questions and formulate responses that demonstrate your suitability.

Pro-tip: Use highlighters or digital tools to visually separate job requirements and your matching qualifications. This helps in structured answer preparation using the STAR technique later.

2.3 Identifying key skills and qualities required

Analysing the job description isn't purely about listing required skills; it's about understanding their context within the role. Focus on:

• Technical competencies: Are specific programming languages, design tools, or project management methodologies highlighted?

• Soft skills: Attributes like team collaboration, communication, or leadership could be necessary for a senior position.

• Industry-specific knowledge: Familiarity with regulations or industry practices may be crucial for niche sectors.

Reflect on how your past experiences match these skills. For example, if leadership is valued, prepare narratives demonstrating your leadership style and results. Use specific scenarios where your skills made a tangible impact.

Moreover, checking competitor job ads for similar roles can reveal universally desired traits. If certain skills repeatedly appear, it's likely they're essential, even if not explicitly emphasised by your target company.

Pro-tip: Create a chart mapping your skills and experiences against the job requirements. This visual tool can streamline your preparation and ensure you address each requirement during your interview.

3. Prepare Your Answers

3.1 Common interview questions

Job interviews often feature a set of standard questions designed to evaluate your suitability for the role. Being aware of these questions allows you to prepare effectively. Some frequently asked questions include: "Tell me about yourself", which serves as an opportunity for a succinct professional introduction highlighting key experiences and achievements. Another common question, "What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?" requires careful consideration to craft a balanced response, showcasing your abilities while acknowledging areas for improvement in a constructive manner.

Other typical questions might revolve around your motivations for applying ("Why do you want to work here?"), your professional goals, or how you've handled challenges in the past. Tailor your responses to align with the company's needs and the job's requirements. Importantly, practise delivering these answers to make them sound natural and confident. You can use mock interviews to ensure you communicate your points effectively and with the right tone.

Pro-tip: Record yourself answering common interview questions, then review to identify any areas for improvement in clarity and delivery.

3.2 The STAR technique for answering questions

The STAR technique is a structured method to help you answer behavioural interview questions effectively. This acronym stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. It's ideal for questions like "Can you give an example of a difficult situation you've managed successfully?" Start by describing the Situation, laying out the context concisely. Move on to the Task that was your responsibility, ensuring you articulate clearly what was expected of you.

Then, detail the Action you took, focusing on specific steps you implemented to address the issue. Finally, describe the Result, highlighting the positive outcomes that followed your efforts. This method helps interviewers see your problem-solving capabilities and achievements. Practising with the STAR technique not only clarifies your responses but instils confidence in your ability to communicate stories that showcase your competencies.

Pro-tip: Use the STAR method to prepare two examples for each skill in the job description. This ensures you have tailored responses ready and can adapt to various questions.

3.3 Questions to ask the interviewer

Asking insightful questions during an interview not only gives you valuable information but demonstrates your genuine interest in the role. Consider asking questions about the company's goals, such as "How do you measure success for this role?" or "Can you describe the team I would be working with?" These questions show you're thinking about how you can effectively integrate into and contribute to the organisation.

Other pertinent queries might include "What are the biggest challenges currently facing your team?" or "How do you support employee development?" These can give insight into the company's culture and growth opportunities. Make sure to ask questions that reflect your priorities, whether they're about career progression, work-life balance, or innovation in the company, which can help you determine if the organisation aligns with your career goals.

Pro-tip: Prepare at least three questions to ask the interviewer, prioritising those that reflect your interests in growth and team dynamics, adapting based on the conversation's flow.

4. Make a Good First Impression

4.1 Introduce yourself

Starting strong in an interview begins with a self-introduction that resonates with authenticity. Be sure to clearly state your full name and succinctly convey your professional background relevant to the role. For instance, you might say, “My name is John Smith, and I bring over five years of experience in project management, specifically within the IT sector.” This introduction sets the stage while giving the interviewer a snapshot of your credentials.

Balance your introduction with personal elements, such as a brief mention of your interests or values that align with the company. Avoid overly personal details or generic phrases. Instead, focus on aspects that can positively impact your work, like teamwork or leadership. Your goal is to outline your professional identity while highlighting unique traits that set you apart in the job market.

Pro-tip: Have a well-prepared 30-second pitch that summarises your career highlights and aspirations. Practise it aloud to ensure it sounds natural and engaging.

4.2 Punctuality and body language

Timeliness is essential for your interview. Aim to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to give yourself a moment to relax and gather your thoughts. Being late can create unnecessary stress and may be perceived as a lack of reliability. To avoid this, plan your route ahead of time and consider potential delays, whether you’re using public transportation or driving.

Your body language can convey a lot even before you say a word. If you feel comfortable, maintain good eye contact to show engagement and interest. Sit in a way that feels both upright and relaxed, allowing your arms to rest naturally. Be mindful of your facial expressions; a warm smile can help create a welcoming atmosphere. Aim for your body language to complement the message you want to communicate verbally.

Practice a confident handshake and maintaining eye contact during mock interviews. This will help make these actions feel natural when it’s time for the real thing. Remember, everyone has their own style—focus on what feels authentic to you!

4.3 Follow-up etiquette

The interview doesn’t conclude when you walk out of the room. Follow-up actions can reinforce your interest and professionalism. A concise yet thoughtful thank-you email sent within 24 hours demonstrates courtesy and reiterates your enthusiasm for the position. Mention specific points discussed in the interview to personalise your message.

Refrain from making your follow-up an opportunity to ask about the outcome of your interview prematurely. Instead, express appreciation for the opportunity to learn more about the company and reinforce how you can be a valuable addition to their team. Always ensure your email is well-proofed for any errors to maintain a professional tone.

Pro-tip: Include a brief but impactful sentence that ties back to something unique from the interview. This helps you stand out and keeps you memorable to your interviewer.

5. Handle the Interview with Confidence

5.1 Managing nerves

Feeling nervous before an interview is normal. To manage these nerves effectively, start by practising deep breathing exercises. This can help calm your mind and body within minutes. Schedule some quiet time for yourself before the interview to focus on positive affirmations about your abilities and past achievements.

Create a calm environment:

• Arrive early: Allow time to settle in and adjust.

• Visualise success: Picture yourself confidently answering questions.

• Focus on your strengths: Remind yourself of past successes.

Remember, nerves can actually heighten your alertness, so channel them positively. Instead of panicking, think of anxiety as a sign you're prepared and eager.

Pro-tip: Practice relaxation techniques like mindfulness or progressive muscle relaxation in the days leading up to the interview.

5.2 Communicating effectively

Effective communication in an interview goes beyond merely answering questions. A simple technique is to structure your responses using the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result. This ensures you’re concise and focused while narrating your experiences.

Key areas to focus on:

• Clarity and brevity: Avoid long-winded explanations.

• Active listening: Acknowledge questions with nods or brief affirmations.

• Adaptability: Adjust your tone depending on the context and the interviewer's cues.

Enhance your communication by preparing real-world examples that highlight how you've used key skills. This not only clarifies your points but also demonstrates your competencies.

Pro-tip: Record yourself practicing responses to identify areas for improvement and adjust your delivery.

5.3 How to do well in a virtual interview

Virtual interviews require an extra layer of preparation regarding technology. Test your internet connection and log into the platform well ahead of time. To project professionalism, check your lighting and ensure a tidy background.

Checklist for virtual interview success:

• Technology checks: Ensure the camera and mic work smoothly.

• Professional setup: Position yourself in a well-lit, quiet space.

• Engagement: Look into the camera to show you're paying attention.

Additionally, keep a cheat sheet—like bullet points of your main strengths or questions you want to ask—next to your screen for quick reference. This can bolster your confidence and keep you focused.

Pro-tip: Use headphones to minimise background noise and improve audio clarity during your interview.

Successfully handling these aspects will give you the confidence to shine in your interview, whether in-person or virtual. Taking the initiative with preparation and actively engaging with your interviewers can significantly improve your performance and leave a lasting impression.