From an employer's perspective, whether they are a small start-up or a multinational business, interviewing takes time, and time is money. Recruiters will only interview candidates who they believe are serious contenders for the job. So if you have been called for an interview, make sure you congratulate yourself because, so far, you are what the recruiters are looking for! Now though, is the time to translate that impressive application on paper into an excellent performance at interview. Here are some top tips to make sure your interview is successful. 


Motivation, motivation, motivation 
Employers know that you may be applying to more than one employer for similar roles, particularly if you are currently studying or about to graduate. However, what they want to know, particularly in interview, is why you want to work in for their particular business. 

The more enthusiastic you are about their company or organisation, the more likely it is that you will be a good fit for the job. In an equally strong field of candidates, it is often the most motivated candidate that wins the job. So take time to research the business and reflect on what appeals to you about that organisation and their particular mission and vision. Then when you are asked about why you want that job, make sure you tell them, concisely and enthusiastically.

Self-awareness is everything
Employers recognise that no one is perfect, especially those candidates who claim to be perfect! What recruiters need are individuals who are able to recognise their strengths but at the same time, are able to admit their weaknesses. 

As long as you are able to recognise areas of work that you find challenging, then you are able to work at improving your skills. Make an honest assessment of your strengths and weaknesses and consider how you might take steps to improve those weaknesses. For example, if your presentation skills need some work then seeking out opportunities to practice and strengthen your public speaking could be an effective way of changing that weakness to a strength. Consider this before your interview so that if you are asked specifically to name your strengths and weaknesses you have them ready to discuss. 

Keep up to date
Whichever sector you are most attracted to, it will have been influenced by change, particularly technological change. It’s often said that the only thing business can ever rely on is that things will change and keep on changing, particularly in terms of the new digital landscape. 

Employers need to recruit individuals who understand those changes and are willing, able and keen to keep up to date with such developments. Make sure you regularly check in with the relevant industry press and websites so you are able to answer any interview questions about future trends with confidence. 

Skill-specific evidence
Think of a job description or person specification as a reflection of which skills the employer has calculated that they need for the job to be done well. It’s your responsibility, both on your CV and in your interview, to prove to them that you have those same skills. 

However, it’s not enough to just say ‘Yes, I have leadership skills’, you need to prove it. This is why skills-based or competency-based questions can often be used in interviews. If a recruiter asks you to ‘Describe a time when you demonstrated your leadership skills’ they are providing you with an opportunity to give them a specific example of when you illustrated the particular skill that you need for their role. 

Before your interview, go back to the person specification and job description and read them again, this time thinking of them as a clue to the questions you are going to be asked in the interview. Generate some specific examples of the skills requested so you will be able to provide them in your answers. You may also find the following structure (STAR) helpful in organising your answers effectively. 

  • Situation
    Briefly outline the circumstances that led to your action. 

  • Task
    Explain exactly what was the task, problem or goal. 

  • Actions
    Give a step-by-step explanation of what you did (to show the skills you’re evidencing) 

  • Result & Reflection
    Outline what happened as a result. Be specific, as this will show your effectiveness in using that skill. And show some reflection on what you learnt from this experience and what you would do better next time.

Ask questions too 
It is easy to think interviews are only about answering questions but in reality, there are often opportunities to ask questions too. This often happens towards the end of the interview, when the interviewers might give you an opportunity to ask any questions you might have about the role, organisation or business. It’s important not to waste this opportunity as this is yet another chance to demonstrate your motivation for the role. 

Make sure you don’t ask an over obvious question which might make them doubt your understanding of the job or company. Instead, do your research and ask a question which illustrates your enthusiasm for the sector as a whole and models the type of engaged and motivated member of staff that you would be in the future. 

More preparation = fewer anxieties
Most of us find interviews stressful, particularly if it is an interview for a job that we really want. However, it is important that we don’t allow our anxieties or nerves get in the way of our performance on the day. 

By taking time to prepare as thoroughly as you can, you will reduce the fear of the interview and instead see it as an opportunity to share your evidence of your suitability with the recruiters. Go for it!

Careers and Enterprise offer bookable Practice Interviews, online practice interview tools and a range of other resources to help you prepare for interviews and assessment centres. Check out the resources on the Careers and Enterprise website for more help with this and related topics.

 

Last modified: Tuesday, 1 December 2020, 5:56 PM