We want you to shine at an interview and show your best self to your future employer.
Interviews range from conversations over the phone lasting a few minutes, to skype interviews to formal meetings. It is likely you will interview in stages for a job position, sometimes with more than one interviewer.
The interview process allows you to demonstrate that you are the right candidate for the job, with the right values and behaviours for the business and culture.
Here are some our LHR’s top tips for interview success!
Be prepared- Research the business and re-read the job description. Think about your previous experiences and how it relates to the job you are interviewing for as well as showing confidence in how you can add value to their business. Be sure you know the time, date and location of the interview and the name of interviewers.
Think about the types of questions you may be asked. Below are some examples of typical interview questions.
- Tell me about yourself
- Why do you want this job?
- What are your strengths?
- What are your weaknesses?
- Can you give an example of a time when you had to cope with a difficult situation?
- What are your goals?
- What has been your greatest achievement?
Don’t waffle- We appreciate most people feel nervous at interviews and understand that whilst you are trying to make the best impression, waffling and losing your train of thought, is more common than you realise! We could tell you to picture your interviewers naked, but the real trick is to take a deep breath, think about what you are going to say and take your time with it. An interview works both ways, you are interviewing them to ensure this job is the right fit for you going forward, be honest and professional and more importantly be yourself.
You can also use the STAR Technique
Situation- set the context for your story
Task- what was required of you
Action- what you did
Result- how well the situation played out
Be positive- When we are interviewing, first impressions count. A smile goes a long way! Your body language is also important, do not fold your arms and lean back or look to the floor! Sit upright and try to maintain good eye contact. Your interviewer will be thinking about what it would be like to work with you, so the last thing they’ll want to hear is you talking about your boss or current colleagues behind their back. Interviewers like to see someone who enjoys a challenge and is enthusiastic about both personal and work life.
Develop rapport- When sitting down with your interviewer, be positive, its infectious! Find common ground, a topic you are both interested in through listening to what they are saying. Ask good thoughtful questions that are relevant to you, the job, the business and the interviewer. Showing a real interest in the business will go a long way in an interview, below are some examples.
- Describe the culture of the company.
- Where do you think the company is headed in the next 5 years?
- What do you like best about working for this company?
Clarify anything you are unsure of- It is important to make notes, before the interview with potential questions as well as during the interview. Even if you are taking everything in, making a note creates the impression that you are paying full attention. If asked a question you are unsure of, ask for clarification. In addition, if there is anything regarding the job description you are unsure of, ask the question. It is important to cover all angles during the interview to move forward.
End positively- When the interview is coming to an end try to conclude on a positive note. This could be as simple as saying something like, “I look forward to hearing from you.” Do not be afraid to ask when you are likely to hear if you have been successful or not. Remember a good hand shake, big smile and positive attitude!
