INTERVIEW TIPS
For 2023, we’re focusing on Interview Tips, and we’re here to spill all of our trade secrets on what to do, what not to do, and most importantly: how to land your dream job. Check out our tips below and if you want more help with your interview preparation, contact us here.
WHAT TO TAKE & WHAT TO WEAR
Make sure to have your interview confirmation and your CV on hand. It’s crucial to also remember the name of who is interviewing you, and make sure to take notes on key points you wish to make during the interview, and any questions you might have about the role or the company.
Know what you want to wear ahead of time. It should be something professional, like a suit. Ensure that it’s ironed, stain-less, and that your shoes are clean. Wear minimal jewellry, and no strong perfume or aftershave.
TYPES OF INTERVIEWS
You can expect to have one to four interviews with a company, depending on the company and role. Interviews will take place either by telephone, video call, face-to-face, or at group interviews/ assessment centers. Prepare for the possibility of any of these at any time. The first interview will most likely be over the phone or video call, but any follow up interviews might be more intense.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Use the job description as your guideline for what you’ll be asked in the interview, and use it to show how you might be able to distinguish yourself from other candidates. What qualifications (personality, skills, work experience, etc) do you have that makes you perfect for this role?
Research the company adequately before the interview, as this will help, especially when it comes to impressing the interviewer.
You should also have general knowledge about your industry, the current affairs, and what developments are likely to happen within the company and industry.
PREPARATION PRACTICE
1. Get eight hours of sleep the night before.
2. Have a good healthy meal and drink water before your interview to ensure you’re properly hydrated. (Just use the bathroom beforehand!)
3. Try and keep a positive attitude about it. Things work out or don’t for a reason, and you know you will be an asset to a company, whether it’s this one or the next. A positive mindset will also help calm your nerves, and come off more confident.
4. Don’t let your nerves overwhelm you, but if you still have them, use them to improve your performance.
PREPARATION PRACTICE
1. Get eight hours of sleep the night before.
2. Have a good healthy meal and drink water before your interview to ensure you’re properly hydrated. (Just use the bathroom beforehand!)
3. Try and keep a positive attitude about it. Things work out or don’t for a reason, and you know you will be an asset to a company, whether it’s this one or the next. A positive mindset will also help calm your nerves, and come off more confident.
4. Don’t let your nerves overwhelm you, but if you still have them, use them to improve your performance.
MAKING AN IMPRESSION
1. Arrive at least fifteen minutes early. This will allow you to have time to relax and go over your talking points, and show that you can be a reliable employee. If you have a delay that is out of your control, contact them ahead of time.
2. Have your interview confirmation, your CV, and cover letter all on hand.
3. Turn off your phone or silence it before you start your interview.
4. Listen intently to each question and answer them wholly with confidence (don’t just say yes or no!) If you’re unsure about a question, ask them for clarification.
5. Remember to breathe and try to relax.
QUESTIONS
When an interviewer asks about past experiences, or evidence from your life or previous roles, you can use the STAR technique.
Situation – when/where/who?
Task – what task or goal did you have?
Action – what did you do to achieve it?
Result – what was the outcome?
Sometimes, you might have the hard questions come up, such as ‘why is there a gap on your cv?’, ‘have you had any poor academic results’ or ‘have you ever been fired?’. It’s important to anticipate them, and come up with positive TRUTHFUL explanations for them.
GET IN TOUCH
If you want to learn more about K.A.G. Recruitment Consultancy and find out EXACTLY how we can help you…
07738 279 413