Interview Tips

Finding a new job, whether you are fresh out of university or looking to move to a different company, is not an easy process. It is the same experience for everyone – from preparation to sending applications and attending interviews. 

Every step of the job hunting process is important, but interviews are the final gateway that would determine if you are getting hired or not. This is where recruiters and hiring managers really get to know you and the kind of professional you are, and it is the step you should be prepared for the most.

Interviews are the part of the application process that you need to prepare for the most, so here is a complete guide to help you: 

Pre-Interview Preparation

Now that you have sent your application with your CV and cover letter, it’s time to prepare yourself for the interview. Here are some of the best advice from hiring managers and recruiters you can follow:

1. Do Your Research

One of the best ways to prepare for a job interview is to do your research about the company and the job you are going for. Understanding the company, the industry they are operating in, and their core values can help you present yourself as the best candidate for their vacancy.

2. Know Your CV

Your CV contains all the information that recruiters and hiring managers need to know about you. During the interview, it will serve as their guide to get to know you, so you need to know what’s on it by heart. You need to be able to tell them about your experiences and achievements. 

3. Do Mock Interviews

Practice doesn’t really make perfect, but it makes you better. Mock interviews are a great way to prepare for the interview. Get your friends or family to sit down with you and do mock interviews so you get used to conversing about the job and you know how to respond to questions during the actual interview. 

4. Find the Right Outfit

Aside from the way you respond during the interview, your appearance makes an impression too. Whether the interview will be facilitated online or in person, you need to make sure you find the right outfit. Dress for success in an outfit that will show your professionalism while keeping you comfortable. 

5. Manage Your Time

One of the best ways to show your professionalism during interviews is by being respectful of the time that recruiters and hiring managers have set aside for you. Manage your time and make sure you are ready long before the interview begins, so you can get rid of the nerves and prepare everything you need. Being there at least 15 minutes before the interview is what many recommend, but you may take as much time as you feel is necessary.

What to Do During the Interview

Interviews are facilitated to get to know you more and assess if you are the right person for the job. You need to be at your best from the moment it begins until it concludes, and here are some tips to help you do that: 

1. Listen Carefully

When we get nervous, we sometimes end up not clearly understanding the questions being asked and respond without fully answering them. Clear your mind, be present in the moment, and listen carefully to what the interviewer will say and ask so you can respond thoughtfully and appropriately. 

2. Do Not Hesitate to Ask Questions

One of the worst things you can do during an interview is to agree and acknowledge something you do not fully understand. When the moment comes, do not hesitate to ask questions, especially if it is to clarify something you may have misunderstood. 

3. Be Clear and Concise

There could be a whole story behind one question your interviewer asks, but it doesn’t necessarily mean they have to hear it. Make your responses clear and concise so you won’t have to do a lot of explaining and your interviewer gets the answers they need from you. 

4. Always Put Your Best Foot Forward

During interviews, make sure you highlight the experiences that matter to the job you are applying for. Talk about what you have done, what you have learned, and what accolades you have earned when it makes the most sense, but do not shy away from taking accountability for weaknesses you may have as well. 

5. Be Yourself

It is fairly easy to put on a show simply to impress the interviewer, but that could give you problems in the long run. Be yourself and show the interviewer why you are the perfect fit for the position instead of pretending to be someone else. Interviewers are more drawn to authenticity over fake personalities! 

Post-Interview Checklist

The process does not end after the interview is over. There are things you can do to continue showing your professionalism to the recruiters and hiring managers, and here’s a checklist you can use:

1. Thank Them For Their Time

It is always a good idea to be grateful for the time that your interviewer spent with you. Whether it is before ending the conversation or by sending it through an email, do not forget to thank them for their time. Do not overthink it either – a simple message would do! 

2. Follow Up After Their Timeline Has Passed

Most interviewers would tell you when to expect feedback from them after the interview and while this waiting period can be very frustrating, you need to be respectful of it too. Do not send follow ups prematurely and make sure that you only follow up when their timeline has passed. 

3. Ask For Feedback

Not all companies would send feedback immediately or at all, so make sure you ask for feedback after the interview when you can. Take note of the feedback you will receive and use it as your guide for your next interview or job application! 

4. Do Not Burn Bridges

While we would love for every interview to go the way we want them to, that is not always the case. Some jobs will simply not be the right fit for you, and that’s normal. In situations where you receive rejection, do not burn bridges. Still thank them for the opportunity and remind them that you are an available candidate in case they would reconsider.

Making sure you ace your interviews can be tedious, but the more you get used to it, the better your results will be. Save this as your guide for your next interview, assess your performance each time, take note of what you can do better, and make a better impression on the next one! 

If you are looking for more guidance on preparing for interviews, Impactable can help you. We offer a variety of services that can help you grow into the best candidate for the jobs you are applying for, from training programmes that will enhance your skills to job placement support that will help you prepare what you need. 

Sign up for an Impactable account today!