Have you landed that dream job interview? Congratulations!
Now it’s time to take a deep breath and get ready to shine.
Hirexo Talent Partners, a specialist talent consultancy working with leading brands and businesses across the UK, wants to help you ace your interview, whether it’s in-person or virtual.
Preparation is Key!
Before we delve into the specifics, remember – preparation is key to interview success! Here are some golden rules that apply to both in-person and virtual interviews:
- Research, research, research! Get to know the company – their mission, values, and recent projects. Learn about the specific role and what skills they’re looking for. A great way to gather information is to check out the company’s website, social media pages, and even recent news articles. You can also try searching for employee profiles on platforms like LinkedIn to get an insider’s perspective on the company culture https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing.
- Practice your answers! Anticipate common interview questions and prepare clear, concise responses using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Here’s a helpful article with a list of common interview questions and how to answer them using STAR: https://careercenter.bauer.uh.edu/blog/2024/01/03/the-muses-2024-guide-to-common-interview-questions-with-answers/
- Craft your story! Learn your CV inside and out! Think about how your past experiences and skills make you the perfect fit for the role. Think beyond just your job descriptions and highlight transferable skills you’ve gained from volunteer work, hobbies, or even side hustles.
- Dress to impress! Even for virtual interviews, first impressions matter. Dress professionally and appropriately for the company culture. You can find tips on professional attire for different industries on websites like “https://www.forbes.com/sites/chriswestfall/2020/01/19/the-new-dress-code-what-to-wear-job-interview-fashion-style/“.
In-Person Interview Power
Now, let’s add some polish for that in-person interview:
- Plan your route and arrive early! First impressions count, and punctuality shows professionalism. Aim to get to the interview location at least 15 minutes early to account for any unexpected delays.
- Body language matters! Maintain good posture, make eye contact, and smile. Projecting confidence through your body language will make a positive impact on the interviewer. You can find resources online with tips for mindful body language during interviews https://www.thebalancemoney.com/career-planning-6265513.
- Turn off your phone! Distractions are a no-no. Let the interviewer know you’ve silenced your phone and keep it out of sight.
- Follow up with a thank-you note! Express your appreciation for the opportunity and reiterate your interest in the position. Sending a thank-you note within 24 hours of the interview shows your professionalism and enthusiasm. This can also be via your recruiter, by dropping them an email to send on your appreciation, which the recruiter can forwarded over to the client. Bonus marks for recording a personal video to send to your interviewer.
Mastering the Virtual Interview
Virtual interviews require some extra preparation:
- Tech check! Ensure your internet connection and video conferencing software are working flawlessly. Test your audio and video beforehand and have a backup plan in case of technical difficulties.
- Find a quiet, well-lit space! Minimize distractions and create a professional background. Choose a quiet room in your home with a clean and uncluttered background. Ensure there’s good lighting to avoid appearing shadowy on camera.
- Make eye contact with the camera! This creates a sense of connection with the interviewer, even though you’re not making direct eye contact.
- Minimize distractions! Close unnecessary browser tabs and silence notifications. Let anyone you live with know that you have an interview and need quiet time.
Bonus Tip: Ask Thoughtful Questions!
Having questions prepared for the interviewer demonstrates your genuine interest in the company and the role. Here’s an article with tips for crafting good interview questions https://theinterviewguys.com/job-interview-questions-and-answers-101/.
By following these pro tips from Hirexo Talent Partners, you’ll be well on your way to conquering your interview and landing your dream job!
Remember, confidence and enthusiasm are just as important as preparation. So, take a deep breath, showcase your skills, and let your personality shine through!