How to Prepare for a Job Interview

Much like my previous articles offering guidance on Putting a CV Together and Tips and Tricks for a Job Search, this article is intended as exactly that; guidance. These articles all offer advice which is applicable to candidates in all industries and at all experience levels.

So why does preparation matter?

Throughout my 5+ years' experience in recruitment the typical Interview process has shifted slightly, with it now being much more commonplace for employers to involve both Face to Face meetings and Telephone / Video Calls than just the traditional 2-stage on-site meeting of the past. Styles of interviewing also differ at each stage and through each medium.

In recent months, I've also seen employers hasten their processes specifically for one candidate they like so as not to lose out to potential offers from other organisations.

With all of the changes we are and have been facing, and the competitiveness that exists in todays employment market, it has never been more important to make sure you are fully prepared for an interview as in some scenarios, one stage could be all you need!

Once you have secured an interview, the first thing you will want to do, is be proud! Getting to this point is a feat in and of itself, and you should take a moment to appreciate that your experience and CV has prompted interest, so well done!

Next, you're ready to prepare, so be sure to set aside enough time to do so. Nearly half of those in my network (44%) prepare for more than an hour at all stages, while a 3rd of those remaining vary the length they set aside dependent on stage. You'll know what feels right for you, so just do enough to ensure you feel comfortable ahead of your interview.

Match Up on Logistics

Whether you are working directly with an employer or have secured an interview through a recruitment consultancy, you want to reconfirm the date, time and method of the interview.

If you're going to be on-site, ask if there are any particular arrangements for visiting, and what you need to do upon your arrival. If you're going to be on a video call, make sure that the device you plan on using is capable of using the software ahead of time.

In either case, I would also recommend that you ask your contact what sort of attire you should wear. It might seem small, but matching the attire of the interview panel can subconsciously put you more at ease, and give you that bit more confidence to present your best self!

If you are able to, check whether the interview is likely to be competency based or more conversational, so you know how to prepare your answers, too.

Review the Job Specification & Your CV

Pull up both the CV that you used to apply to the job and the Job Description itself, make a point of reviewing both in tandem.

Note the responsibilities on the Job Description that you have the most experience in delivering, and think about examples that are listed on your CV of you meeting these criteria as these would be great to highlight during your interview.

Also note the areas on the role which you know you could do with development in, and mention during the interview that you would like to expand your skillset in these areas.

Some employers also include a 'Person Pack' or write their Values on the Job Description, which are usually the 'soft skills' that they hope those that work with them will possess.

If they haven't included this, it is likely that their website may include this information (often found on the Careers / Work For Us page), and similarly to noting your strongest relevant experiences, have a think about how you have demonstrated their values before and try to highlight these behaviours during your interview.

Look into the Company and the Interview Panel

If you have already looked at the company website seeking out their values and ensuring you align to them, hopefully you have gotten a good feel for the sort of employer they are. But more can be done to make your life even easier come interview day!

Firstly, in quotation marks, do a news search for "Company Name" as this could well bring up recent articles which could mention something particularly exciting to you e.g. around recent investments or expansions etc.. Of course, the search could also bring up some articles which make you nervous i.e., regarding potential office closures or recent downsizing. In either scenario, knowing about these things will mean you come across as interested, well informed, and can ask for further clarity at the interview to alleviate any concerns.

Secondly, search on LinkedIn for the name of each member of your Interview Panel. You may be able to see that you share something in common with someone that you're due to meet: perhaps some shared experience at another organisation, or note you both played Hockey, or even attended the same University etc.. All of these could help you break the ice at interview!

Prepare Some Answers AND Some Questions

More often than not an interviewer will ask you (perhaps not outright) to go into your strengths and weaknesses. This question is a nice one to prepare for ahead of time in either a competency or conversational type interview scenario as you can tweak the same point to suit the style.

List out your strengths and weaknesses and come up with an example of how you have demonstrated that strength in your role or how you have worked to overcome some of your weaknesses to date. Recognising you have a weakness (I prefer 'an area for improvement') and commenting on how you are trying to work around or overcome it, is perhaps more important than reeling off 10 strengths!

If there are particularly relevant achievements you are proud of and have noted on your CV, be sure to think how you can link these to the job you are interviewing for.

In most interviews, there will be an opportunity to ask any questions at the end, so be sure not to get caught off guard and prepare some ahead of time. For example, you could ask an interviewer, "What is it about working at X that you like the most?" or "What is likely to be the next step after this?" etc..

Hopefully you have now done enough to feel confident and prepared, and are looking forward to your interview and putting your best self in front of your potential new employer!

Just Before the Interview

Do something which calms you down and make sure you give yourself plenty of time to arrive to avoid any technical or transport issues that may arise on the day. If people in your network are aware you're seeking a new role, hopefully they have wished you luck and all goes well on the day!

Post-Interview

Whilst this post is focused on ensuring you have done enough Preparation for an Interview, myself and many others believe it is also equally as important to send a well-crafted Follow Up.

Closing

As always, if you are seeking further guidance on how best to prepare for an interview, feel free to get in touch and I would be pleased to offer some more bespoke support.