Interview Tips: How to Stand Out and Create a Lasting Impression

Preparing well for an interview can help you to perform to the best of your ability and increase your chances of success. Here are some tips to help you:

1)????Research the company:

Researching the company you are interviewing with is massively important, it not only shows that you are prepared for the interview, but also signifies your enthusiasm for the role and organisation.

Learn as much as you can about the company, including their history, values, products/services they offer, awards they have received, accomplishments such as new funding or positive trial results and any mergers/ acquisitions news.

You can use this information to align your goals and experience with the values of the business. This information will also allow you to provide more informed answers to any questions you face, whilst giving you potential questions to ask the interviewers.?

2)????Review the job description:

Before an interview, read over the job description again to make sure that you understand the responsibilities you will be undertaking and the experience that the company is looking for.

Understanding the requirements and duties will allow you to highlight relevant experience, soft skills and technical skills during the interview.

The job description will show you which areas of your skillset you need to highlight in order to make the largest impact and will prepare you for which conversation areas you should aim to focus on.

3)????Practice common interview questions:

During the interview process, you will face different types of questions at the differing stages. The most common types of questions are situational judgement, behavioural, competency, case and experience verification.

Prepare responses to common interview questions and practice answering them out loud to make yourself feel more comfortable in the scenario.

Reviewing your CV is also important when practising interview scenarios. Experience verification questions are quite common in the initial stages and the interviewers typically will generate questions based on your CV and most recent experience.

4)????Dress appropriately:

Dress in professional attire that is appropriate for the industry and company. First impressions count and can go a long way, according to Forbes people have determined their impression of you within 7 seconds and this is why dressing appropriately can enhance your image and personal brand.

5)????Arrive early:

With interviews still largely being conducted virtually and some now being reintroduced to in person meetings, it is important to demonstrate punctuality, even if that is virtually.

Plan to arrive at least 10-15 minutes early to the interview location or online meeting to allow time for unexpected delays or technical issues.

If you have an interview online, it is also worth testing your technology to make sure that everything is working as it should be.

6)????Show confidence:

Showing confidence is key, whether the interview is virtual or in person. For an in person interview, start by greeting the interviewer with a smile and firm handshake.

During the interview?be sure to sit up straight and lean in during different points of the conversation to demonstrate your interest and engagement. Furthermore, be sure to maintain eye contact throughout the interview.

Similarly, for a virtual interview, it is important to come across as engaged and not distracted or disinterested.

7)????Answer questions thoroughly:

When answering any questions it is best to take your time to answer, providing as much detail and specific examples of your skills and experience as possible.

Having some examples in mind before the interview will help keep you focussed in the interview and not get flustered if you are asked a question and are unable to think of a good example of your experience on the spot.

Focussing on specific actions, emotions and outcomes is a great way to ensure that your examples are covering the key points. The STAR technique is something I personally find beneficial, especially when I want to break down an example and provide adequate details.

8)????Ask thoughtful questions:

Linking to the company research, it is good to prepare some questions to ask the interviewer about the company or the position.

Asking relevant questions will show your eagerness for the role, interest in the organisation and that you are taking the process seriously.

Questions regarding the team size, structure and progression opportunities are all examples of positional questions. If you are joining an organisation in the midst of organisational change or in the process of a merger/ acquisition, it would be good to ask specific questions to demonstrate your insight around the wider business.

Being personable is key in the interview process, so taking the time to ask the interviewer about their experience with the company and showing interest in their journey will help you stand out.

9)????Follow up after the interview:

When leaving the interview, be sure to thank the interviewer for their time and for providing you with the opportunity. After the interview, you could also send an email expressing your gratitude to the interviewer thanking them for their time and communicating your continued interest in the position.

Remember that interview success also depends on being yourself and letting your personality shine through. If you would like to book a confidential consultation to discuss preparation for interviews and how each stage can differ, feel free to reach out via LinkedIn or give me a call on +44 2075510739.

Good luck!?