Preparing for an Interview

There are so many different types of interview these days - the phone interview, the robotic interview, the panel interview, the lunch interview, the standard talking across a desk interview...the list goes on. In the coaching work that I do, I often get asked how to prepare for an interview and I've pulled together my top tips below.

Research company and Interviewer(s)

Thoroughly research the company and the individuals that you will be meeting with. Have a look at the company’s website, their LinkedIn or social pages and run a general Google search. Can you make mention of something that your research bought up in a relevant way through the interview process?

Re-read through your cover letter and resume

You should expect to answer questions relating to your resume and/or cover letter and so please ensure you have re-read through so that you are familiar and can talk to anything that you have written confidently.

Think about your skills and experience

Have a read through the role description and think about the skills and experience that they are looking for. Have you got examples to hand that you can use? If there are gaps between your capabilities and those for the role, are you comfortable talking through how you would address these? I always suggest practising your answers out loud just to get comfortable with hearing yourself speak.

Leave your baggage behind

With winter approaching you might find you arrive at an interview with a work bag, a heavy coat, umbrella, gym bag, laptop bag, lunch bag etc. and I'd encourage you to ask the reception desk if you can leave it with them safely while you interview. You want to be able to walk into the interview room ready to shake hands and unencumbered.

Be yourself

We know this is easier said than done but it’s important to be authentic and put your best foot forward. Acknowledge your nerves – they just mean that you care.

Eat, drink, sleep and arrive early

While this might seem like it doesn’t need to be listed you would be surprised how many people arrive late, arrive with a coffee in hand or do not perform well as they haven’t eaten properly. Basic interview preparation like eating, sleeping and using the bathroom beforehand will all help you to feel more comfortable through the interview. One thing I always like to remind candidates is to turn the phone off so that it doesn’t disturb the interview.

Bring a notepad

People are often surprised that I suggest this, but the purpose of an interview is to give you the opportunity to present at your best and from time to time it is easy to forget key points that you may want to share or key pieces of information that you have gleaned through your research. Bring a notebook with some bullet points can help you feel more confident and also shows that you have prepared but be careful not to rely heavily on it or to read verbatim from it.

And finally, be positive

Focus on all the skills that you have and all the knowledge that you bring to the table.