Interview advice

Interviews aren’t easy to cope with at the best of times, even if you’re a seasoned pro. The higher the stakes, the more pressure builds up. And let’s be honest, the side effects are neither pleasant nor a great confidence builder in the heat of the moment: Sweating, mumbling, stuttering, over-talking, memory blanks, blushing, shaky hands, twitchy legs…

But it’s a fact of life: We all have to be interviewed for something at some point. So it’s much better to take in your stride, understand the effects and give it your best shot. You literally have nothing to lose and everything to gain (cliché yes, but also very true.)

The golden rule without doubt is preparation. It’s easy to assume you know how to get ready for an interview, but a simple checklist focuses the mind on what it’s about to endure.

Before the interview

• Do your research: Check the company website, facebook, LinkedIn and google them
• Learn about the industry and job role in advance
• Prepare answers to common interview questions (see below)
• Make sure you know the names of those interviewing you
• Check what the interview will consist of – a test, Q&A session, group work
• Print copies of your CV to take along
• Go over your CV, know it inside out
• Plan your journey, print a map and check for delays
• Have a contact number with you in case you run into problems
• Leave plenty of time to get there – better to be early, than walk in flustered

In the interview

• Switch off your mobile, and any other buzzy or beepy devices
• Ask informed questions about the role and company
• Look your interviewers in the eye
• Be yourself – don’t try and portray anything other than the natural you
• Work out a simple (and covert) way of keeping your nerves in check
• Have some examples of challenges you’ve overcome up your sleeve
• Ask when you can expect to hear back

After the interview

• Breathe a sigh of relief
• Go over the interview, and flag up anything you can learn from next time
• Email to thank the employer for the opportunity
• Don’t by pushy and chase them for a response…
• But do get in touch if you don’t hear back in the timeframe they gave you
• If you’re unsuccessful, definitely ask for feedback

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Common questions

And finally, the most common interview questions are often the hardest to answer on the spot. Prepare some answers to these, and it should keep the conversation flowing freely with no awkward pauses:

1. Why do you want this job?
2. Where does it fit in with your career plans?
3. What are your strengths?
4. What are your weaknesses?
5. What’s been your most significant success to date?
6. What is the biggest mistake you ever made?
7. What is the greatest challenge you have ever faced?
8. How do you cope with difficult people/colleagues?
9. What do you do in your spare time?
10. Why should we give you this job?