Interview Preparation Tips

Now that you’ve been invited to the interview stage, here are a few ideas for you to prepare yourself.

Getting there

  • Ensure you get the time and location right. Some employers have multiple buildings or areas of operation, and it can be easy to confuse them. The location of the interview may not be the place where you will ultimately be working.
  • Find out how long it will take you to get to the interview location at the time of day your interview is being held. i.e. if you are driving and the time of your interview means travelling through rush hour, you will need to allow more time to get there than if the interview was being held mid-morning or mid-afternoon.
  • If you’re driving to the interview, ensure you find out where you can park and whether you will need to pay for it.
  • If you are travelling on public transport, check for planned works or strikes on your route for the day of your interview.
  • If you have time, try out the route using the method of transport you will be using on the day and at the right time of day for the interview.

Preparation

  • Ensure you have a note of the name of the person who will be interviewing you and their job role. Research the company to ensure you understand their business and the services or products they offer. Check the testimonials page and look at the “Meet The Team” page, if they have one, to see more information about the person conducting the interview. If they don’t have that page, look them up on LinkedIn. At the interview, if you can mention something from their bio, they’ll be flattered!
  • Clothing: If in doubt, go smart! Overdressed is always better than underdressed.
  • Prepare some questions before you go. These should be thoughtful and designed to draw out further information about the company and the role you are applying for. You could ask about the team you will be working with. Ask the interviewer what their favourite part about working at the company is. Ask them how the company measures success – then you will be clearer about what you’re aiming for if you get the job!
  • If the interview location is at a different address to where you might be working, practice that route, too. If it’s not practical, then accepting the invitation to interview is a waste of everyone’s time.

On the day:

  • Be mindful of your body language. Interviewers will expect some nerves and will usually do their best to put you at ease. You can help yourself feel more relaxed by being prepared: you’ve researched the company, the role, and the interviewer. You know your work history and the skills and experience you have to offer. So, sit attentively and make eye contact. Leave plenty of time to get there so you’re not stressed by unexpected travel delays!
  • Think of examples you can use to show you can do the job. Provide evidence of dealing with similar responsibilities or handling difficult or challenging situations. Share success stories.

What Next?

  • At the end of the interview, thank the interviewer for their time and say you enjoyed meeting them. Express your interest in the role by asking when you can expect to hear from them and what the next steps will be. Tell them you look forward to hearing from them and welcome the opportunity to work with them.
  • Once you have left, call us! Tell us how you think it went and what you hope will happen next. Our clients often call us promptly after a candidate has finished an interview. If they are interested in you and hear that we have already heard from you that you loved their company, it sets you up even more favourably for the next stage!