Preparing for an Interview

Our top 10 tips for preparing for an interview

1. Make a strong first impression

You only get one chance to make a first impression, so make sure you get off to the best possible start.

Arrive with plenty of time to spare and be polite to everyone you meet, from the car park to reception. Make eye contact, offer a firm handshake where appropriate and remember to smile.

These may sound like basic points, but they can make a significant difference.

2. Do your preparation

Preparation can make or break an interview.

Research more than the company website. Review the organisation’s social media channels, news pages and Glassdoor profile. Search for recent coverage and understand its competitors, customers and markets.

You should also prepare for your journey. Consider traffic, public transport, parking, weather and the time of day you will be travelling.

Allow extra time so that you do not arrive late or flustered.

3. Understand the role

Make sure you understand the job you are being interviewed for.

Read the role profile carefully and identify examples from your experience that relate directly to its requirements.

Prepare examples in advance and be clear about your own contribution. Use “I” rather than relying too heavily on “we” when explaining what you personally delivered.

4. Know your CV

Make sure you know your CV from start to finish.

Be prepared to discuss your education, interests, previous roles, responsibilities and achievements in more detail.

You do not want to be caught out by a question about something you have included but cannot explain confidently.

5. Prepare for common interview questions

Think about the questions you are likely to be asked and prepare your answers.

These may include:

• Why are you interested in this opportunity?
• What do you know about the business?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• What is the biggest challenge you have faced?
• Why do you want to leave your current role?
• What questions do you have for us?

Always prepare several questions of your own.

Listen carefully during the interview and try to ask something based on what you have heard. This demonstrates that you have been engaged in the conversation.

Make sure you answer the question that has been asked. When you are unsure, ask the interviewer to clarify or repeat it.

It is also worth reviewing the interviewer’s LinkedIn profile so that you understand their role, experience and length of service with the business.

6. Present yourself clearly

Answer questions with enough detail, but avoid talking for too long or moving away from the point.

Be pleasant and approachable without becoming overly familiar. Avoid slang or inappropriate comments relating to age, gender or other personal characteristics.

Listen carefully, observe the interviewer’s style and try to match the pace of the conversation while still showing energy and enthusiasm.

7. Plan what you will wear

Dress appropriately for the role and the organisation.

The traditional interview suit still has a place and may be the safest option in some businesses. However, expectations are not always as straightforward as they once were.

When choosing a less formal outfit, make sure you are well presented and have researched the company culture.

Creative, agency, development and technology environments may have a more relaxed dress code, but do not leave it to chance. Ask your recruiter or the employer when you are unsure.

8. Show enthusiasm without appearing desperate

Show that you want the job through your preparation, engagement and questions.

However, avoid appearing overly desperate or making the interviewer feel pressured.

Remain calm, professional and confident throughout the conversation.

9. Prepare to discuss salary

Be ready for questions about your salary expectations, but we would generally advise against raising the subject yourself during an initial interview.

Think carefully about your answer in advance. You do not want to be caught off guard and give a figure that is either too high or lower than you would realistically accept.

Changing your expectations later can be difficult and may create unnecessary complications.

10. Try to enjoy the experience

An interview may feel daunting, but try to approach it as a useful conversation and learning experience.

The more interviews you attend, the more confident and comfortable you are likely to become.

When you do not secure the role or progress to the next stage, ask for feedback, learn from the experience and use it to improve next time.

Preparing for a video interview

Video interviews have become increasingly common, but most of the advice above still applies.

There are also some additional points to consider.

Check the format and technology

Ask which platform will be used and make sure you are comfortable with it.

Test your internet connection, camera and microphone before the interview. Make sure your device is charged and that you have any joining links or passwords ready.

Choose the right location

Find a quiet, well-lit place where you are unlikely to be disturbed.

Check what will be visible behind you and remove anything distracting or inappropriate.

Let anyone else in the house know that you are attending an interview. Consider pets, deliveries, televisions and any other potential interruptions.

Position the camera carefully

Place your camera at approximately eye level and make sure your face is clearly visible.

Sit somewhere with plenty of light, ideally with the main light source in front of you rather than behind you.

Look towards the camera when speaking to create the impression of eye contact.

Dress professionally

Treat a video interview in the same way as a face-to-face meeting.

Dress appropriately for the role and make sure you are well presented, even when you are joining from home.

Avoid distractions

Do not check your phone, emails or other websites during the interview.

Close unnecessary applications and silence notifications before the meeting begins.

Give the interviewer your full attention throughout.

Practise beforehand

Consider holding a mock video interview with a friend, colleague or recruiter.

This will help you become comfortable with the technology, your surroundings and how you appear on screen.

The fundamentals remain the same

Research the organisation, understand the role, prepare examples and think carefully about the questions you want to ask.

Good luck with your interview.