How to Excel at Interview

Category: Tips and Advice Publish date: 28/08/2015

Interviews take many different forms and can be a daunting prospect for many, but they don’t have to be.

You may be going to interviews merely for the experience, and not because you desperately want the job, but you should always approach an interview with the same respect and preparation. You may find that your experience in the interview room changes your mind about that opportunity and company.

Interviews can be a stand-alone recruitment activity, or part of an Assessment Centre. It may be that the role you are applying to requires more than one interview with a number of different stakeholders. Interviews can also vary in format. Your CTW workbook has information on the different formats and it is worth reviewing this information before you attend an interview. Common interview formats include:

• The Hidden Interview
• Panel
• One-to-One
• Remote, including telephone and video-conferencing

Each of these formats has their own challenges but preparation and practice can make them manageable and make you successful. Here are some golden rules for interviews.

1. Presentation

First impressions count. It is important to demonstrate that you are serious about this opportunity; even if you are not sure you really want the job. Dressing appropriately, i.e. wearing a suit, is a sign of respect to the employer. It can also help you to feel professional and confident. Even if you are having a telephone interview, there is a strong case for not undertaking the interview in your pyjamas – tone of voice varies greatly based on what we wear – this is why we have uniforms and dress codes – it is all part of presenting your brand.

2. Preparation

Know where you are going, how long it will take you to get there and the names of your interviewers. Whether you will be discussing your CV/application form, or answering competence-based questions, you can prepare based on the information provided in the advert, job description and person specification. 

The employer is not looking to trip you up. They really are trying to find the best person for the job and there is no reason why it couldn’t be you.

Make sure you have thought of examples which can cover more than one area of requirement; for example, your illustration for problem-solving could also be used for leadership/management or teamwork. It is good practice to have different examples for competencies ready to deploy, so develop a bank of scenarios from your key strengths and achievements that you can draw on.

3. Attitude

Whilst it is important to be yourself, it is also important to be the best version of yourself. Interviewers have many horror stories of candidates who have appeared arrogant, rude, inappropriate and even hostile. Think about your body language – is it open and engaging? If you are asking someone to trust you to represent their company, is it appropriate to swear? 

Confidence and arrogance can be complex. It is essential to be confident in your ability to perform in the role but it is not acceptable to tell an employer everything they are doing wrong, especially when you haven’t joined their company yet! You may be asked to give your ideas on how a company can improve and this is where you can form a positive and considered answer, based on your extensive research of the company and always remembering you haven’t got the job yet.

4. Manner

“Polite” and “keen” are what you should strive for. You may feel this isn’t the job for you; you may not like those who are interviewing you; but you should always maintain a polite, interested and energetic manner. This manner should be maintained even when you are away from the interview room as it could be that you are also assessed based on your behaviour towards those who are outside of the interview room. Do not underestimate the power of a receptionist or colleagues who you are introduced to during your time on site. 

5. Have your own questions ready

You will be asked if there is anything you would like to ask at the end of an interview and it is important to have some ready. Questions you ask may be regarding any training or Corporate Social Responsibility opportunities within the organisation. Some people want to ask about the progression opportunities but be careful of this question – it can suggest that you only see yourself in this role for a short period of time. You could subtly introduce the topic by asking how many long-serving staff they have. It is never a good idea to discuss annual leave, pensions or salary at this point. Wait for the employer to introduce such topics.

For more information on preparing for interviews you can review your CTW workbook, talk with your Career Consultant and visit the CTP website for articles and advice from successful Service leavers.