Some are naturals and take interviews in their stride, others crumble at the thought. Either way, preparing for an interview is a must - not only as it will help increase your chance of success, but in allowing you to feel confident in your knowledge. To go in armed and ready to win over your potential employer!
Here are our top tips to help get you interview ready…
Research the Company:
Understand the company's mission, values, products, services, and culture.
Familiarise yourself with recent news and developments related to the company.
Look at the company’s LinkedIn page for information on recent news, hires, current personnel, along with the company website and Companies House.
Review the Job Description:
Carefully read the job description to understand the role's responsibilities and requirements.
Make a list of key skills and qualifications they are looking for.
Prepare your CV:
Review your resume and highlight in advance any relevant skills and experience to draw upon in the interview.
Practise common interview questions:
Prepare answers to common interview questions like "What would you say is your greatest achievement?", “What skills will you bring to the role” “Tell me about a time when you’ve had to deal with a difficult situation”.
Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers for behavioural questions.
Research the Interviewers (if possible):
Look up the interviewers on LinkedIn or the company website to learn about their backgrounds and roles.
Prepare Questions to Ask:
Develop thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer. This shows your interest in the role and the company.
Avoid asking questions that can be easily answered through research (e.g., company size or products).
Dress Appropriately:
Choose professional attire that aligns with the company culture and industry standards.
Plan Your Route:
Know the interview location and plan your route in advance. Consider traffic or public transportation delays.
Bring Necessary Documents:
Carry multiple copies of your resume, a list of references, and any other relevant documents.
Practice Interview Etiquette:
Be punctual. Arrive a little early to account for any unexpected delays.
Greet everyone politely, from the receptionist to the interviewer.
Smile. Relax, be authentic and honest.
Maintain good eye contact and body language during the interview.
Prepare for Behavioural Interviews:
Use the STAR method to respond to questions about past experiences and how you handled specific situations.
Stay Updated on Industry Trends:
Be aware of recent developments and trends in their industry.
Look at current general economic trends and current affairs.
Mock Interviews:
Conduct mock interviews with a friend or mentor to practice your responses and receive feedback.
Mindset and Confidence:
Stay positive and confident. Believe in your abilities and focus on what you will bring to the role, not what you lack.
Turn a negative into a positive.
Display a positive working attitude and give examples.
Prepare for Technical or Skill-Based Assessments (if applicable):
If your role involves technical skills, practice coding, problem-solving, or other relevant tasks.
Stay Calm and Manage Nervousness:
Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing to manage interview anxiety.
Adaptability:
Be ready to adapt to different interview formats, such as phone interviews, video interviews, or panel interviews.
Salary Expectations:
Research salary ranges for similar roles in your location and industry so you can discuss compensation confidently if it comes up.
Continual Improvement:
Keep improving your interview skills based on feedback and experiences, even if you don't land the job.
Follow-Up Plan:
Send a thank-you email within 24 hours of the interview to express your gratitude and reiterate your interest in the position, or contact your recruitment consultant to pass on feedback to be shared with the interviewer - positive and negative.
Interview preparation is an ongoing process, and the more effort you put into it, the better your chances of making a positive impression.
Caerus Accountancy Recruitment offers a range of consultative services to support candidates throughout their careers. Get in touch to see how we can help you.
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