1. Examine the Job Description in Detail
Carefully review the job description and consider how your experience aligns with what the company is seeking. If there are areas where your skillset is not an exact match, be prepared to be frank about this during the interview – it is far better to be honest than to exaggerate or fabricate areas where you may not be as strong.
2. Research the Company
Understand the company’s values, ethos, culture, and products, and look up recent news. This shows your interest and helps tailor your answers during the interview.
3. Prepare Competency Answers
Cross-reference the competencies listed in the job description and create relevant answers using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Also, plan your responses to general CV-based and motivation-related questions to ensure clarity during the interview.
4. Practice
Practice answering likely interview questions with a friend or family member, or book a mock interview session with an interview coach to boost your confidence.
5. Be Authentically You
While formulating strong answers, try to relax and let your personality shine through. People hire those they like, so give the interviewers an honest glimpse into who you really are. Show what motivates you and how you perform in your role. This isn’t just an interview, it’s a life-changing career move, so be yourself.
6. Plan Your Journey
Research the interview location, plan your route, and anticipate any potential delays. Aim to arrive 10-15 minutes early to stay calm and collected. If you arrive too early, take a moment at a nearby coffee shop to gather your thoughts. A dry run of the journey can also help you understand your potential daily commute.
7. Prepare Good Questions for the Interviewers
Prepare thoughtful questions such as, “What would a typical day in this role look like?” or “How will success be measured?” These questions show your engagement and can make a significant difference in the hiring process.
8. Treat the Interview as a Two-Way Conversation
Remember, the interview is a two-way conversation. You are showcasing your talents, and the interviewers are assessing whether you are the right candidate for their role. Most interviewers want to offer you the job—they are investing time in the process and are keen for you to succeed. If it’s not a match, there are many other opportunities out there.
Be honest about areas where you may lack knowledge. I remember an interview early in my career where I had to answer “I’m afraid I do not know the answer” to around 70% of the questions. Despite this, I was offered the role because of my transparency.
9. Follow Up to Show Enthusiasm
Following up after an interview is a great way to demonstrate your enthusiasm. You can do this by emailing your recruitment contact or the hiring team. Keep your message brief, expressing how much you enjoyed the meeting and reiterating your interest in the role. After sending this one message, wait for feedback and avoid chasing them.
