Nail Your Next Interview
Ah, the dreaded interview.
It's the moment when you have to put your best foot forward and convince someone that you're the best thing since sliced bread. But fear not, dear job seeker! With a little intel into what the hiring manager is expecting, you'll ace that interview like a boss.
Proper Planning and Preparation Prevents Poor Performance
Research
First and foremost, do your research. Learn everything you can about the company and the position you're applying for. See if you can find out what stage things are at (preliminary screening interview, short list, etc.), who you are meeting with, and what both you and they want out of the interview, can you focus your preparation to maximum effect.
We recommend reading the job ad thoroughly and browsing their
website
social media pages
any recent news articles
industry reports
Impress your interviewer with your knowledge, and show them that you're genuinely interested in the company and the role. This research will also give you clues as to what type of employee they’re looking for, and if you’re interested in working with them.
Practice your pitch
Interviewers often ask you to tell them “a little about yourself”. This can seem super broad and ambiguous, and if you’re not prepared you might start stumbling over your words, talking round in circles or just going completely off topic (“So, I’m 5”4’ and have an anxious cat named Tom…”).
Your elevator pitch should be a brief, compelling summary of who you are, what you do, and what value you can bring to the company.
If you’re struggling to come up with something, try asking ChatGPT to write one for you!
Using ChatGPT to help you write an elevator pitch can be really helpful, just make sure everything it says is true!
Rehearse
You’d love to rehearse your interview answers in the mirror, but how do you know what they are going to ask? The good news is that there are really only 3 questions interviewers want answered.
All questions will fall into one of three general areas, which are the major concerns of the selector:
1. Can this person do the job? (talk about your skills and ability)
2. Will this person do the job? (talk about your motivations)
3. Will this person fit in? (talk about your work style and ethic)
Get a friend to ask you questions or record yourself answering them. This will help you feel more confident and prepared on the day of the interview.
Face to Face Interview Tips
What to wear
Now, let's talk about what to wear. The old adage "dress for success" still holds true, but that doesn't mean you have to wear a boring suit and tie. Choose an outfit that makes you feel confident and comfortable, and reflects your personal style. Just make sure it's appropriate for the company culture and the position you're applying for.
What to bring
Bring any relavent documentation or portfolio to the interview, as well as a pen and notebook to take notes if needed. We know that’s pretty old school, but if you’ve ever been in an interview where someone is tapping away on a phone or computer - you’d understand.
How to get there
Plan your route to the interview location in advance, including transportation and parking. Aim to arrive at least 10-15 minutes early to allow for any unexpected delays. Also add 10-15 minutes to the Google Maps travel time estimation. Just to be sure.
Zoom Interview Tips
As if interview weren’t awkward enough, now we get to do them over Zoom.
What to bring
Find a comfortable, quiet spot in your location to set yourself up in.
Communicate with your household so they know you’re going to be in an interview. Put your phone on silent, and turn off notifications for other apps on your computer.
If an interruption does happen, don't get frazzled, just go with it! Introduce the cat (or kid!) that just had to jump on your lap at the most inopportune time. Getting a glimpse into who you are as a person is a good thing. Besides, we’re all very used to it by now.
Testing testing 1,2,3
Internet
First things first, make sure your internet is running smoothly in the spot you’ve chosen for the interview. You can run a quick Internet Speed Test. Zoom requires at least 1.0 Mbps upload speed and 0.6 Mbps download, which is fairly minimal. As a general rule of thumb, if you can watch Netflix, you can video call. Although we strongly discourage you from doing both at the same time...
Computer + Accessories
Make sure your computer is fully charged, or better yet, plugged in for the duration of the interview. Video calls tend to drain battery very quickly and you can never be sure how long the interview will go for (but you’d be hoping a while!).
Earbuds and headphones might look flash, but they regularly cause audio issues, so if you have to use them make sure to test the quality on a call with someone else first.
Software
If you’re not using Zoom, make sure you know which platform you will be using, so you can download and test it beforehand.
Despite our best efforts, sometimes the Internet gods just want to see us fail. Make sure the interviewers have your mobile number, or set an alternate way to connect in case there are tech issues in the moment.
Put your best face forward
Believe it or not, there is a right and wrong way to video call, and giving your audience a screen full of nose hairs is not the right way.
Position the computer camera at head height and approximately 1m away, using props if you need to. Think of your passport photo and that’s about the angle and how much of you should be in the shot.
If possible, be in a naturally light room facing a window. Don't have a window behind you.
Your computer should be on a sturdy surface, not your lap, so the camera doesn’t jerk around if you move.
Like any job interview, your outfit should be smart casual at a minimum, but keep the role you’ve applied for in mind. It might be very tempting to keep those pyjama pants on, but even if they can’t see, you will present better when you’re dressed appropriately.
Outfit is also an important consideration for video visuals. You don’t want to choose anything too busy on top, in case the camera distorts the pattern. Save the gingham for the picnics, people!
If all else fails, there is a filter option (phew!)
Background matters
This should go without saying, but this tip has come hot off the press from one of our Talent Partners who was clearly less than impressed during a recent interview... “If you’re trying to put your best foot forward in a zoom interview, start by making your bed…”
Make sure any background which is visible in the frame is tidy. You can even select a blur background option where available.
If you can’t find an appropriate backdrop in your house, you can set up a custom background beforehand. This can also be a creative way to showcase you.
Remove yourself from the picture
Once you're all set up and ready to kick off, remove or minimise your own tile from your screen so you don't just end up staring at yourself during the entire interview.
C’mon, you know you will…
Bonus ‘Quick Tips‘ for all interview styles and formats
Know who you’re speaking to, jot down interviewers names and refer to them by name.
Re-read your resume and the job ad right beforehand so the details are fresh in your mind.
Have a prepared list of questions you want answered so you don’t forget them in the moment.
Be yourself! Don't try to be someone you're not, or say things that you think the interviewer wants to hear. Be honest about your strengths and weaknesses, and show them why you're a unique and valuable candidate.
And finally - Don't forget to have fun! Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but they can also be a great opportunity to learn about a company and meet new people.