Acting Your Interview
Interviews. We’ve all been there and we know they’re not fun. But just remember: thousands of people sit interviews every day and come out the other side relatively unscathed.
Honestly, there’s no set formula for interview success. They’re all going to be very different. But you have to prepare, show you really know your stuff and make sure you stand out.
Just follow our top tips below.
1. Prep Like A Boss
Let’s face it: you’re not going to impress anyone if you’re not clued up.
Give yourself your best chance by researching the role, the company and the wider industry in detail. You also need to be clear on what skills you can bring to the table (we know you’ve got loads, so don’t be shy) and how you can add value.
2. Well Aren’t You Fabulous!
If you’ve made it to interview, they must have seen something they like. The trick is to elaborate on your CV with the utmost confidence. Make sure you can back up every impressive statement with evidence and examples.
3. What A Fabulous Place To Work!
If you can’t talk about why you want to work for the company you’re interviewing at, alarm bells are going to ring. Relevant research is the most powerful tool in your interviewing arsenal, so pinpoint what appeals to you about the place
4. This Role Is Perfect!
When you get the job spec (and if you don’t get one, ask for one immediately!), you need to study it. Study it hard. You need to be able to relate your myriad skills and bountiful experience to key aspects of the role. Think of it as your interview blueprint and showcase what a fabulous fit you are.
5. Boom! I Know This Industry Inside Out!
From specific industry challenges to direct competitors, you must know your stuff. It’s a no-brainer. Would you employ someone who didn’t know anything about the industry you’re operating? Of course not. So, don’t let yourself down. You’ve got this.
6. Be Your Best Self
Here’s how we see it. If you can’t showcase how great you are, how is your interviewer meant to see it? You’re the author of your own journey, so own it.
7. Glow With Positivity!
When you’re positive, people warm to you. It’s as simple as that. It’s also a great way to fake confidence if you’re feeling nervous (which of course you will be, you’re not a robot). Exuding positivity shows your interviewer how motivated you are – which is exactly what you want them to see. And above all, don’t be negative (about your last employer, your last job, anything) as negativity will not score you any points. Trust us.
8. Breathe!
We get it. You’re nervous. But rushing your answers won’t help. This isn’t a quick-fire round of mastermind, it’s a chat between professionals. Your interviewer will expect you to take a moment to think your answers through, so compose yourself before committing yourself. To make sure you’re telling them what they want to hear, try the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result), following this handy little acronym will keep you on track, steer you towards evidence-based answers and stop you from waffling.
9. Break From The Norm!
Interviewers get tired of hearing the same old run of the mill questions at the end of every session. So if you really want to impress, prepare some incisive and relevant questions that haven’t come to you via a Google search. What do you really want to know? What could you only hear from someone who works in the company, who knows that industry inside out? You want to be memorable for all the right reasons so get your thinking cap on and show ‘em what you’re made of.
10. You Can’t Win Them All
Come on now; if you don’t get the job, it’s not the end of the world, right? There will be plenty of chances along your career path and the more interviews you have, the better you become.
Sometimes, it just comes down to a toss-up between a few great candidates. It doesn’t mean you’re not brilliant at what you do. So don’t lose heart.