Five Interview Tips That Will Get You Hired

Job interviews are renowned for being one of the most daunting and anxiety-inducing parts of working life – but they don’t have to be. Confidence makes you stand out among a crowd, and the key to confidence is preparation. By following these five simple tips, the interview experience will be easier for you and your potential employer and could ultimately help you achieve the job of your dreams.

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1. Research the company

It goes without saying, right? But it’s much more than just knowing who you’re working for.

By showing a detailed understanding of the company history, you’re not only going in with the advantage of knowledge but also displaying evidence of your research skills. These skills are invaluable in many jobs, and your employer will likely recognize that as they assess you. It also shows a keen interest and respect in the company, which will set you apart from those who are blatantly applying for salary or convenience reasons. Make sure you understand your role in particular, and if there is any information you find you’re missing, keep it in mind for later.

2. Prepare your answers

There are standard interview questions and specific questions that only your chosen company will ask. Make sure you know the standard questions. For many of us, our minds go blank upon hearing “Tell us a bit about yourself!” but a version of this will almost definitely come up in any interview. Try to form an answer that conveys who you are as a person (your interests, your ideals) and blends it with experience and relevant information regarding the role (previous jobs, qualifications, volunteer work).

Though you should prepare your answers, don’t be afraid to pause and think about your response in the moment. It shows initiative and originality skills, more qualities every employer is looking for.

Other typical interview questions include:

• Why do you want to work at this company?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• Can you give an example of a difficult situation you overcame?
• What can you bring to this role
• What do you hope to get out of this experience?

3. Be polite

This doesn’t mean just remember your ‘pleases’ and ‘thank yous’. Many people are so worried about remembering facts about the company and answering all the questions correctly that they can forget something equally important – friendliness. Yes, your employers are looking for someone who can get the job done, but they’re also looking for someone who they think will fit their team well.

Civilities can go a long way, playing a key role in immediately establishing a rapport with someone in the company and making you memorable. Ask how they are, and show a personal interest in them and the company. Just be kind!

4. Prepare your own questions

When employers ask if you have any questions at the end, it isn’t just a formality. Quite often, it’s to test your interest in the company and your keenness to learn more. Try not to decline this opportunity.

Before the interview, compile a list of questions to ask at the end. If you don’t have any questions after your discussion with the employer, you’ll have these to fall back on.

Typical questions to ask an employer include:

• Can you describe an average work day?
• What is your favourite thing about working for this company?
• What opportunities to progress are there?

5. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself

The pressure to succeed is always immense and can often impact our overall performance. There are a few ways to combat this and go into an interview feeling confident and prepared. Simple techniques such as:

• Breathing exercises
• Making notes
• Practicing answering questions in a mirror

It is also important to remember that even if you don’t get the job, each interview you take part in can be used as experience for the next one. Reflect upon the discussion and pick out any key moments where you thought you succeeded or moments you thought could be improved. Use it as a learning curve and teach yourself ways to personally improve how you come across.

If you’re feeling the nerves kicking in, try to follow these steps to calm down and have the clearest head possible for your interview. Even if you still feel anxious, by taking this information onboard and applying it to the preparation, execution and analysis of your interview, you can get the most out of this experience and feel more prepared in the future.

Join Martyn Scott-Thomas on September 6 for a free workshop on how to master job interviews! With top tips on preparation and communication methods, this workshop will give you all the advice you need to master the interview process. Click here to sign up!

Read related myGwork articles here:

How to ace a job interview

Finding a Job That Fits

5 Top Tips for Nailing Your First Day at a New Job

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