Interview tips

Before the interview:

  1. Research the company, what they do, where they are, who their competitors are
  2. Be prepared for salary discussions, but don´t be the first to bring it up
  3. Take a copy of the job brief (job specification)
  4. Work through the competencies mentioned in the job brief, know which you meet and which you don´t, and be honest about it
  5. Prepare questions you may have about the company and/or the job - this shows you are interested, don´t overdo it though.
  6. Think what you would say if asked about your weaknesses

During the interview:

  1. Greet your interviewer standing. Look them in the eye as you greet. Have a firm hand shake. Speak audibly.
  2. Answer questions directly and to the point. Don´t waffle. Ask for clarification if you don´t understand.
  3. Be prepared for situational questions like ´Describe a situation where you felt you had an impossible deadline, and describe how you handled it...?"
  4. Don´t be too familiar, don´t talk too much, don´t appear to be desperate, or use inappropriate language.
  5. Don´t talk negatively about former employers 
  6. If you are interested in the job, make sure you let the interviewer(s) know before you leave by saying why you like the role.
  7. The importance of Body Language in an interview: 
    • Make eye contact with the interviewer, if there are more than one make contact with them all, but always the main focus on the one asking the questions.
    • Walk into the interview room with self confidence – body upright, smile friendly and greet every panel member.
    • Wait for the interviewer to indicate where you should sit.
    • Sit up straight – don’t perch on the edge of a chair and don’t look too relaxed if it is a very comfortable chair.
    • Sit both feet on the floor and lean “slightly” towards the interviewer.
    • Don’t fiddle with your hands, for example playing with a pen or touching your hair.
    • Don’t give off defensive signals by crossing your arms and legs.
    • Try to keep the hands still except when you are gesturing.
    • Final Tip: Remember – first impressions are lasting impressions! You have 3 minutes from the time you walk into the interview room to make a good impression.

Finally, don´t despair if you don´t get the job. Interviews take practice. Treat every interview as an experience.