Nail That Interview: 5 Must-Do Steps to Stand Out & Succeed

Posted on Wednesday, October 9, 2024 by Sian RichardsonNo comments

Nail That Interview: 5 Must-Do Steps to Stand Out & Succeed

Imagine; you’re leaving date is looming near, you’ve refined your CV, and you’ve been invite to interview – at last!

You have a week to prepare, but what do you do?

Interviews can be a nerve-wracking experience, but with the right approach, it can also be an opportunity to showcase your skills and secure the job you’ve been aiming for. Whatever the stage in your career, understanding the essentials of interview preparation is crucial.

Thorough preparation will arm you with a great deal of confidence on the day.

Here are the 5 key things you should do to optimise your interview performance.

1. Research the Company Thoroughly

Before you walk into an interview, one of the most important steps you can take is to research the company. This not only shows your interest in the role but also allows you to tailor your responses to align with the company’s goals and culture. Don’t underestimate the value of doing this! I’ve lost count of the number of candidates I’ve interviewed who had little knowledge of the company, or indeed a good understanding of the job they’d applied for. This is not a good look and a sure fire way of receiving a ‘Thanks, But No Thanks’ letter in the post.

Start by visiting the company’s website and reviewing its mission, vision, and values. These elements often reflect the company's culture and long-term goals. Understanding them will help you craft responses that resonate with interviewers. For example, if a company values innovation, you might emphasise your creative problem-solving skills or experiences where you’ve successfully implemented new ideas.

Next, delve into the company’s products or services. What do they offer? Who are their competitors? How do they position themselves in the market? This knowledge can help you speak intelligently about the company during the interview and demonstrate how you can contribute to their success.

Stay updated on the company’s recent news, such as new product launches, mergers, or industry awards. This shows that you’re engaged and informed about the company’s current situation. It also provides you with potential talking points during the interview, making the conversation more engaging and relevant.

2. Understand the Job Description and Align Your Skills

The job description is your roadmap for the interview. It outlines the key skills and qualifications the employer is seeking, and it’s essential that go equipped with real examples to show how you meet these requirements.

Carefully read the job description and make a list of the key responsibilities and required skills. Identify the areas where your experience directly aligns with these requirements. For instance, if the job calls for project management experience, be prepared to discuss specific projects you’ve managed, the challenges you faced, and the outcomes you achieved.

The STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method is a powerful way to structure your responses during behavioural interviews. For each key skill or responsibility mentioned in the job description, prepare a STAR response. This helps you provide clear, concise examples that highlight your relevant experience. For example:

  • Situation: Describe a specific scenario you faced.
  • Task: Explain the task or goal you needed to achieve.
  • Action: Detail the actions you took to address the situation.
  • Result: Share the outcome, focusing on positive results that demonstrate your skills.

If there are skills or experiences required for the role that you don’t have direct experience with, consider highlighting transferable skills. These are abilities you’ve developed in other roles that can be applied to the job you’re interviewing for. For example, leadership skills gained in a volunteer position could be applicable to a management role.

3. Practice Common Interview Questions

While you can’t predict every question you’ll be asked, there are common interview questions that you should be prepared for. Practicing your responses to these questions can help you feel more confident and articulate during the interview.

Common Questions to Prepare For

  • “Tell me about yourself.” This is often the first question in an interview. Keep your response focused on your professional background, key achievements, and what you bring to the role.
  • “Why do you want to work here?” Your research on the company will be crucial here. Tailor your answer to reflect why the company’s mission, values, and work culture appeal to you, and how your skills align with their needs.
  • “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” Be honest but strategic. Choose strengths that are relevant to the job and discuss how you’re working to improve any weaknesses.
  • “Tell me about a time you faced a challenge at work and how you handled it.” Use the STAR method to provide a clear, structured response.

Mock Interviews

Conduct mock interviews to practice these questions. This can help you refine your answers, improve your delivery, and receive constructive feedback. Our clients love this opportunity to practice in a safe environment, and learn tips to structure their answers better.

At the end of most interviews, you’ll be given the opportunity to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest in the role and the company. For example:

  • “Can you tell me more about the team I’ll be working with?”
  • “How do you measure success in this role?”
  • “What are the next steps in the interview process?”

4. Plan Your Journey and Presentation

Arriving on time and presenting yourself professionally are crucial to making a positive first impression. Planning your journey and appearance in advance can help you avoid unnecessary stress on the day of the interview. Nobody wants to arrive at the interview venue a sweaty mess!

If your interview is in person, plan your route to the interview location in advance. Consider doing a trial run if possible, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area. This will help you estimate how long it will take to get there and avoid being late. If your interview is virtual, make sure you have the necessary software installed and tested, that your internet connection is stable, and that there is no distracting background.

Your attire should be professional and appropriate for the company’s culture. When in doubt, it’s better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed. Make sure your clothes are clean, pressed, and fit well. If you’re unsure about the company’s dress code, business formal or business casual is usually a safe bet.

 

5. Mentally Prepare and Stay Positive

Mental preparation is just as important as the practical steps. A positive mindset can significantly impact your performance during the interview.

Take a few minutes each day leading up to the interview to visualise yourself succeeding. Picture yourself walking into the interview confidently, answering questions effectively, and leaving the interview on a high note. Visualisation can help reduce anxiety and boost your confidence.

Nerves are normal, but it’s important to manage them effectively. Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or mindfulness to calm your mind before the interview. This can help you stay focused and composed.

Remember that you were selected for the interview because the employer sees potential in you. Focus on your strengths, what you have to offer, and how this opportunity aligns with your career goals.

The night before the interview, make sure you get plenty of sleep. Being well-rested will help you think clearly, react quickly, and stay energetic throughout the interview.

Good luck!

If the thought of trying to sell yourself and show-case your experience in an interview fills you with dread, why not book a few confidence boosting sessions with our expert coach?

Contact us for more details: info@forces-cvs.co.uk

Sian Richardson

Forces CV & Career Services

www.forces-cvs.co.uk

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