You have won employers over with your CV and now it’s interview time. We all get anxious, we are human beings after all. Beat the nerves and follow our handy little tips for before, during and after the interview.

1. Practice Beforehand.

It can be in your favour to practice some example questions with someone to ensure you have the answer refined at a standard you would be happy giving to the interviewer. If you trip up in your answers, focus on what you need to change for the answer to flow smoothly.

2. First Impressions Matter

How you present yourself to a potential employer is the very first thing that they will take into consideration. If there is a dress code for the interview, make sure that you follow it and ensure that your grooming standards are to a satisfactory level. Remember: A smile can show off your confidence, don’t be afraid to wear it!

3. Be Prepared

Some employers will ask what you know about the organisation you are applying for, so they will know whether you have taken the time to research the company or if you are rambling on to string a sentence together. Take a note of the company’s mission statement, the date the company was founded and what is the company’s most notable achievement to date. Knowing the important figures such as the CEO or Founder will impress employers. 

4. Know Your Scenarios

Tell me about a time when…

We know that these types of questions are bound to be asked. When it comes to answering them, have a scenario which fits in with the question. If the question asked doesn’t fit in with anything you have done, be upfront and say how you would act if the occasion arises.

5. Identify Your Goals

If this is a role where you see yourself in long-term, the career aspirations and goals question will make an appearance somewhere in the interview. Some may ask for a 5-year-plan which may include promotions and looking at the overall strategy of the company. Give an honest indication of where you would like to be, tying it with the needs of the company.

6. Think Positively!

Heading into an interview with a negative mindset can be obvious to the interviewer who can sense that you’re not feeling confident about the interview ahead. Make sure that you have eaten something beforehand, had a comfort break, go through the answers and scenarios pin-pointing the positive in each one and focus on the fact they see potential in you – you wouldn’t have made it this far if they didn’t.

7. Interview = Networking Opportunity!

An interview can be so much more than just sitting down answering questions. View this as a chance to network and branch out. Who else is in the field of work that you wish to pursue? Researching on LinkedIn before heading to an interview can be seen as a positive as you know what can be expected in the role that you’ve applied for – use this in your answers to the interview’s questions.

8. Fight The Fidget!

It can be hard not to sit there and play with your hair, constantly touch your hands or pull at your clothing because this will be causing a distraction to yourself while answering a question. Above all, body language is so important. Use your hands for emphasis during the topic of conversation with your employer rather than fidget. Remember to sit up straight, engage in eye contact and be passionate about what you’re telling them!

9. Any Questions?

Do you have any questions for me?

It’s gotten to that time in the interview where it’s probably now your turn to be the interviewer and because you’ve frozen, you’re not quite sure what questions to ask. Here are some questions to ask the interviewer:

What do you like best about working for this company?
What is the typical career path for someone in this role?
Where do you think the company is headed in the next 5 years?

This will show that you’ve taken this interview seriously.

10. Plan Your Journey

Downloading apps such as National Rail and your local bus company (e.g.  First Bus in Glasgow) is great for checking timetables and if there are any delays to your journey. If driving and unsure of directions, use Google Maps to find the location and if there is parking nearby. Ideally, be early as you possibly can for your interview as they may start the interview process early. Between 15-20 minutes is ample time to check in with staff prior to your interview.

Be Yourself!

Finally, remember that you got this far by being yourself and showing off your personality via your CV/Covering Letter/Application Form. Bring your personality to life and show the reasons why you’re the person who’s being interviewed. They will respect you for showing who you really are instead of putting on a front to make the impression look good. Think from the perspective of the interviewer if the tables were turned…

We here at Ten Live hope you have enjoyed our tips and tricks and wish you every success with your interview.

Joanne Telfer
Director

Ten Live Group

Mob: ++44(0) 7547 761779

Email joanne@tenlivegroup.com

Skype: joanne.telfer4
Tel: ++44 (0) 1236 702007