Navigating the Interview: Essential Strategies for Candidates

As recruiters it’s our responsibility to ensure that we’re supporting our candidates throughout the entire job search process. A successful job interview is pivotal in securing your dream role, and preparation is key. 

Below we’re offering valuable tips to help you navigate the interview process with confidence.

Make sure you are:

• Reading the job description in full, make some notes of the stand our requirements and how your experience meets these needs.
• Spending some time on the company’s website and LinkedIn – what are their values, how do they communicate their mission and vision? How do you match these values?
• While you’re on their website check out their blog or do a quick search for any recent press releases or mentions in industry publications, is there anything of note there you could add value to or bring up as part of your interview?
• Looking up the hiring manager on LinkedIn – find out a little more about the person you’re meeting – this could help you break the ice initially, and everyone loves the opportunity to talk about themselves!
• Talking about your experience and capability to do the role – including examples of doing similar in a current or recent position. Framing your replies using a ‘expectation/objectives, approach, outcomes, learnings’ flow is a great way to highlight not only your skills but also painting a picture of how you approach a project, manage any issues and deliver results.
• Communicating why you will be an asset to the company. Knowing your worth and sharing how this will have a positive impact on the company your interviewing with will leave a favourable impression.

Be realistic about:

• The commute (if there is one) – all too often we get excited about the role and the opportunity and we don’t think realistically about things like the commute that could really impact your happiness in the role long term.
• Your impact in your current and previous roles. All too often we slip into saying ‘we did…’ or ‘the team delivered…’ – giving yourself permission to take ownership of your achievements will help you come across as confident and skilled.
• Expectations for the interview – ask questions before the day to ensure you’re able to prepare as well as you can. Practice your answers and lining up the skills required for the role with what you have on your CV.

Remember to:

• Be positive about your experience in your last company – it’s possible for people to read between the lines, but they don’t want to know why your boss was the worst, or the laundry list of things they do wrong. Finding ways to explain why you’re on the market again that are more positively framed will shine a better light on you.
• Think about your career goals. What are your personal goals? How will this role support your next steps?