Interview Tips

Keep Positive

Often your reason for interviewing will have to do with one or more factors which are not going as desired in your current role. Despite this, try not to speak negatively of your current/previous employer or manager. Instead, focus on what you would like to change, and turn a negative into a positive. If you feel there is no room for growth, state that you are looking to advance professionally. If you feel overworked, explain that you are looking for a healthier work-life balance, and so on.

Remember to shine:

Even if you are not 100% sure that this is the job you want, always try to give a superb interview and impress the hiring team. You may eventually turn down the role, but make sure you are the one making this call. Appearing hesitant and non-committal in any interview is a dangerous strategy, even if you have your doubts about the opportunity. The hiring team may have some great additional opportunities that you will not be considered for, or you may miss key referrals if they speak with other industry professionals. Always try to give your best interview and give yourself control of the process. 

Questions to ask:

Make sure your initial inquiries are intelligent business questions. Ask about the company’s ambitions, how they out-perform their competitors, or what challenges they foresee in the coming years. Find out more about how you could progress in your role if you are an exceptional employee. This shows your ambition and ability to see the big picture – after this you can get the information you need on the practical points, having already impressed. 

Topics to avoid in a first conversation

– Try not to discuss salary, work hours, benefits or commute if you can avoid them – it can

give the impression you are not focused on the opportunity and the role itself.

Closing the Interview

How to close the interview: 

– Thank the client and interviewer(s) for their time.

– Reconfirm your interest in the opportunity.

– Ask if there are any reasons based on your conversations so far which have caused any doubts about your suitability for the role.