Now that you have an interview scheduled, it’s time to prepare. Read below for 12 tips to get you interview ready as well as additional tips for a virtual interview.
Research the company
One of the most popular interview questions is what do you know about our company. Looking through the company’s website, social media accounts and press section can give you an understanding of the company and help you answer this question with confidence. Researching the company in advance can also help you tie in your skills and experience to your answer.
Practice answering common interview questions
Practicing answering common interview questions, can help boost your confidence before the interview. Common interview questions include;
- Tell me about yourself?
- What interests you about this role?
- Can you tell me about a difficult work situation and how you overcame it?
- Tell me about your work experience?
Reread the job description
Read through the job description again in advance of the interview. Think about the requirements for the position and how your past experience links in with these requirements. Match your experience to the role i.e. what skills do you have that are relevant to the role?
Prepare examples of your work
You may be asked to provide specific examples of your past work that relate to the position you’ve applied for. Think about the past experience you have and how it can relate to the position you are applying for. E.g. If you are applying for a Summer Camp leadership position and you have previously volunteered at a camp or club, then use this as an example of how your past work relates to the position.
Prepare a list of references
You will most likely be asked to provide references, either before or after the interview. Having a prepared list of references can help advance the process. This can be daunting for a student starting out, but don’t forget that references don’t necessarily have to come from past employers. They can come from the organisation you volunteer with, your lecturers or past work placements.
Prepare a list of questions you may have about the position
Think about the position and any questions you may have that are not answered in the job description. For example, if the job description requires a team player, ask how the team and/or departments collaborate?
Arrive early
For an in-person interview, try to arrive 10-15 minutes before your interview. While you most likely will not be seen until your allocated time, arriving early makes a great impression. For a virtual interview, be ready and connected to join the interview no less than 5 minutes before your allocated start time.
Make a great first impression – don’t forget the little things
The little things can make all the difference and more often then not we are so focused on the interview, that we forget about them. Some little things to take note of are:
- Check your clothes for stains or stray pet hair
- Make sure your hands and nails are clean
- Make sure to shine your shoes
Link your answers back to your skills and experience
Try to link as many of your answers back to your skills and experience as possible. This allows you to use every opportunity to show that you meet the requirements of the position by highlighting your experience.
Keep your answers concise and to the point
Most interviews are allocated a specific amount of time, make the most of that time by keeping your answers concise and to the point. Of course, this can be easier said than done, if you are feeling nervous about the interview. A great way to combat nerves is to practice before the interview, have a friend or family member run through a few questions with you or maybe practice a few answers in front of a mirror.
Ask about the next steps and thank your interviewer for their time
Once the interview is finished it is perfectly ok to enquire about the next steps. This usually takes the form of a follow up contact whether by email or phone, advising of your interview result and whether there will be any additional requirements. Make sure to thank your interviewer for their time, if there are multiple interviewers thank each one individually.
Follow up after the interview
Most interviewers will advise you of the timeframe that they will be in contact by. If you have not heard from the interviewer within the timeframe then you can follow up with an email. Most interviewers will take the time to respond to your follow up. If it is a case that you have been unsuccessful, you should once again thank the interviewer for their time. Just because you have been unsuccessful on this occasion, does not mean you will be unsuccessful should you apply to the company again at a later date.
While COVID-19 continues to have an impact on everyday life, many companies still need to hire employees. Virtual interviews are becoming more common as a solution to this problem. While all the above tips still apply to virtual interviews, below are five tips that apply specifically to virtual interviews.
Check your technology before the interview
Many virtual interviews take place online through video conferencing software like Zoom or Google hangouts. You will be provided with a link to sign into a meeting by the interviewer. Before the interview it is really important that you check that your camera and microphone work effectively. It is also a good idea to familiarise yourself with the software if you have not used it before. If you are using a portable device, such as a laptop, tablet or phone, for the interview, ensure that they are fully charged. It is also a good idea to check your internet connection, to ensure that it is strong enough for the interview.
Choose a quiet, comfortable space
The best place to take your interview is in a quiet space that you are comfortable in. Ensure that the space you choose is clean and free from clutter, you want the interviewer to focus on you, not what is around you. If using a portable device, such as a laptop, tablet or phone, try to place the device on a table or stand, rather than on your lap or chair.
Limit distractions
As many of us are working and studying from home, you may not have access to a completely separate space. Explain to your family or housemates, that you have a virtual interview. Give them the time the interview is taking place, the expected length of the interview, and where you will be taking the interview. Explain that this space will be off limits during the interview, and respectfully ask for quietness during the interview. If you have pets in the house, you may also consider placing them in a separate area for the duration of the interview.
Use professional body language
While communicating through video limits the use of body language, there are a few simple things you can do to combat this. Sit up straight and try to ensure that the camera is placed so that your face is in the middle of the screen. Try to maintain eye contact, and if you get asked an unexpected question, make sure to take a moment to collect your thoughts. You can also display enthusiasm for the interview by smiling or giving a confident wave.
Dress Appropriately
Although the interview is virtual, it is still important that you dress appropriately. Dress as if you were attending for the interview in-person.