How to Interview like a Pro

Interviewing can be a really stressful experience- we’re here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be! With the right preparation and mindset, you can be confident in your interview and set yourself up for success.

It is said that taking these four steps in consideration before an interview can help you to maximise your chances of success. This blog provides a few preparation tips that will hopefully ease some of the common pre-interview jitters.

Go through the job description

The job description is a crucial part of the application process. It’s what helps you decide if the role is a good fit for you.

In order to get a better understanding of what’s expected of you, it’s important to read through the job description carefully and take note of any skills and knowledge you have that will help you in the role. It’s also a great way to analyse what the employer is seeking, especially in terms of what qualifications are needed. Furthermore, use the job description to examine the hierarchy of the business, and determine where the position fits within the company. From the above you can identify how you could answer some of the interview questions that may be asked.

Practice Mock Interviews

Practice makes perfect, so the more you do mock interviews, the better you will get at them.

Prepare a list of questions that you might be asked and practice with friends or family first. Record yourself and analyse where you can improve on your answers. You can also ask your friends and family what they thought of your performance afterward to see if they think there are any improvements that need to be made.

The more experience you have with interviews, the more confident you will feel when going into one in the future.

Be Organised

The best way to be organised is to start preparing a few days before your interview.

You should start by organising all the documents you will need at the interview. This includes your CV, cover letter, references and any other relevant information. Make sure you have all these in one folder for easy access.

The next thing to do is plan what you are going to wear for the interview. This might sound like a no-brainer but it can make a big difference if you’re not prepared. You should dress respectfully and professionally but also think about what kind of work environment you will be interviewing for, and dress accordingly. Tip: try to understand the company culture by conducting your own research on the company- social media is a great place to start.

The last thing you need to do is plan your journey, and prepare for any unforeseen issues that might come up on the day of the interview- whether that be bad traffic or delayed trains/buses.

It’s not only about what you say

A lot of what you say to the interviewer is conveyed through your body language. This includes your posture, whether you are standing or sitting, how close to the interviewer you are, and how much eye contact you make.

You should also be polite and answer questions confidently. It is important to stay calm, composed and in good posture during the interview. Your body language will reveal a lot about you to the interviewer, for example, if you look tired or uninterested then it will not give off a good impression of yourself. Try to get enough rest before the interview and minimise stress by following the tips above.

At JasperRose, we help our candidates prepare for interviews at every stage of the recruitment process. If you’d like some advice, or more tips on how to prepare for an interview, please contact us at [email protected]