Interviews - Handling the Hot Seat

Interviews can be the most daunting part of the application process. Though it isn't always easy, the key is to remain as relaxed and open as possible. Employers have liked what they have seen so far on paper, all you have to do now is convince them in person that you're right for the job.

Be Prepared

Success at the interview stage is all about preparation. Knowing yourself and the employer well will allow you to demonstrate that there is a direct match between the skills they are looking for and what you have got to offer.

The first way to prepare is to research the company. If possible, go beyond the realm of the company website. Company reports, news stories and a quick look at the organisation's competitors can all be valuable sources of information. Thorough company research will not only impress employers, it will also help you decide whether this is the right job for you.

After researching the company the next step is to prepare for the type of interview you are about to face. One-on-one interviews, panel interviews and telephone interviews will all have different dynamics and so it is important to know what to expect.

Many recruiters select candidates by measuring them against a set of key competencies or skills which they define as important to the role. In the interview setting, recruiters will be interested to find out whether you have the skills that enable you to do the job well. In order to assess this, they will often ask questions like 'One of the skills/competencies that the role requires is: analytical skills/problem solving/resilience etc. Can you give me examples of when you have demonstrated this skill/competency?'

The only way to tackle this sort of question is to prepare some examples based on your previous experiences before you go to the interview. Examples could be drawn from previous employment, work experience, extra-curricular activities or student life but the key is to demonstrate how you have put these skills into practice. Employers see past performance as an indicator of how well you will perform in the future so it is vital to prepare for these sorts of questions. If possible, have a range of examples ready to cover the different skills that employer may be looking for.

Be a Star

Many employers recommend the star system as a way to think about examples for both applications and interviews. This involves describing the Situation or task that you faced, the Action you took and the Results you achieved. Being well prepared will help you relax and feel confident on the day and increase your chances of success.

When the Invitation Arrives

Usually the recruiter will write to a candidate explaining what to expect from the interview, eg. whether it’s a panel interview, whether there will be any psychometric tests, or whether it will be a one-to-one interview. Knowing what to expect will help you to prepare for the interview.

One Week to Go

There will be a lot of unknowns going into an interview; one thing that you can be sure of is that knowledge of the company will be beneficial. Do some further research to be sure that it’s the right job for you and make sure you plan your journey.

The Night Before

Hopefully there won’t be too much preparation to do at this stage. However spending some time looking over the company website and checking that there have not been any big news stories recently would be beneficial.

Get a good night’s sleep so you can be fresh-faced for the interview, and find ways to take your mind off the interview if you’re a natural worrier.

On the Day

Leave plenty of time to get there, better to be an hour early and go somewhere for a coffee than be rushing around.

Decide what impression you want to give from the second you walk in and put yourself into the mindset of a successful applicant.

Remember that although there may be huge competition for places, all you need to do is show that you are right for the job, the interview is not designed to catch you out, just to give you the opportunity to demonstrate your abilities.

Interviewers are looking to make the best match between the applicant and the role. They want to get to know you are your skill set, so the most important thing is to try and be yourself.

Last but not least, smile and try to communicate confidently.

Interview Survival Skills

• Don’t be afraid to take a moment to consider the question. A considered response is far better than saying the first thing that comes to mind.
• If you don’t understand the question, ask for further clarification to make sure you don’t misinterpret the question.
• Be yourself, employers want to get to know the real you.
• Be honest - if employers discover you have been dishonest at a later stage you could be dismissed.
• Be positive, this is your opportunity to sell yourself.