Interview Tips the Do's and Dont's

Attending an interview especially if it has been a while can be nerve racking and whilst it is a good opportunity to get to know the employer and vice versa there are some rules that must be followed to ensure a good first impression. The tips below will help you along the way;

1. Do's

   • Research the company (mission, recent news, products/services) and the specific role beforehand - Interviewers are always impressed by your knowledge about them and shows that you have taken the time to know the company your applying to.

   • Arrive 10-15 minutes early (or log in early for virtual interviews) and test your tech in advance - An early arrival shows that you have planned the day and haven't struggled to turn up on time. If login in to a virtual interview read our full section on Virtual Interview Techniques, but ensuring your camera is placed in a well lit and god position with a good background again shows that you have prepared.

   • Bring copies of your CV, a notepad, and any requested documents - usually not needed in this day and age but always good to have to hand if your asked for your CV and notes show that you are an active listener if done sparingly.

   • Prepare specific examples using a structure like STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for competency questions - Be sure to use at least one STAR example to show how you tackled a task methodologically.

   • Make eye contact, offer a firm handshake (in person), and maintain open body language - Body language is part of how your interviewer will be assessing your suitability so be sure to smile, face your interviewer and answer confidently.

   • Listen carefully and answer the question actually asked, not the one you rehearsed - Often you may feel the need to give an answer even if it is not directly relevant. Our advise is to keep things relevant to the question and short. Be able to expand further if asked to do so.

   • Ask thoughtful questions about the role, team, or company when invited to - Usually at the end of an interview you may have the opportunity to ask your questions to the interviewer, Hirecruit can help you ask the right kind of questions to give you wholesome information in return.

   • Follow up with a short thank-you email within 24 hours - This should be kept short and not pushing for an outcome as you will already be due for some kind of contact.

   Don'ts

   • Don't arrive late, or excessively early (more than 15-20 minutes can be awkward for the host) - If you think you will be late, its always a good idea to let us know, we will get in touch with the panel and make alternative arrangements if needed or manage their expectations.

   • Don't speak negatively about previous employers or colleagues - Never a good idea and the team here can help you with questions like Why are you looking to leave your current workplace?

   • Don't ramble — keep answers focused and relevant - You may want take a second or two before you respond to a question rather than hoping that something in your answer covered what was asked. Try to understand what the interviewer is trying to gauge from your answer and work backwards.

   • Don't lie or exaggerate your experience; it tends to surface under follow-up questions - Never a good idea in any situation, full transparency is always the best way to success.

   • Don't check your phone during the interview - A given for all tech and distractions so ensure you are focused and ready

   • Don't dominate the conversation or interrupt the interviewer - Always let the interviewer finish and remember common courtesy goes a long way.

   • Don't leave salary or logistics as the only thing you ask about — it can read as disinterest in the role itself - New legislation is making salary information a must on all job adverts but until then if you don't know the salary be sure that it is presented at the end of any other questions you may have.

   • Don't forget to ask questions at the end when given the opportunity — having none can look like a lack of engagement - Always a good idea to have up to three questions ready - the team here can help you with that too.

Following our advice and guidance can give you the edge over an unsuccessful interview and secure the position you have applied for. The team at Hirecruit is always available to help if you need it so be sure to reach out to your contact.

Contact

0208 057 5000

Address

124 City Road, London, EC1V 2NX