Interview Advice

You've likely heard this advice before, but it remains a golden rule: fail to plan and you plan to fail. You should absolutely anticipate questions about the company, so make sure to dive into your research. Review last year's financials, recent product launches and stay up to date on industry trends to speak confidently. If possible, get to know your interviewer a bit beforehand. LinkedIn is an excellent resource, offering valuable insights into your interviewers and others within the organisation, including their background, previous roles and education.

Although job interviews can vary, certain questions often come up consistently. It’s wise to prepare for these expected queries in advance. Spend time crafting thoughtful responses about your strengths and areas for development and have a clear, concise pitch ready to explain why you're the perfect candidate for the role.

Additionally, it’s essential to thoroughly know your CV. You’d be surprised how often candidates hesitate when asked about their career history. Taking the time to review your professional journey can significantly enhance your confidence and clarity during the interview.

This is really basic, but it is worth reiterating because it will have an impact if you get it wrong. Appearances matter, you are often judged before you've even uttered a word. Make sure your shoes are polished, your clothes fit correctly and that your accessories are subtle. Ensure you have a pen and pad, it is incredibly basic, but people do forget these.

You should always have some questions for your interviewer to demonstrate your interest in the position. Prepare a minimum of five questions, some which will give you more information about the job and some which delve deeper into the culture and goals of the company.

Good preparation is the key to staying in control. Plan your route, allowing extra time for any unexpected delays and get everything you need to take with you the night before such as extra copies of your CV, a pen, folder (not a cheap pen and a scrap of paper), your portfolio (if applicable) and any supporting documents to enhance your application. Remember to speak clearly, smile and remember that your interviewers are just normal people, they may be nervous too!