You’ve just graduated, you’ve applied for your dream job and been invited for interview. Now the hard work begins.
For new graduates and junior candidates in search of that first big break, this time of year is a busy one. Competition is strong so here’s some interview tips to get ahead:
1. Do your research: preparation for the interview is key
There are two main topics that will come up in an interview: You and Them. One of the first things a potential employer will expect to see from you is some level of research on the company.
Particularly when you’re interviewing with a startup, for whom the work is a passion that they’ll expect you to share. It’s hard to be passionate about a product or service you haven’t put time into researching.
There are no hard and fast rules for what to bring to an interview, unless you have been requested to do so.
Having said that, we always like to see a candidate who’s ready to take their own notes, potentially has a copy of their own CV, and any literature regarding the role they have applied for.
If you’re showing a digital portfolio, it’s best to bring your own laptop or tablet rather than relying on the company to have one.
2. During the interview: get comfortable and be ready to talk shop
I always offer anyone I’m interviewing a drink before we start, and I’m always surprised by how many people decline. There’s nothing worse than battling a dry throat with every answer.
Within reason, being comfortable in an interview demonstrates confidence and gives you the best chance of giving a fair account of yourself – especially because you should expect to talk through your portfolio or CV at length.
Know before the interview which work you are most proud of, and perhaps the project that you think shows your ability to fill the role you’ve applied for. It’s your work; be proud of it.
One of the biggest things candidates fall down on at interview stage is not being able to clearly talk through their process – be clear on what the brief was, and be able to explain your rationale.
3. Check yourself: attitude and body language matter
Two of the most important and obvious things that can be picked up on in an interview are general attitude and body language.
While not everyone bounces off the walls or is a body language expert, it’s essential to make a good impression. The most important factors are eye contact, engagement, expression, and positivity.
A candidate that can maintain eye contact, seems interested in the conversation, and is at ease in their surroundings will always leave a good impression.
Pass your good vibes onto the interviewer, it’ll set the tone for the meeting and it might just get you the job.
4. Asking questions: clear, relevant, and thoughtful are best
Interviews are all about questions – yours and theirs. If there’s a question that you don’t understand, it’s best to clarify quickly. Questions with two or three parts are confusing at the best of times, but can cause real ‘mind-blanks’ in a pressurised situation.
It’s better to ask for clarification than it is to ramble on for ten minutes on an unrelated topic. It will also show your ability to stay calm under pressure and assess the situation before jumping into something blindly.
At the end of an interview, you should get a chance to ask some questions of your own. A thoughtful and relevant question shows a genuine interest in the role or the company as a whole.
A good question at this point could open the interview up into a less formal discussion, which can only be a good thing. Be prepared with a couple of questions that you can ask at the end.
5. Know what you bring to the table
The interview is an opportunity to sell yourself into the role – after all, that’s why you’re there.
The more you know about the role, the easier this will become. If you know the role inside out, you will know which areas of your CV or portfolio to direct your answers toward.
However, if you don’t believe in yourself, then you can’t expect the interviewer to believe in your skills. Self-belief is unmistakable from an employer’s point of view. It comes as a result of good preparation, a positive attitude and a passion for your own work.
It’s apparent in the way you talk, your body language and the way in which you respond to questions. You have to believe that you’re the right person for the role in order to convince someone else of it.
Hopefully this will help you feel better about your next interview – and remember that even if the first few don’t go your way, each interview gives new insight into how to better prepare and tackle the next one.
Learn as you go, and soon enough you’ll be in your first full time role.