There’s no doubt that we are in a candidate’s market right now - but that doesn’t mean that as a job-hunter, you can be complacent!

As one of the best-rated recruitment agencies in Basingstoke, we know you need to make sure you do your homework thoroughly before you go for an interview. And if you’ve not been on the job market for a while, or you are looking to move to a different area or sector of the market, then you may need to spend a little extra time on your preparation.

If interview nerves are an issue for you (and if they are, you’re certainly not alone!), then speak to your recruitment consultant to get interview advice and do a practice run before you go to a real interview.

Find out what type of interview to expect

Your interview could be one-to-one with your prospective manager or an HR professional, or a panel interview with the line manager and other stakeholders. 

You also need to know whether it will be in person or via video. Increasingly, employers like to see a short video of candidates before they decide who to see. Think of it as a way to bring your CV to life - most of us are better at talking about past roles rather than trying to write about them in a few bullet points, so being able to show your personality on video could well be to your advantage.

Whether you are being interviewed in person or remotely, one to one or in a group, here are some ways you can take the heat out of an interview and shine on the day:

1. If you fail to prepare, prepare to fail!

The old saying beloved of English teachers and grannies is absolutely true when it comes to being interviewed for a new role. If you invest time planning for your interview, it means you won’t be fazed if something unexpected happens on the day. 

A good place to start is by reading our guide on How to Wow at Interviews, which you can download here: https://priorityappointments.co.uk/downloads/61 

2. Find out what type of questions are likely to be asked

There are lots of different types of interview questions. If your interviewer is an HR professional, they may well use the popular STAR technique:

S = Situation - What was the situation?

T = Task - What goal were you working toward?

A = Action - What action did you take?

R = Result - What was the result of your action?

You may also get technical questions about the job itself. If the interviewer uses language or terms you’re not familiar with, don’t just wing it - ask them to clarify what they mean as different companies can use lots of different phrases to describe the same thing.

3. Don’t get caught out….

It’s worth behaving as if you’re at an interview from the minute you leave the house. For all you know, you could be on the same bus as your interviewer, or sat next to them at the traffic lights en route to the interview!

You will naturally wish to arrive early, but don’t hang around near the building where your interview will be. We heard a terrible story once about a candidate (happily, not someone we had introduced!) who arrived early, then stood outside the office talking on her phone and complaining about the company.

She didn’t realise that her interviewer had walked past her on the way in and heard every word. Needless to say, she wasn’t offered the position.

4.  …. Or caught short!

It sounds obvious, but in your rush to arrive on time, do make sure you’ve been to the loo before the interview starts! There is nothing worse than being distracted whilst you’re in the midst of a discussion.

5. Be polite to everyone you meet

You don’t know who works with who, or who has a say in the people who are employed. Anyone you meet could be highly influential in recruitment decisions.

6. Turn your phone off. Right off

Even on silent, your phone could buzz and distract you during an interview, so it’s best to turn it off completely before you go in. The same goes for smart watches: interviewers would be very unimpressed if they noticed you checking a text from your mum half way through the conservation.

7. Think about your body language

This is a tricky one, as if you worry about your body language too much, you’ll end up feeling and looking awkward. Try and be as natural as possible, and give the appearance of being relaxed and happy (even if you’re a bundle of nerves inside!) When an interviewer is talking, lean towards them very slightly so they can see you’re fully engaged and interested in what they’re saying.

8. Consider what you want to ask them

Lots of people spend so much time thinking about and rehearsing the questions they are likely to be asked, that they completely forget that an interview is a two-way street, and a chance for you to ask the questions you would like answered as well.

Good questions to have up your sleeve could include:

• What is most challenging about this role?
• Could you tell me more about who I’d be working with?
• What are the opportunities for progression with the company?
• Is there any training provided?
• What are the next steps in the recruitment process?

9. Take notes

Having a paper and pen with you shows the interviewer/s you are professional and focused. It can also give you something useful to do with your hands if you’re feeling nervous!

10. Don’t forget the finish

The last impression you make in an interview is probably equally as important as the first.

Make sure you have prepared at least five questions ready for the end of the interview. Some of these may be covered during the interview, but it’s vital to have something up your sleeve that you can ask.

As Priority’s MD Tracy Welch explains, “We can’t tell you how many times an interview has gone really well - and then right at the end the interviewer asks “What questions have you got for us” - and the candidate says something like, “I did have some but they've already been covered,” or just “I don't have any.”

“This gives the interviewer the impression that you didn’t take the time to prepare anything, or - worse still - that you’re not really interested, leaving a poor last impression.”

As you leave, make sure you say goodbye to each interviewer as you leave and shake hands if that’s appropriate. Don’t forget to also say goodbye to the receptionist, or whoever shows you out, and keep that smile on your face until you have left the building.

Above all, don’t forget that the interview is as much about you finding out about the company and the role as it is for them to get to know you and what you have to offer. If you’re well-prepared, you will probably find the interview process quite enjoyable. 

If you need more tips to ensure your interview goes well, talk to us as one of the best recruitment agencies in Basingtoke, or download our guide on How to Wow at Interviews.

Good luck!