interview tips

A comprehensive guide to perfecting your interviews

You’ve had a phone call from a consultant, and success! You’re through to a face-to-face interview with the company of your choice. Congratulations!

Job interviews can be nerve-wracking for some, especially when looking to land your dream job but with the right preparation and mindset, you can turn them into opportunities to showcase your skills and personality. In this guide, we'll walk you through the key steps to ensure you leave a lasting impression and increase your chances of landing that dream job.

1. Research the company: Before you even step into the interview room, make sure you've done your homework on the company. Understand its values, mission, and recent achievements. Being knowledgeable about the organisation demonstrates your genuine interest and commitment.
2. Craft your elevator pitch: Prepare a concise and compelling elevator pitch that summarizes your experience, skills, and what makes you unique. This will help you confidently introduce yourself and leave a positive impression from the start.
3. Know your industry - Are you an Operations Manager in outsourcing, a Call Centre Manager with Financial Services expertise, or a Resource Planning Analyst in a utilities call centre? Each role demands specific skills. In this niche market, precision matters. Leverage your expertise broadly, but remember, you're a specialist.
4. Know your resume inside out: Be ready to discuss every aspect of your resume. Highlight your achievements, experiences, and skills that align with the job requirements. This not only boosts your confidence but also provides tangible evidence of your suitability for the role.
5. Practice common interview questions: Some companies will ask you to complete online tests, including personality profiling and SHL tests to get a better understanding of your character and personality. Others don’t really use them. Certain questions are almost guaranteed to come up in any interview. Practice your responses to classic questions like "Tell me about yourself" or "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" This ensures you're articulate and well-prepared. Make sure you structure your answers using “S.T.A.R” method or any other suitable framework.
6. Think outside the box -While it’s good to show that you’re thinking along the same lines as they are, it’s wise to be able to show that you’ve got plenty of ideas of your own. You need to show that you have driven and are able to think outside the box when there are problems, whilst following regulations and company procedures; you’re brave enough to take risks but not afraid to run them by your manager first. Show them this and you’re sure to impress.
7. Have examples ready -Enthusiasm is crucial, but merely saying 'yes' isn't enough. Provide specific examples of going beyond expectations. Choose relevant instances that align with the role. If it's a sales position, highlight money motivation and performance-driven focus with concrete figures. Tailor your examples to the specific requirements; show them you're the candidate they're seeking.
8. Ask thoughtful questions: Prepare questions to ask the interviewer. This not only demonstrates your genuine interest but also provides insight into the company culture and expectations. Avoid asking questions that can be easily answered through basic research and make sure to take notes of the answers.
9. Address potential concerns: If you anticipate any concerns the interviewer might have based on your resume, proactively address them during the interview. This shows transparency and the ability to learn and grow from experiences.
10. Dress the part: First impressions matter, and your attire plays a significant role. Dress professionally, considering the company's dress code. Aim for a polished and well-groomed look to convey your commitment to the interview process.
11. Body language speaks volumes: Maintain good eye contact, offer a firm handshake, and sit up straight. Positive body language conveys confidence and professionalism. Be mindful of your gestures and facial expressions throughout the interview.
12. Follow up after the interview: Send a thank-you email expressing your gratitude for the opportunity to interview. Reiterate your interest in the position and briefly mention a key point discussed during the interview. This reinforces your enthusiasm and professionalism.

By following this comprehensive guide, you'll be well-equipped to navigate any interview with confidence and composure. Remember, each interview is a learning experience, so take note of what works well and refine your approach for future opportunities. Good luck on your journey to securing that perfect job!

And just a few reminders of the fundamental rules of any interview: 

• Be punctual - Arriving `fashionably late` is not impressive.
• Dress to impress - It’s an old saying, but it’s true – first impression counts.
• Don’t disparage your current employer - It’s not professional.

 Finally – good luck!