A job interview is your opportunity to sell yourself to potential employers. Each job interview is different, but below we have 4 stages of an interview which can help you make the best impression during each phase:
Think of the introduction as a means of ‘breaking the ice’, remembering this is the first impression the interviewer will get from you, so make it count.
The introduction will be a short but important part of your interview. Ensure you have good body language, a firm handshake, keep eye contact and remain confident in yourself.
It is likely the interviewer will conduct some ‘small talk’ with you which will allow them to develop their first impressions of you. They might bring up some informal topics of discussion to gauge your responses, your attitude and your reaction to spontaneity.
These questions will take up the majority of your interview, and the best way to respond to them is preparation.
Preparing for the questions you might be faced with at your job interview is an excellent way to build your confidence and ensure your interview runs as smoothly as possible.
There will be a mixture of broad questions such as “tell me about yourself” to position related questions such as “what skills can you bring to this role from your past company?”
It is likely these will be open ended questions, so this is your chance to elaborate on your background and qualifications to demonstrate why and how you will be the ideal candidate for their position.
Here we have some blogs on certain questions which might be asked:
The next part of the interview will be your chance to impress with your own questions.
When asked “Do you have any questions for us?” you want to come back with some valuable questions. You want to ensure you show genuine interest in the role and company. We have put together a blog on 5 questions to ask at your interview which provides some topics to ask when faced with this somewhat challenging question. Examples such as:
Like the introduction, this is a short part of the interview. It acts as a means to summarise the interview and is an opportunity to clarify anything further for both the interviewer and interviewee.
It tends to include a discussion of what the next steps are moving forward should you be considered for the role, such as: second interview, final interview, meet the team, trial day and when they will be in touch with you.
This is also your chance to verify contact details, ask for a business card and express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview there. Close the interview with a firm handshake and a smile!
