Interview Techniques

Congratulations! You’ve found your dream job, applied, and have been invited for an interview. Here are some top tips to help you perfect your interview techniques. 

So you are on your way to landing your dream career, and next up is the Interview. This is a great opportunity for you to elaborate on your CV but also to show off your personality and individuality to the company, and why you would be the perfect fit.

So, we have gathered some tips and guidelines to help you with the whole process.
 

1. Preparation

Research the company/organisation beforehand. Make sure you know exactly what the company does and who for, plus any recent developments or projects that they are involved in. This shows competence and commitment as well as making you will feel more confident during the interview.
 

2. Know why you want the role

Applicants are frequently rejected because they can’t fully explain why they are interested in the role. Employers aren’t looking for someone who is only interested in the salary – think about the value that you could add to the company and the impact you want to make.
 

3. Prepare Questions

Make sure you have questions prepared. It engages you with the employers as well as shows you’re interested and invested in the company. Be careful though, do not ask questions for the sake of it, as it may show you have not prepared properly, especially if the answers are readily available on the company website.
 

4. Give examples

When asked ‘Give me an example of…’ make sure you do! It is surprising how many candidates do not give specific examples when asked, and it can impact on your overall impression in the interview.
 

5. STAR format 

Consider the STAR format when answering questions, this will keep your answers focused throughout the interview:

*Situation: What was happening. e.g. an increase in expenditure

*Task: The objective. e.g. to reduce spend in a particular area

*Action: What you did. e.g. applied a rigorous SRM programme

*Result: The outcome. e.g. a decrease in spending of 30%
 

6. Be honest 

Be completely honest with your answers, there is no point making extravagant statements which you can’t back up. Even with your development/training points or lack of experience in certain areas, be honest – employers expect you to have areas that need development and will see your honesty as a positive trait.
 

7. Be concise 

Keep your answers relevant and to the point, highlighting the key elements that show off your skills or personality. Don’t spend the first 30 minutes of your interview answering the question 'Tell me a little about yourself'. Be impactful, not wordy.
 

8. Listen

During the interview make sure you actively listen to the interviewer and demonstrate this through your answers and engagement with them. Although it is good to have questions prepared, don’t be afraid to ask them to elaborate on things they’ve spoken about.
 

9. Enjoy it

The last thing is to remember to enjoy the experience and stay positive. You want to present your best self so stay calm and believe in your abilities.

Best of luck! 

About the author

Rebecca Groves

Hi, I'm Wired Sussex's Skills and Talent Strategy Lead. I oversee our skills and talent strategy for the regional digital sector. This includes the delivery of activity which addresses this strategy, such as our annual Talent festival, and working with members to help them benefit from our initiatives.

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