Interview skills

Understanding the Purpose

An interview is your opportunity to communicate your skills, demonstrate your knowledge and showcase your personality to a potential employer.
It’s a chance for you to highlight why you are the right fit for the job, expanding on what’s stated on your CV.
At the interview, you will have the opportunity to ask questions about the role and the company, providing you with vital information to help you decide if the job is right for you.

Research thoroughly about the company’s culture, history, goals, and the job role in order to answer and ask pertinent questions during the interview.
Review the job description to understand what the employer is looking for and be ready to explain how you meet those requirements.
Plan your journey to the interview location ahead of time to ensure punctuality and reduce unnecessary stress on the day.

Dress appropriately - this typically means wearing professional attire; when in doubt, it’s generally better to overdress than underdress.
Show respect for every person you meet, from the receptionist to the hiring manager.
Maintain good eye contact and posture - these communicate confidence and respect for the interviewer.
Listen carefully to the interviewer’s questions and make sure your responses are thorough, succinct, and relevant.
Keep responses positive and forward-looking, even when discussing challenges or past failures.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Actions, Result) to structure your responses when discussing past achievements or experiences.
Avoid negativity about past employers or colleagues; it’s more productive to focus on learning experiences and professional growth.
Be ready to explain any gaps in your CV in a constructive way, highlighting any skills or experiences gained during these periods.

Ask meaningful questions at the end of the interview. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you fully evaluate the opportunity.
Always send a thank you note post-interview, expressing your appreciation for the opportunity and reiterating your interest in the role.
It’s acceptable to follow up if you’ve not had a response within the expected timeframe, but avoid doing this excessively.