The perfect inteview

You’ve bagged an interview for your dream job, and you’re the best candidate by a mile. But forget any ideas you might have about your abilities shining through of their own accord. Interviewing well is a skill like any other, and it takes knowledge, commitment and hard work to come out on top. Remember, every employer is going to ask themselves two things about you: Are you qualified for the job? And are you enthusiastic? Taking the time to prepare a perfect interview will successfully answer both these questions.

 

1. First impressions really do count

And if you look untidy, that’s how you’ll be remembered. So dress to impress. If in doubt, it’s always better to be too smart than too laid back. “Wearing a suit or a smart dress sounds obvious, but you wouldn’t believe the number of candidates who turn up in jeans and t-shirt,” says recruitment consultant Simon Milne. “It sounds patronising telling someone to dress smart, but a lot of people coming out of school or university just aren’t interview-savvy.”

 

2. Good preparation breeds confidence

List likely questions in advance and memorise your answers, and make a careful note of the time and place of your interview and how to get there. “Our own advice will vary depending on the candidate,” says City headhunter Alice Stenhouse. “Poor English can be a major problem for foreign candidates, so I ask them to read aloud from newspapers for several days leading up to the interview — it really helps . Good preparation is crucial, so thoroughly research the company and whoever you’re meeting, research the exact definition of the job spec — looking up every single word — and know your own CV inside out.”

 

3. Get physical

Never underestimate the importance of a firm, confident handshake and positive body language. “I was once told by an employer that they turned down my candidate because he slouched in his chair,” says Stenhouse. “You have to look keen and engaged, so mirror the body language of the person interviewing you, lean in towards them at times and don’t cross your arms. Always accept a glass of water, it can create a useful barrier during an uncomfortable question and buy you a few crucial seconds while you take a sip. But never take a biscuit — they’ll often try to throw you with a difficult question the moment you take a big bite.”

 

4. Use examples to illustrate your points

It’s no good just using abstract terms to talk about how organised or efficient you are — prepare some examples from your past experience to immediately back up your claims, and be sure to emphasise what unique talents you’ll be bringing to the company. Although now is not the time for modesty, be careful you don’t go too far the other way. Pretending you’re some kind of superhero will make you hard to relate to, so show some humility and talk about an area you’ve struggled at, and the way you overcame the problem.

 

5. Always be positive.

“When you’re asked why you’re moving on, don’t start slagging off your old boss,” says Simon Milne. “A lot of industries are very close knit and you may be insulting the interviewer’s friend. Instead, think of positive reasons — make it all about the new company, your new career prospects and your ambition to succeed.” Milne also recommends preparing at least 15 questions to ask at the end – five about the role, five about the company, and five specifically about the interviewer. “Candidates look at me like I’m mad when I tell them this, but you’ll find most of your prepared questions will be answered during the course of the interview, and they’re crucial for showing your interest in the role. At the end, try asking if they have any reservations about you – this will give you the perfect opportunity to give an immediate riposte to their concerns and provide you with a clean finish to the interview.”