The Art of Acing Your Job Interview

Job interviews can be a source of anxiety for many, regardless of their level of experience or seniority. According to a recent Google report, interview anxiety is a common experience, with 93% of candidates admitting to it. However, being well-prepared can significantly boost your confidence and performance. At Bond Williams, we aim to equip our candidates with the necessary information and advice to excel in interviews, helping them secure their desired positions. While every interview is unique, the following advice can be broadly applied to any interview situation.

 

Pre-Interview Preparation

As the saying goes, if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. It’s surprising how many people go for interviews without refamiliarising themselves with their CV or the job description. You only get one chance to make a good first impression, so prior to the interview, make sure you follow our top tips below.

1. Review Your Application and Job Description:

• Familiarise yourself with your CV and covering letter.
• Read through the job description again, making notes next to each requirement.
• Prepare specific examples of skills and achievements that align with it.

2. Research the Company:

• Conduct background research on the company, its industry, culture, mission, and values.
• Know what the company does and its competitors to gain a good perspective.

1. Plan Your Journey:

• Map out the journey to the interview location, considering traffic conditions.
• Be punctual, not too early, make a trial run to the location beforehand.

2. Prepare for the Interview Day:

• Note the interviewer’s name, create a checklist for the day.
• Plan your outfit, considering the company culture.
• Take a printed copy of your CV, a list of questions and a portfolio if applicable.

3. Prepare for Common Questions:

• Anticipate common interview questions and practice your responses.
• Develop compelling stories that showcase your achievements and skills.

 

The Interview

On the day of the interview if you have done the preparation, you can put your nerves to the side. Follow these steps for a successful interview experience.

1. Confidence and Positivity:

• Introduce yourself confidently with a firm handshake and eye contact.
• Maintain a confident posture and show positive body language throughout.
• Smile genuinely to convey friendliness and approachability.

2. Communication Skills:

• Be clear and concise in your communication.
• Avoid ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answers and support responses with specific examples.
• Actively listen, ask for clarification if needed.

3. Stay Positive:

• Maintain a positive attitude, refraining from negative comments about past employers.
• Focus on your strengths and what you can bring to the role.

4. Show Knowledge:

• Demonstrate knowledge about the company with relevant examples.
• Ask relevant thoughtful questions about the role to display your interest.

5. Adaptability and Problem-Solving:

• Emphasise your ability to adapt to change and solve problems.
• Share instances where you successfully navigated challenges in previous roles.

6. Cultural Fit:

• Discuss how your values align with the company’s culture.
• Express your enthusiasm for contributing to and thriving within the company’s work environment.

7. Technical Proficiency:

• Highlight your technical skills relevant to the job.
• Provide examples of how you applied these skills to achieve positive outcomes.

 

After the Interview:

Complete the interview process professionally.

1. Thank Them and Express Interest:

• Thank the interviewers for their time. Say goodbye to other team members present during the interview.
• Express continued interest in the role and enquire about the decision timeline.

2. Farewell and Follow-Up:

• Contact your Bond Williams consultant for feedback and support.
• Share your thoughts and enquire about the next steps in the hiring process.
  

3. Follow-Up Email:

• Send a thank-you email within 24 hours expressing gratitude for the opportunity.
• Reiterate your interest in the position and briefly emphasise your suitability for the role.

4. Reflect and Learn:

• Reflect on the interview experience and identify areas for improvement.
• Use the feedback received, whether from the consultant or self-reflection, to enhance your future interviews.

By implementing a few of these changes you can further enhance your preparation, performance, and post interview interactions, increasing your chances of interview success and securing your perfect role. Best of luck in all your interviews!