Easy Interview Tips

Interviews are a crucial part of the recruitment process. You’re winning resume has given you the green light and now it’s your time to shine. Only the kind of shining you’re more familiar with is a lovely glow of sweat dripping from your forehead and you’d much rather have a root canal without the numbing injection.

Fear not though nervous one, we have some real quick tips that if you remember to follow, at the very least you will be able to string a sentence together.

Research

Doing your research on the Company you have an interview with is a really good way to get familiar with what they do. Often in interviews, the interviewer might give you a scenario and ask how you might respond and if you’ve done your research, you may be able to apply it to their Company. Whilst you can’t always predict what that might be, if your interview is in the hospitality sector, it’s likely to be around customer service, managing multiple tasks at the same time, or potential errors. Social media platforms are also great tools to get a peak into the culture and overall ‘vibe’.

Arrive on Time

Ahhh duhh! This should go without saying but it surprises me how many people still turn up late. Arriving on time and even a little bit early, demonstrates punctuality, you’re serious about the job and have a good work ethic. Employers can appreciate there are external factors that result in you being late, but if you turn up to an interview looking flustered, chances are your focus will be flustered too. If you know you’re going to be late, simply call ahead and let your interviewer know. There will always be tasks that still need completing, so you’re helping them out too.

Dress to Impress

It isn’t a fashion competition, so your best threads can remain in your wardrobe, but it is important to be mindful of your overall appearance. Employers like to see that workers take pride in their personal hygiene as it’s likely to be a reflection of your work style. Think about the role environment, if it’s an office or corporate position, smart attire is best. If you’re in the trades industry, you might be wearing your high visibility workwear, but ensure it is clean and there are no obvious holes or repair needed.

Pause and Answer What is Being Asked

Too many times I’ve interviewed candidates and they haven’t answered the actual question. It’s not because I’m speaking another language, or I’m trying to be tricky on purpose, they’re just so eager to tell me everything about themselves, that they often miss the point completely. When you come to an interview, generally, there isn’t a right and wrong answer, we want to get to know you and how you operate. Taking a moment to think about the question shows employers your ability to be rational and if you have a full understanding of the question. Don’t just blurt out the first thing that comes to mind, it’s okay to take a moment to collect your thoughts.