If you conduct a lot of interviews...

[Paddybare]

Just looking for some interview advice from those of you who regularly conduct interviews.

I’ve got two interviews lined up for the same role at different companies. It’s a step up from my current role and will be a fairly senior level role involving managing a good-sized team. I’ve had good screening chats with both HR departments after my initial applications, and now two interviews.

I’m going to be doing lots of prep on all the usual areas but are there any other pearls of wisdom that you can offer so that I can really stand out? It’s been well over 10 years since my last one so any pointers greatly appreciated, many thanks.

Firm handshake, not bone crushing or aggressive, just firm. Limp will make you seem nervous. Always accept a drink, it breaks the ice even if just a water :-) you'll be surprised how it puts you both at ease and makes for better conversation. Also bear in mind that the interviewer can feel nervous too but unlikely to show it. Leave that thought with you, you'll feel more confident! Good luck!!

@RaN88 - assume this interview will be soon!! So likely not face to face, and if it was a handshake wouldn't be recommended

Yes, I would be unimpressed by a handshake in an interview at the moment! Some people I prepared for interviews back in February were laughing the other day about my 'Final random tips' slide which included wearing clean shoes and avoiding overuse of perfume aftershave. All their interviews until this week had been online, so no danger of being judged on their smwll or shoes - or even what they were wearing below the waist!
Online or face to face, make eye contact. Online, that means looking at the camera; in person, make sure you begin your answer looking at the questioner, then scan round all other members of the panel, then return to the questioner.
Try to smile. It helps you feel and look more confident.
Give examples of what you have done or could do, but don't waffle. If you are concerned about this, give an answer with a relevant example, then ask, 'Would you like other examples, or does that answer your question?'
I think internal interviews are always harder. External candidates can promise the mon on a stick, whereas the internal candidate may have a tendency not to sell themselves fully because they believe the interviewers know what they can do. But you have to remind them! By all means, throw in an 'As you will remember' or 'As you know', but otherwise act as if they know nothing about you and tell them why you are the best person for the job.
I could go on, but... Would you like any other tips, or does that answer your question?

No, both video interviews which adds a whole different dimension! Good point about it not being natural for the interviewer too, thanks.

Always expand your answers with relevant examples of your experience, rather than listing skills. Talk about your specific contribution, the successes and what you learned. It’s much better than saying you are organised, hardworking and a team player. It gives substance and boosts scoring

Yes, as someone who interviews a lot, I don’t like video interviewing at all! I’m a pretty friendly, relaxed person and still find them hard, so they’ll likely be feeling as awkward about it as you.
Honestly - be yourself. We’re interviewing not just to know if you have the right skills, but also are you someone we want to work with? Will you gel with the team? If you’re managing people, are you someone we’d like be managed by? Who you are as a person matters as much as your capabilities

Agree with above, particularly smiling.

I've seen a few uncomfortable moments when asked if you have any questions.....tumbleweed. It may be a personal preference but it seems really off to be met with silence or no on that.

You want to come and work here, surely you have one question?

Put on the clothes you intend to wear and check how you look using your webcam. I was shocked how flattering or ageing lighting and camera position can be.
The worst for me is cold/blue light and a camera placed above my eyeline, I look ill and it shows off the bags under my eyes. A warmer yellow light directed from the side and a lower position for the camera knocks ten years off.

On video interviews I conduct as an interviewer I like it when people are on time. With an appropriate background. When they are relaxed and friendly. (As an interviewee I relax by reminding myself the hiring manager really wants to find someone great and they have a burning need) I like it when people have obviously really thought about the role and what they bring, whether they will be a fit for the company culture and the team. scarby9 had good advice about getting to the point. I also like people to be aware of their gaps and to think about how they might address them.
What industry are you interviewing in? Best of luck.

Lots of good advice. I'd add trying to find out about the person interviewing you (LinkedIn) and see if you have anyone in common in your network you can use to find out more about them (and that they may have asked about you!). Ask them what they like and dislike about working there etc, why they chose to join the org etc. Remember you need to be confident that it would be a good fit - I'd think carefully about how onboarding might work in the current circumstances and how you will manage a team completely virtually... good luck!

Thank you all so much, really excellent advice.