Best intreview tip

[TravellingSpoon]

Have a big interview coming up in a few days, for a job I really, really want. I have never had a really formal, panel interview before.

So if you had one tip to help me nail it, what would it be?

Keep your answers relevant and succinct using a form of the STAR method. Don't waffle or go off on tangents.

Body language is important don't slouch, sit up.

Lots of advice springs to mind, but first and foremost is your posture. The way you hold yourself will set the tone for the entire interview and will form an immediate impression in the interviewer's mind.

Listen carefully to the questions and think before you answer.

Research the role and the company beforehand.

Have some practice and have some ideas of things you'd like to get in organised in your thoughts.

Make your skills/experience/answers relevant to the job-it's all about positioning it for the role you want.

Sorry that's more than one!

Good luck

STAR is a good technique to help structure your answers.

If there is anything new to you or that you don’t know about, show positivity and enthusiasm for learning about it and taking it on.

Be well groomed. Even if you can only afford a cheap outfit it makes all the difference if your personal grooming is clean and tidy. Unkempt hair and nails and scuffed shoes are the first visual things people notice.

Be relaxed but interested. Sit upright and don’t fiddle with your hands.

Google STAR techniques for
Interview

Straight but informative answers

Eye contact is a must!

Confident but not too confident

Always have a question at the end, when they ask you if you have any. Not just the generic 'what's progression like' etc.

Good luck!

Try not to be a twat

It’s my mantra just before an interview. You have got this, you know your stuff, you are experienced, you would be great at this job. Just try not to be a twat and you’ll be fine.

I sit on a lot of interview panels.

Answer the question you were asked, not the one you wish you were asked. I have to score your answer against a matrix and if you don't answer it you will get a zero no matter how good the stuff is that you said.

Ask good questions at the end, insightful ones that show you've thought about the role and what it entails. Do not say you don't have any. This bit isn't scored but is your chance to stand out above other candidates.

All of the advice above is brilliant, definitely posture, research and STAR but also consider 3 questions to ask at the end, one relating to the business, one to the role and one to your interviewers, depending on how the interview goes pick the most suitable of those 3.
I like to ask what their favourite part of their role is, because it gives you a really clear picture of that person, it sort of brings a bit of reality into the formal situation.

if you get a question about yourself - ie why would you be good in this role why we should offer you this job?
frame your question with
Knowledge skills experience aptitude
it gives your answer structure and allows you to sell yourself

If you really want the job, show me. So many people seem to think being cool is preferred but I want to know that you're genuinely interested and why.

I should say its a zoom interview which I think makes me more nervous.

Know why you want the job. That job in that company - in your answer show you have researched the company and talk about their values.

Don't talk about how the sick pay and holiday is better... yes people really do do this

Plus give actual examples. What you did, the impact you had and the change made as a result. What did you learn and the things you did to make a difference. STAR method etc. have done worked up examples for generic questions like team working, flexibility, dealing with challenges etc.

@TravellingSpoon

I should say its a zoom interview which I think makes me more nervous.

Ive found Zoom interviews much much easier than in person interviews for my nerves. My only tip is to make sure nobody is going to disturb you. I made DH leave the house for the first one then reluctantly agreed that he could stay locked in his office upstairs while I was downstairs in the conservatory for later ones. If I'd known he was wandering around the house it would have put me off completely.

I really hate the "Why do you want to work for us" question. Everyone knows it's bullshit. We all have bills to pay.

Be enthusiastic.

Answer the questions, so your research and ask questions too.

My favourite question to ask at the end is:

"If I was offered the role, what one piece of advice would you give me"

Think of the key achievements or examples you want to get across in the interview, prepare answers to questions you think you can expect to be asked using these examples in the STAR method. Memorise them like little stories.

And smile!

Good luck

Oh and for zoom have your computer propped up closer to head height so they're not staring up your nostrils, make sure you blur the background or have a nice simple background too

For a zoom interview ... a good microphone set up is a must. I had one this week with someone doing it on their smart phone without a headset and couldn't hear half of what they were saying.

Smile too :)

What is the STAR method / technique?

Prepare - think about the answers to common questions, even the hard ones like what are your weaknesses - don’t say you work too hard! Genuinely think of areas you need help with - being self aware is really important.