Interview advice please

[goldface]

Morning
I have an interview tomorrow for a job I really want! I was pretty confident but the nearer it gets the more nervous I’m getting! So top tips for staying calm and what do you really love to see when you are interviewing?

Ooh exciting, good luck. Personally I don't mind a few jitters or signs of nerves in a candidate as to me that shows they care about the job, but obviously I need to make decisions on as objective a basis as possible so even if you are really nervous I need you to listen to my questions and answer them fully, ideally in a structured and logical way, giving examples and evidence to back up their answer where appropriate (using the STAR format) - so not just saying 'oh yes I am a great team-player/brilliant communicator/know all about XYZ' but expanding on what the concept is and means and/or giving practical answers of how XYZ has applied in your role. Do your preparation beforehand so you know who the company is, what they do (you wouldn't believe the number of candidates that don't bother with these basics and turn up at an interview at the local council saying it's their dream to work for the NHS or similar ), their values/vision and/or any particular challenges in their industry plus also some prepared examples from your CV of your achievements and how you meet the person specification.

It does help also if the candidate is relaxed enough to smile, have open body language, engage with us a bit as a person and show their personality rather than a question-answering robot, I know it's hard in such an artificial/pressured environment but fake it until you make it, remember to breath! If it's an online interview do try your best to ensure no tech issues, have the platform (teams or zoom or whatever) installed, check your camera and mic works in advance and you are in a suitable quiet well-lit environment with functioning internet - I know sometimes the best laid plans go awry and all that but again tech issues can really hinder candidates from doing their best... Good luck!