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Original poster

Give me your best interview tips

18 replies

ILoveCrimbo · 08/12/2023 08:46

Just that really.

I'm very nervous and desperately want this job.

These roles do not come up often.

Thanks!

OP posts:
FrostyFlo · 08/12/2023 08:54

Wear something comfortable , give yourself plenty of time to get there .
Tell yourself they are lucky you have applied , as they need you as much as you want them .
Look up the company so you know something about them. You could ask a question about the company , i.e " I see you started in xxxx year , how do you feel as a company you have come through the changes in ( whatever the company specialises ) in "
Be yourself . Good luck.

Perihelion · 08/12/2023 09:21

Read the advert to make sure you know what they are looking for.
Use the STAR technique to answer questions. Have examples where the result is measurable.
Use I, not we.

Singleandproud · 08/12/2023 09:25

If you don't have experience doing something they ask you about then tell them what you would do in that situation.

When they ask if I have any questions I ask them what they enjoy most or have been proudest of since joining the organisation and what they find the most frustrating....tends to get them talking a bit and you can learn quite a bit about the organisation.

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XmasCrumble · 08/12/2023 09:56

Remember it's not about the answers you give it's how you react so if there's anything you're unsure of just take a minute and stay calm and if it's something you don't know just say that but add on what you'd do to find out/how you'd solve the issue.

Also I try to think of it as me interviewing them to see if it's somewhere I would want to work; use it to find out if you'd be a good fit for them.

I also find it helps to chat to them on the way to the interview room; not be overly chatty but if they ask if you found the place ok or comment on the weather or whatever just respond as if you're talking to a friend as this rapport you build before the interview helps once it starts and you can make a good impression that way.

Best of luck!

MrsSkylerWhite · 08/12/2023 09:57

Tell the truth and nothing but and when you’ve said what you want to say, stop talking.

HappiestSleeping · 08/12/2023 10:01

Some good advice above. I would add to take a bottle of water with you. When you want a moment to think about an answer, take a sip of water. It fills the silence and won't make you feel like they're all waiting on you (they won't be but it can feel like it).

Also, if / when they ask what your greatest achievement has been, you could say "what I'm about to do for you" if you feel confident enough, and can carry it with a smile. Everyone talks about the past as a way of gauging your capability, but whether they realise it or not, what the need to know is how you will perform for them. You can always follow it with your greatest achievement before.

nicknamehelp · 08/12/2023 10:03

Be on time, dressed appropriately for role (perhaps slightly smarter), be clean tidy and smell nice (but don't wash in strong perfume). Have a firm handshake and try to remember to smile, make eye contact. Thank them at end. Research company if know who interviewing you look them up. Have some questions ready. Before enter building take a few calming deep breaths

ScottBakula · 08/12/2023 10:14

Make sure you have all the relevant paperwork with you.

Double check the pronouncement of the interviewers name

Arrive 5 10 mins early

Be polite and friendly to the reception/ security staff.

Keep your answers short but not blunt.

When / if they ask why you left your last job be careful how you answers. Ie

I hated my boss > my boss and I had a deferent perspective.
The job was boring > I want to feel more challenged
The job was to challenging > I felt that I didn't receive enough support/ training.

See if you can find out ( on line ) if someone started at a lower rank and moved up the career path .
Then say , I see that company name belive in supporting junior staff and encouraging development which is important to me.
Be careful to not make it sound like you want a premonition before you have got the job tho.
Also try to find out if they do any fund raising, if they do bring it up towards the end of the interview it will end things on a light positive note.

Good luck !

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 08/12/2023 11:07

Read, reread and read again the job spec.

Use STAR to demonstrate the competencies they are after. If they are after an expert in medieval basketweaving, focus on your past experience and future aspirations in this field, and how it crosses over with your other experience.

You've done really well to be shortlisted. The interviewers need to fill their vacancy. Why shouldn't it be you?

Original poster
ILoveCrimbo · 08/12/2023 12:50

Thank you all!

Interview has been postponed, but I'm glad.

It gives me more time to prep.

In answer to some questions, the role in internal so I don't know the interviewers well, but I know them to say hello in passing.

Will definitely be taking your tips on board.

OP posts:
thesandwich · 08/12/2023 12:54

Download chatgpt and put the job spec in- ask it for interview questions……

Tonight1 · 08/12/2023 13:11

If it's compency based I have a brilliant tip, get yourself a glass of water, sit in front of a mirror, practice answering questions and take note of how your reactions are so you can minimise them.

Also it doesn't matter how small the example is, start with when it happened, why it happened, who was there, and then relay the event. I used to work with an occupational psychological and this is what he taught me.

He said that people's minds work like video tapes so say time and place and who was present first then go onto example. Then they'll remember you.

Good luck!

ohyesohyesoh · 08/12/2023 13:18

As you say it's internal , do the company have any values or ethics they 'live by' we always ask the candidates which value means most to them.give an example why/how
Look at the personal spec. Which traits have they mentioned - when have you been able to demonstrate that. Good luck

Tonight1 · 08/12/2023 15:57

For example I had a training course with Coutts (already worked for them) so when they said I was tapping my biro against my face I had no idea I had been doing that. So it's a good idea to practice in front of a mirror.

And good idea as pp said quote back company history and ethics and goals and how you'd fit into them. Best of luck.

Newestname002 · 08/12/2023 17:09

@ILoveCrimbo

  • Remember this is a two way process. Be proactive not just respond to their questions.
  • Arrive about 20-30mind early, then visit the loo to check your clothes, hair, makeup, drink a little water and also give yourself time to reread the job description and see where you are a good fit.
  • Do your homework about the company (look at their website online especially the "About us" and "who we are " type of information, including the organisation charts: eg main board, legal and risk, separate divisions, the new department, where are their main locations - as well as getting to grips with the job description, why is the role open, how the role fits into the organisation, etc. Check on sites like "Glassdoor" to get other employees' views on the company.
  • what is the turnover of the personnel in the department where the job will be?
  • make notes of the salient points of the interview so you can review them later
  • don't rush to answer the questions. Take a breath first to calm yourself and give yourself a little time to compose your thoughts. Remember to smile - the right company will be lucky to have you!
  • Don't undersell yourself financially. Before the interview, Check other similar jobs online and see what the range is for the job advertised. Don't accept less than logically makes sense or allow yourself to be out at the bottom of the salary range.
  • When you finally get to the stage of salary negotiations, see what else is offered on top of cash: good pension % contributions from them, car allowance (which YOU can put into pension/long term savings of your own), maternity, health plans, annual vacation.

I hope you are successful. If you are not, ask politely for feedback and, if appropriate, ask to be kept in mind for similar future roles. Good luck! 🌹

Beachcomber · 08/12/2023 18:12

Don't talk too much.

Be concise and succinct.

Answer the question but don't witter on.

Spudina · 08/12/2023 18:21

For a question you could ask if they have reservations about giving you the job. Then you have an opportunity to do answer them.

muchalover · 08/12/2023 18:30

Ask the question - is there anything you think I haven't answered fully enough or is there any additional information you would like me to clarify?

Also you can sneak in relevant areas /experience/ qualifications not asked about in the interview by saying something like - I have experience working in ...... And this has given me these skills ......... And I am qualified to ............ Is there anything you would like to understand about these elements of my skill set?

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