Tips on how to ace an interview

[MadameDD]

Got interview next week for a EA/Diary Secretary contract role. What are the fail-safe things to do/say at interview? They've given a person specification in the job blurb and asked for demonstration of various skills which I can demonstrate.

What are the fail-safe things to do/say at interview?

No such thing, each interview is unique, so there's no script you will read off that substitute prior preparation.

Know the job role, based on their specification
Note down plenty of examples you can use to evidence your skills, experience and willingness to improve.
Be sincere, authentic, don't try too hard to be someone you aren't.
Be enthusiastic about wanting the job.

Think of 1-2 questions you can ask.

Don't get tricked into being honest about the "what is your weakness/what aren't you good at". It's a naff lazy interview question anyway (why should a candidate be forced into putting themselves down in any interview).

Never say "I'm really bad at getting up on Monday mornings" or a recent one I heard "I'm not the most diplomatic person in the world" . Say something like "I'm my own worst critic, but I'm working at trying not to be quite so hard on myself". Negative to a positive!

Think like an interviewer and be the person that can get the job done, many jobs want someone who can do the job much more than someone who's perfect for the job, practicing interview tests can get free ones at www.wikijob.co.uk/, and anything to stand out from the crowd and go the extra mile on something, as though you've somehow already started on the job, there's the woman who got a job at AirBnB by creating an awesome online resume with battle plan for their business, not 1 in 100 would do that, hope this all helps.

Thanks both for the tips. The weakness/what aren't you good answer is a good one - and your answer is excellent Daisychain.

Back in the olden days when I used to get jobs easily they didn't have the silly weakness question - and I agree with you it's almost designed to trick you!

Hey there, what do you think of an interviewee bringing in notes? Have an NHS interview Fri & am terrified of my mind going blank.

despondentatwork - personally I don't agree with bringing in notes - but then again I've not really interviewed for government roles apart from contract ones.

What I would say and what I did recently. Go through your CV and job description etc with a fine toothed comb and marry up bits that tie in. Highlight if necessary. Google "interview tips", I did this about 2 weeks ago before my interview and got some really good tips. See if there will be STAR based competency questions and think of answers to those.

I find writing all this down in note form and going through it a lot (you have time before Friday) really helps and bring this in on day of interview - you can refer last minute outside interview to notes.

Also I know it sounds obvious but got interview tips via email yesterday and remember things like - smart suit/work dress and jacket in dark colours - navy/black etc. smart polished shoes. Minimal jewellery and muted makeup, light perfume if any, hair tied back. My SIL always thinks a smart bag makes a good impression - I've got a DKNY black mock croc small bag but bought last minute one day when it broke (got fixed since) a cheaper Accessorize one in greys/blacks - just a small one big enough to fit change of tights etc. Remember if you're wearing sheer tights bring a spare in case of snags. Mints or chewing gum for fresh breath. Put on deodorant in morning. If interview in place you're not familiar with research route. You can also view via linked in people you're being interviewed by and if necessary check website and make notes.

Think of questions to ask them too. Good ones are to ask re typical day or as I did at last one "What type of person do you think will fit in/work best at this role?" gives them a chance to elaborate but you can also tailor your answer to fit in and give examples (show off a bit) your skills. They want to know you're the best fit with their team. Smile, be relaxed and firm handshake. Best behaviour and remember manners, please, thank you and thank you for making time to see me etc. I know all this sounds obvious but honestly I'd forget unless I was primed! Make a bit of small talk but not too much - I asked about offices, how long they'd been there, when they moved, commute time etc but it fills gaps and can earn you 'common ground' points rather than just being the next candidate they're interviewing. Good luck!

I think bringing in notes shows you've done your research and that always looks good.

For me research is the key. You should research the company, see if they've had anything in the news recently and also look at their reviews on glassdoor.co.uk

Also look up the people who are interviewing you on LinkedIn. It shows you're keen in what they do and it might give you some ideas on points you want to discuss.

Also come prepared with a few questions to ask them. There's nothing worse than saying you have no questions. Makes them think you have nothing to add.

Some questions like what do you see as the biggest challenges for the business in the next year or what is the culture of the firm like are good questions.

Finally look the part. Dress smart, groom, smell nice and bring an appropriate bag. I often have a nice leather A4 wallet I bring with me which has my research notes, the questions I'd like to ask them and a copy of my CV.

Best of luck.