Top interview tip?

[NineToFiveish]

I have an interview tomorrow - split into a presentation, a Q&A, and competency questions. I interview reasonably well on the whole, but I thought I'd ask for the collective wisdom of mumsnet for any last minute advice. What's the best interview tip you've received - something that definitely helped you get the role?

I like to ask at the end of the interview, "From your perspective, are there any areas I haven't covered that you'd like to hear more about?" Gives you another chance if they like you but maybe you haven't quite ticked one of their competency boxes.

Speak to the receptionist, remember their name to say goodbye when you leave (if you can).

Accept a glass of water. You can casually take a sip to give a few seconds to think of an answer.

Write a list of questions you think they will ask or generic questions. Think of two examples of your experiences to fit each one. On the day you then aren't on the spot thinking of stories or repeating the same one. Keep this list for future interviews.
E.g. A time you had to solve a problem, deal with an awkward customer, felt proud of an achievement

Dress well.

Wear a nice bold colour

My top tip I was given is to think of questions to ask at the end that tie in with your achievements or ways to sell yourself. Example from teaching: 'Do you currently run any after school clubs, as I'd love to get involved in XYZ?'. It solves the awkwardness when they say 'do you have any questions?', shows you're prepared, and ends the interview with you proactively showing them why they should hire you.

These are great ideas, thank you!

Have something prepared for the ‘Have you and questions?’ at the end

don’t wear something new - make sure you are comfortable but dress well

Go into it with the view that you are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you-see it as a chat about a job rather than an interview. Smile and be upbeat. As an interviewer I remember candidates energy and how they cone across rather than their specific answers (which are often pretty much variations of the same tbh).

Do some power poses in the toilet before you go into the interview. Trust me, it works!

In the competency questions, try to remember the "so what". I get a lot of candidates come in and happily tell me what they did but they often fail to tell me exactly the impact it had or add any reflection on how it went.

If a question throws you, try not to show it and take a moment to think. I would rather a candidate do that than launch into waffle in a panic.

A bit of appropriate humour if the vibe is right goes a long way. Rapport and personality is important. I have a colleague who missed out on a role and part of the feedback was she came across as too guarded.

I wouldn't ask this. I tried it once and interviewer didn't like the question. Have also had it asked when I was interviewing and it jarred a bit. Think of examples where you have improved a situation and what the lasting outcome was

Thanks all, I think it went well, but you never know until they get back to you. We shall see!

That's brilliant advice!
I've come away frustrated recently because I didn't get to talk about my big project that was perfect for the role I was going for- we spent too much time talking about the smaller stuff- asking that question would have let me bring that experience in