AuthorClaire Brooks
LinkedIn
A Talent Managers top 9 tips!
Want to know a little recruitment secret? The impression you make on the interviewer usually outweighs your actual credentials. Your attitude, basic social skills, personal values, ability to communicate, experience and background are all highly important factors that are evaluated too.
So, make sure the first impression is a good one!
If you’ve got an interview coming up for your dream role, take a look at our top 9 tips to help you nail it.
1. Have a reliable pen and a small note pad with you
We don’t recommend taking notes during the interview. But, immediately afterwards, write down as much as you can remember, including your impression of how well you did. Include the names of who you interviewed with and any numbers or dates mentioned as this will help if you are asked to interview for a 2nd or 3rd time and will show great listening skills.
2. Choose a suitable location for the interview
While you can’t always choose the location for face-to-face interviews, for video interviews, it’s important you choose a quiet and suitable space. You want your interviewer to focus on you, so find a place with minimal distractions. It is also extremely important that your location has a reliable internet connection – the last thing you want is the call to drop!
3. Dress correctly
For your video interview, dress in the same professional way as you would at an in-person interview. Research the company culture before your interview so you have a good idea of what’s appropriate. To look your best on camera, avoid bright colours and patterns, and opt for softer colours instead. If you are wearing a tie, wear a solid colour rather than a patterned one. If you wear glasses, adjust the lighting in the room to reduce glare from the lenses.
4. Script out your answer to the first standard interview question: Tell Me About Yourself
If you give an assured answer to this question, it creates a positive first impression and sets you up with confidence for the rest of your interview!
I recommend using the S.E.A.T structure.
- S – The SKILLS and STRENGTHS you can bring to the position.
- E -The EDUCATIONAL qualifications and EXPERIENCE you can offer the company.
- A – One significant ACHIEVEMENT you have gained in your life, either from a previous working role, or your personal life.
- T – The TYPE of person you are and what you will do in the role if they hire you.
5. Follow the company on social media
By following their social media accounts, you can read their latest news stories and talk about the positive things they have been doing and how you align with the companies values and ethics. Also, make sure to visit their website’s ABOUT US page for more information, such as the company history, partners, story and future goals that you can discuss during the interview.
6. Calm interview nerves
The one thing that will hinder your ability to perform well at your job interview is nerves. Don’t worry, we’ve all been there! The fastest way to overcome interview nerves is to stop thinking of it as an interview and, instead, start thinking of it as a meeting between you and a potential employer. Because, at the end of the day, that is all it is – a meeting to find out whether you are suitable for them and they are suitable for you!
7. Mention your proudest achievements
It’s important to give examples of projects you are proud of. The interviewers will want to hear about your experience, so providing examples from your past will not only show openness and authenticity but also allows you to explain your experience in a way that is comfortable to you.
8. Questions to ask at the end of interview
Right at the very end of your job interview, the hiring manager will say something along the lines of, “that’s the end of the interview. Do you have any questions for us?” Most people don’t ask any questions, which is a big mistake!
To impress the interviewer, have the following 3 smart questions prepared:
Q1. What’s your favourite thing about working for this company?
Q2. Can you tell me more about the team I would be a part of?
Q3. What advice would you give to the successful candidate who wants to excel in the role?
9. Prepare a Presentation
Lastly, a presentation is brilliant for showing the interviewer you are prepared and ready to work!
At the end of your interview, tell them you will email over your idea of what you will do in the role if they hire you and what impact you could make.
Looking to get into the world of eCommerce? Take a look at the current positions we have available at NOVOS.
Please be aware of cyber crimes pertaining to recruitment fraud. Across agencies in the UK, it is becoming more common to be presented with a job opportunity via unsolicited means (e.g. Whatsapp) that are not from a legitimate agency. We will only advertise our roles on here and will contact you if you’ve been in contact with us before.