So, you've got an interview - congratulations!

To help you nail the interview and climb that next step in your career ladder, we'd like to share some exclusive tips and tricks with you.

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1. How to prepare for an interview?

If you're working alongside a recruiter, they'll provide you with all the details to prepare thoroughly, including a list of required job skills.

If you're tackling the job hunt independently, take a close look at the job description, noting the essential keywords and responsibilities.

Our tip:

Prepare three relevant examples of projects where you've used those skills in a professional setting. 

When choosing the most relevant projects, ask yourself:

• Are the skills I’ve used or learnt during this project a close match? 

• Is the product family and risk class comparable? 

• Is the company size similar? 

If you answered “no” to any of these questions, think about how you would adapt your skill set to fit the business needs of your potential employer.

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2. Video interviews - how to make a good impression virtually?

Even after years of hosting interviews, we still find ourselves reminding candidates to make sure they find a perfect spot to take their interview, whether it’s via Zoom or on the phone.

We know that having a home office may be tough, especially with children or pets barging in during meetings. That’s life and no one will blame you for that! But definitely plan ahead to have a calm, quiet space for your interview - and your car is not one of them!

​Our tips: 

• Test your equipment ahead of time - Test your equipment at least 24-hours before your interview. Make sure your camera, microphone and speaker/headphones work perfectly - the last thing you want is to realise something isn’t working an hour before your call! 

• No food allowed - While we agree that a biscuit with a cup of tea is a must, for the purpose of making the best first impression possible, please refrain from snacking during the interview. This also includes chewing gum! However, don’t forget to have a glass of water nearby; not only is it good to hydrate, but also if you need a second to collect your thoughts or a quick break from speaking - just take a sip and crush the rest of the interview!

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3. What questions to ask in an interview?

Questions are extremely important, because they show the interviewer/hiring manager that you took the time to research the company and that you are serious about this role. 

Our tip:

This is your chance to get the most reliable, first-hand information, so make sure you ask about the finest details. In our experience, every good interview turns into a brainstorming session!

To give you some ideas, here are some of our favourite questions to ask in an interview::

• What are some of the projects I would be involved in and who would I be collaborating with to meet the business objectives?

• What are the challenges you’re expecting to arise for someone in this role?

• What’s your strategy/timeline for business growth in the next 12-24 months?

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4. How to prove a positive mindset in challenging situations?

While your knowledge and expertise may help you qualify for the job, don’t forget to showcase your ability to stay motivated, especially in challenging situations. Your ‘can do’ approach and solution-finding may be a deciding factor for the hiring manager during the decision making process.

Our tip:

Prepare an example of a challenging situation that you had to resolve in a professional setting. Need help? Here are some examples to think about: 

• Describe an incident in which you were required to keep a positive attitude despite the odds being against you?

• Highlight a situation that put your leadership skills to the test and how you managed to overcome the issue?

• How did you handle a situation in which you were asked to perform a task beyond your capabilities or outside your job scope?

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5. How honest should I be during an interview?

By the time you get to the interview stage, you should have developed a pretty good partnership with your consultant and feel comfortable enough to open up about any reservations you may have, be it about the interview process or the job itself. If that’s the case - don’t wait! It’s best to address it right away.

We want to ensure that the interview process is as smooth as possible, so it’s best that you are honest about your expectations, past projects and any side projects you may be involved in, so we can present them in your favour. 

Our tip:

If for whatever reason you are not comfortable with going ahead with the interview, let us know! We are always open to discussing issues and finding the best solutions to suit you and your career. Drop us a message asking for a call and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Bonus tip:

If you’re a freelancer, be honest about what you can and can’t achieve in the proposed timescale - you’re the expert here! If you believe something can’t be done, suggest an alternative solution. This is where you can hold the brainstorming session we mentioned earlier. This way you’ll not only show your adaptability, but also get a feel of the company dynamic and whether this is the right opportunity for you.

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So, this is it! For the best interview experience, we suggest that you commit to all of the tips listed above, but even if you take just one of our suggestions on board, you’re already a winner in our eyes.

If you have any other questions or would like to have a chat about one of our opportunities, send us a message here.

​In the meantime, good luck with your interview! We know you’ll nail it.