Our recruitment specialists are experienced in preparing individuals for both in-person and online interviews and advising clients on how to conduct them, so whether you’ve already had a few interviews recently, or it’s your first in a while, these tips will help you to succeed.

PREPARE AND RESEARCH

Research the company, the individuals interviewing you and know what is currently happening in the market. Ask in advance what type of interview it will be, for example, whether it will involve competency-based questions, and prepare your answers accordingly, highlighting clear examples from your past experience. Most importantly, know your CV and cover letter.

DRESS APPROPRIATELY

Whether the company has a casual dress policy or not, dress for a formal interview.

TAKE DEEP BREATHS

This is an important technique to use in preparing for an interview because let’s face it, we all get a few butterflies before an interview. Take a deep breath through your nose so that your diaphragm expands, hold it for five seconds and release the breath through your mouth, then repeat the process at least five times. Using this technique will calm the body.

HAVE A CONVERSATION

Remember that the person speaking to you wants to get to know you. They are not trying to catch you out with trick questions, rather they want to understand your expertise, your experience and who you are as a person.

SMILE AND MAKE EYE CONTACT

Remember to focus on the interview participants, keep eye contact with the individual asking you the questions and most importantly, smile!

DON’T GET THROWN OFF BY OTHER PEOPLE

If you are interviewing with a panel, expect that the participants may take turns asking you questions. Pay attention to the person asking the questions and don’t get distracted by the other panel participants and what they are doing.

GO OLD SCHOOL WITH A PEN AND PAPER

Use a notepad to take notes about the company or to record questions you want to ask at a later stage of the conversation. Do not use note-taking functionality on your device – switching screens can be confusing and depending on the device, the keyboard may be quite loud when typing.

If your interview is happening remotely, below are a few additional tips to help you to succeed. Remote hiring, on-boarding, and working are fast becoming the norm in the business world, as employers recognise the benefits for their business and their employees. So even if your first remote interview feels unusual, with practice it will soon become a natural process.

PRACTICE ZOOM CALLS WITH FRIENDS

If you are not used to using video conferencing technology or you just feel uncomfortable talking through such platforms, ask your friends or family members to join a call or two before the interview. Even if they are casual calls to talk about the football match last night or what your plans are for the weekend, you will quickly adapt to video conferencing.

FIND THE RIGHT SPACE

Select a room, whether it is in your house or somewhere else, that is quiet, has a good Wi-Fi connection and is clean and clutter free. Ensure you will not be disturbed by other individuals in the house and where possible, avoid rooms near busy roads or other distractions.

TEST YOUR EQUIPMENT

Whether it is your own device, or you have borrowed it from a family member or friend, know how to use it. Make sure the battery is fully charged, test the sound, the connection to Wi-Fi and platform through which the interview will take place and be aware of functionality like an automatic lock screen. Don’t forget to charge the battery!

EXAGGERATE YOUR ACTIONS

It can be difficult to gauge engagement through a remote interview, nodding and agreement phrases such as “yes, I see” are not necessarily as obvious. Make sure it is noticeable to the employer that you are listening, that you understand what is being said and get involved by asking questions or sharing your thoughts.

DON’T PANIC IF WI-FI DROPS OFF

If you are doing a remote interview, chances are the interviewers are used to remote working so most likely have experienced this at some stage themselves. Try to re-connect and log back in and if that does not work, have another device nearby with mobile data and the interview login details so that you can quickly get back online. Apologise to the interview participants and politely ask where the conversation was left.

Whether your interview is in-person or remote, just remember to prepare in advance by following our tips above – best of luck!

To understand how Coopman can assist you in preparing for in-person and remote interviews, contact us at connect@coopman.ie