Following the successful job search process, you have now landed an interview. This can be in various formats, meaning that you (the interviewee) must master a few key components to allow for a flexible and natural approach.Research the industry

Conducting research into the company’s sector and competitors gives you information on several aspects:

• Ranking
  How do they measure against their peers? Are they a market leader? Are they the biggest in terms of assets under management, or do they stand out as an innovator?
• How they differ
  What is unique about the company? What do they do well, and where could they improve?
• News and articles
  What challenges or opportunities do you identify from reading company communications? This will help you prepare thoughtful and insightful questions.
• Other cultures
  What do online reviews, such as on Glassdoor and LinkedIn, tell you about the strengths and weaknesses of the company’s competition?

• preferences
• details on previous hires
• culture and personalities of the interviewer(s)

Your consultant should also know which aspects of the job description are most important and what interview styles will be used.

How to provide answers using the STAR method

The STAR (situation, task, action, result) method is the standard that most interviewers will look for when asking an open question or requiring you to provide a detailed answer. STAR principles are designed to allow you to structure your answer in a way that sets the scene – remember, it is harder for someone to understand without being there. The structure will enable you to break down your answer, highlighting what was done and, most importantly, the result.

But before launching into your STAR scenario, ensure you listen attentively to the question and carefully consider an event. Take a moment to consider if you’ve chosen the most suitable example possible. Don’t feel rushed; allow yourself the time to think it through.

1. Situation
   Describe a specific event or situation you were in – the who, what, where, when, and why.
2. Task
   Explain the task you had to complete, highlighting any specific challenges or constraints, such as deadlines, issues, or costs.
3. Action
   Describe the specific actions that you took to complete the task. These should highlight desirable traits the interviewer is looking for.
4. Result
   Close with the result of your efforts. Include figures to quantify the result if possible..

Navigating the face-to-face (FTF) interviewing process

Different interview styles include Zoom, Teams, in-office, casual coffee and more. From a recent Coopman poll, we know that the trend of the past year is that candidates prioritise flexibility over anything else and highlight its significance when searching for opportunities.

• Plan your route if the interview is F2F
  Remarkably, several candidates still arrive late for their interviews. It’s extremely difficult to win an interviewer over when you’ve already made them wait. Phoning well in advance to warn them will help, but lateness should be avoided overall. Find out where the venue is, how to get there, how long it takes, and allow for delays.
• Be conscious of your body language
  Fidgeting and involuntary body movements can show a lack of confidence. Focus on your body language to avoid these behaviours. Remember to maintain eye contact with your interviewers and keep your hands steady and calm.
• Communicate effectively
  A warm and sincere smile, firm handshake and eye contact is critical. This demonstrates confidence and trustworthiness.
• Have questions prepared
  Have a couple of open questions lined up before going in, which will engage your interviewer.
• Dress appropriately
  Opt for smart attire for an in-person interview. This choice reflects your commitment to securing the position and can boost your confidence and readiness for the interview.

Navigating digital interviews

Many employers are selecting staff through remote or virtual interviews. For those looking to make a bigger move, interviewing remotely opens the talent pool for different countries and locations.

However, there are downsides to not being able to interact in person. Interviewers may find it challenging to assess body language and appearance, which can hinder effective communication. Unlike F2F interviews, it can be harder to make a good first impression virtually, and it can be more challenging to build rapport with the hiring team. It can also be difficult to get an understanding of the culture and environment of the company. Consider the following when preparing for a digital interview:

• Check your device
  Ensure your sound and camera are working by doing a trial run, and ensure the lighting, background and internet connection are to a good standard. This will influence your preparedness and the employer’s first impression of you.
• Be aware of your background
  If the setting is inappropriate for the role, use a blurred background. Alternatively, use an available background or one that showcases your industry of choice.
• Use names
  If there is more than one interviewer, showing your interest in all attending the call can be difficult. By using their names directly, it shows a more personable and attentive approach to communication.
• Mirror and match
  By subtly mirroring the interviewer’s tone, body language and communication style, you demonstrate empathy and allow for connection and mutual understanding regardless of the digital distance. For example, if the interviewer has a direct tone, ensure to give concise and direct answers. It’s important to carry this out naturally and not to mimic any negative behaviours.
• Be enthusiastic and engaged
  Remote interviews can create a sense of distance, so develop a more comfortable space by adopting a positive attitude and showing enthusiasm.
• Treat it as a formal job interview
  Wear appropriate uniform and use confident and open body language.

Advice for successful interview preparation

• Prepare, but don’t overprepare
  Preparation is essential if you want to be successful in your interview. However, too much rehearsal generally leads to stiff and nervous answers that don’t flow. Above all, you need to be able to talk confidently, not like someone nervously recalling a script.
• Understand the job description
  Go through the job description in detail, coming up with examples of where you have demonstrated each point within the prospective role. Mention these points in the interview.
• Know your story
  Highlight what has shaped your values and experiences. The most effective way to do this is to bring in moments from your life prior to your first working role and use your education, upbringing and life experiences to highlight yourself and your values.
• Speak with your recruitment consultant
  Don’t hesitate to contact them with any queries or concerns you may have. Consider scheduling a practice interview session with your consultant. This allows you to simulate the interview experience and receive constructive feedback on your performance.
• Practice
  This is the best way to prevent being caught off-guard on the day. Confidence is key, and you can try to practice by yourself. If you are working with a recruitment consultant, lean on them to run through some practice Q&A with you and ask for feedback.
• Bring enthusiasm and energy
  Being enthusiastic always helps your chances. You must assume that your interviewer is passionate about the company, the position you’re applying for, and the projects you’ll be working on. You’re less likely to land an offer if you can’t share their enthusiasm.
• Questions, questions, questions
  Like CVs, job descriptions don’t tell the full story about a company, the hiring manager, or the team. It’s important that you prepare relevant questions to help guide you through your decision-making process and suitability for the role and the culture of the firm.
• Remember
  You are interviewing them as well. Make sure to get as much information regarding the role and culture as you need to ensure it is the right fit for you, too.

If you would like to discuss any of the topics mentioned in this update, please reach out to Director William McCoppin via email at william.mccoppin@coopman.uk ,+447311387242, or to Chris Wood at chris.wood@coopman.uk, +44 731 1387 186.