Job interviews
Job interviews are formal meetings between employers and candidates to assess their qualifications, skills, and suitability for a particular role. Make use of the resources on this page to ensure your interview ready.
Types of job interview
In person interviews
In the final stages of the recruitment process an employer may want to see you face to face for an interview. This could be with one person or two people or a whole panel.
Body language is an important part of effective communication – so ensure you are positive, professional, and polite. After a question has been asked, allow yourself time to pause and gather your thoughts before responding. Don’t be afraid to ask the interviewer to repeat the question if you need more time.
Online interviews
These types of interviews are usually conducted through Teams or Zoom with the interviewer present. As with any interview, come well prepared and dress smartly.
Ensure you have a good, reliable internet connection with a backup plan in case you experience any issues, a plain neutral backdrop and are away from any potential distractions. Make sure to also turn off all notifications on your computer or device that you are using.
You may want to consider booking a quiet space or a reliable laptop:
Pre-recorded interviews
Pre-recorded interviews usually take place early to mid-way through the recruitment process. You will be faced with several questions which you will have to answer whilst being recorded – usually within a set amount of time.
Unlike live interviews, you will be speaking into a camera with no interviewer present. It is important that you are dressed professionally, you have a good, reliable internet connection with a backup plan in case you experience any issues, a plain neutral backdrop and are away from any potential distractions. Make sure to also turn off all notifications on your computer or device that you are using.
It is also a good idea to practice beforehand, so start recording yourself answering questions and then re-watch yourself to see how you look and sound. This can also help to make you feel more comfortable on camera.
Preparation
Preparing for an interview in advance can make the difference between an average interview experience or one in which you shine.
Basics
- Know your CV and cover letter inside and out.
- Be punctual, try out the journey beforehand.
- Think about what clothes to wear and have them cleaned and ironed ready.
- Know who you are meeting and where you should go.
The company
- Commercial awareness is important. Do a bit of research – it could go a long way to impressing the interview panel.
- Be clear and knowledgeable on the role that you’re applying for.
- Understand the wider market in which the company operates.
- Understand your interviewer’s role in the company.
- Check out the company’s LinkedIn profile.
Practice makes perfect
Using the person specification, try to come up with some potential questions. You can even use AI like Chat GPT to paste in the person specification and ask for example questions you may be asked in your interview.
Any questions?
You will usually have the chance to ask the interview panel questions, don’t underestimate this stage of the interview process. This is your chance to demonstrate that you have researched the role and company, and that you are enthusiastic and curious about the role.
It’s advisable to come up with some questions just in case any are answered during the process of the interview. Stay away from questions for which the answers can be easily found with a quick internet search.
Additional resources
You can book an appointment to get interviews tips or a mock interview.
- Bright Network - how to answer competency questions.
- Prospects - strength-based interviews.
- WikiJob interview advice.
