READ TIME – 5 MINUTES
In the UK, the hiring process usually involves two interview stages. This is the prime opportunity for applicants to showcase their skills and unique personality. It’s important to maintain a professional demeanour during the interviews, as this is the most competitive stage. On average, employers interview six candidates for each job vacancy.
However, with the help of this blog, you will know exactly what interviewers are seeking and be fully prepared to impress them.
So, let’s get started with how you can get the edge over the competition!
Be Prepared
To be fully ready for a successful interview, there are several things you should consider. Demonstrating your strong preparation skills is crucial since it is a highly valued quality among employers. Before an interview, it is important to research the company thoroughly and be ready to share your findings. A report shows that 47% of recruiters would reject a candidate who has little knowledge about the company.
Displaying enthusiasm is essential for a successful interview. 40% of employers would reject a candidate if they showed no enthusiasm. One effective method is to prepare a few questions to ask the interviewer about the company or the position. Here are some common questions you could ask the interviewer:
- “What does a typical workday look like?”
- “What’s the work culture like?”
- “What training and progression opportunities are available?”
In a job interview, the interviewer may ask about your hobbies or skills and because of this, it’s recommended to prepare an elevator pitch. An elevator pitch is a concise and impressive way to introduce yourself and showcase your qualifications. It should be 30-60 seconds long and highlight your most relevant experiences and career goals. By crafting a persuasive speech, you can capture the interviewer’s attention and leave them wanting to learn more. You should practice your elevator pitch before the interview.
Show Professionalism
When it comes to interviews, professionally presenting yourself is key. This involves everything from your behaviour to your appearance and more.
It only takes 7 seconds to make a first impression. So, as the saying goes, you only have one shot at a first impression. That’s why dressing to impress is critical for a successful interview. A polished and professional look is a fantastic way to get off on the right foot and make a positive impression on your interviewer.
When attending your interview, it’s important to arrive at a suitable time. It’s recommended to arrive 10-15 minutes before the scheduled time to avoid potential disruptions to your journey, such as traffic. Being punctual is a highly valued trait in the workplace, so arriving on time or early can make a positive first impression.
Going for an interview can be daunting, but don’t worry, it’s completely natural to feel nervous. In fact, 93% of us have felt the same way at some point in our careers. The key is to keep calm and composed so you can showcase your professionalism. After all, you want to impress your interviewers with your amazing personality! Lucky for you, there are loads of proven techniques to help calm your interview nerves and ensure you ace that interview.
Interview Tips
- Make Eye Contact – Making direct eye contact with the interviewer can reveal your confidence. Eye contact also conveys interest, professionalism and trust. 63% of recruiters feel that eye contact is crucial to making a good impression.
- Prepare Real-Life Examples – Interviewers might ask behavioural questions to understand how you act in situations or how you use different skills. It’s great to talk about previous experiences that show your adaptability because it can add depth to your response.
- Consider Body Language – It’s important to understand what different body language conveys so that you’re aware of how you may come across. Think about your posture and how you’re sitting, the movements that you’re making and ensure that you’re actively engaged if it’s a video interview.
- Identify Your Selling Points – It’s essential to think about what skills and accomplishments relate to the role you’re applying for so that you can impress interviewers. Think about what could give you the edge over other candidates and make sure to tell the interviewers wherever you can.
Reaching the interview stage is an accomplishment alone, as only 2% of candidates who apply for a job will get an interview. To get to that stage, you’ve done well!
By now hopefully, you’ll know how to approach your next interview and leave the interviewers impressed. By considering all the points discussed in this blog, you’ll have the recipe for a successful interview. So, how about exploring potential career opportunities and putting your new interview skills to the test…