Make every opportunity count!
As a starting point, regardless of the interview format, make sure you have your CV and the job description in front of you. This will allow you to refer to core interview material with ease.
We also recommend you always have a pen and paper to note down questions and important points whilst the interview is being conducted. It can also be a lifesaver if you’re feeling nervous, allowing you to briefly focus on something else other than the questions at hand.
Remember, even if your CV is with multiple parties and you have more than one interview, treat each interview like it is the only one.
Video/Skype Interview Checklist
- Run an audio/video test before your interview (simple, yet many forget!)
- Try to maintain good eye contact throughout (and a relaxed posture)
- Have a backup form of communication ready (aside from Skype)
- Check how you’re positioned from your webcam’s point-of-view
- Test your internet connection – It must be reliable and fast
- Mute your smartphone before your Skype call commences
- Keep your video background clear and clutter-free
- Dress smart (suit and tie)
General Advice
Positivity is key!
Negativity in any shape or form is not good in an interview situation. When discussing a problem, address it briefly and quickly move onto talking about solutions.
Keeping ALL interviewers engaged
Always try to involve all interviewer(s) – Whether that be through questions about their background or core questions regarding the role. We all know that there’s nothing worse than not being involved in a conversation.
Demonstrate attentiveness during the interview
Let the interviewer(s) know you’ve been listening and taking information in – By making note of key points discussed by the interviewer(s). Discuss areas of note and ask questions (where applicable). Helping to demonstrate focus, interest and knowledge to the interviewers.
Have questions ready to ask the interviewer(s)
Ask questions that will be positively construed, focusing on the needs (and wants) of the company – NOT the needs and wants of you. In other words, justify how you can satisfy their requirements (NOT how they can satisfy yours)!
Are your questions going to make you more or less desirable?
You are selling a product (you). The more expensive and/or difficult you are to obtain, the less desirable you become to the prospective employer. For example, asking if the prospective employer will pay for relocation costs, is a very quick way to alienate yourself – Very rarely will companies pay relocation costs.
Pre-Interview
It is imperative that you VERY thoroughly research the organisation with whom you are interviewing, and also the background of the interviewer(s). Google, LinkedIn and the company website should provide you with the information you need.
Here are a few ideas to start your pre-interview research:
- Company vision/mission statement
- Company history
- Products or services
- Financial & sales performance
- Target market(s)
- Business strategies
- Competition
- Recent news
- Role requirements of the role
- Mutual Linkedin connections with the interviewers – good conversation material
Taking the time to do your research will make for a more meaning interview, showing that you are informed, engaged and interested in the role for which you are interviewing.
During The Interview
Arrive at the interview 5-10 minutes early (no earlier or later). Once you’re there, you should already know exactly who to ask for and who will be interviewing you (full name and job title).
Ensure that your body language and posture is good. Greeting interviewers standing, with excellent eye contact and a strong handshake to match.
The interview will generally start with an introductory chat, and then move onto more formal questions, concluding with the opportunity for you to ask any remaining questions.
We also can’t stress enough how important it is to know your CV inside and out – You’ll almost certainly be talking through it. Use it to your advantage by justifying how your experience suits the role.
Answer all questions with detail, using relevant examples. Now that you’re already at the interview stage, the company likely already thinks that you can do the job – All you have to do is reassure the interviewer(s) that you will be an asset to their business.
Once the interview comes to an end, explain how much the role means to you, reiterating your availability (ideally immediate). Remind them that this is your preferred opportunity (assuming this is true) and ask what the next steps are in the process.
Post Interview
Thank the interviewer(s) for their time and tell them how much you enjoyed talking to them and (if applicable) that it made you even keener on the role.
Follow this up with an email thanking them for the opportunity to interview for the role (again, only if appropriate). Reiterating why you are interested and what you can bring to the organisation.
This is also an opportunity to highlight anything you forgot to say in the interview (ONLY positive things).
