Our best interview tips

Do you have a big interview coming up? These top tips will help you to nail your interview and make it your best one yet!

With any interview, your ultimate aim is to convince the interviewer of your skills, so you can get the job! You were the chosen one out of all the applicants that applied for the role, so it is vital that you prepare yourself in advance for it.

The objective you are aiming for is simple: you need to demonstrate how your experience and personality fit in with the requirements of the role. Make sure you also adopt a positive, outgoing manner and that you know your CV!

"From the moment you arrive at the interview, it is important to be attentive and to acknowledge each person you meet, as they could influence how your interview goes with the final decision-makers." says Sarah Owen, Director of Walters People, Ireland.

There are three essential points to remember for all interviews:

Research the company before your interview
Make sure your appearance is neat and professional
Demonstrate that you can be punctual

During the interview, make sure you run through the below:

Stage 1 - Meeting your interviewer

Introduce yourself, give a polite greeting and firm handshake
Listen carefully and remember the names and positions of everyone present

Stage 2 - The interview

Present your experience in a structured and concise manner
Be precise and explain your choices regarding training, professional development and career opportunities
Be honest when describing your skills and your areas for improvement
Speak in a clear, audible voice. It is important that you prepare some questions about the job you are being interviewed for. Below are some examples of acceptable questions to ask in an interview:

- What training and qualifications are required to be able to do the job?
- What are the development prospects?
- What is the structure of the team I will be working in?

Be polite and professional and give detailed examples. Remain engaged and motivated, ask for any additional information about the company and the people you will be in contact with.

Stage 3 - Wrapping up the interview

Clarify any points that are still unclear
Ask the interviewer what the next step in the process will be
Thank the interviewer for their time and the opportunity to meet with them

Do you need more interview help?

Don't forget that Walters People consultants are always here to advise you. We offer full interview preparation. It’s an important part of what we do. We aim to help you feel more confident and well-prepared for the interview.

Consult our career advice section for more career and interview advice or search through our latest job vacancies.