Want to know how to do well at your interview? Here are out top tips to impress a potential employer, from showcasing your skills to making yourself memorable.
Build a warm relationship from the start
Make the interview feel like a comfortable conversation by showing the interviewers how easy you are to get along with. Interviewers will start deciding if you are a good fit for the business from the second you meet – so begin with a warm smile and maintain eye contact whilst you are talking.
You could also have some friendly small talk on your journey, the weather or another informal topic. This will give you an idea of your interviewers’ personalities – and help you ease into the interview.
Showcase your best skills
An interview will rarely cover everything on your CV – so make sure you know the key events, experiences and skills you want to cover.
Make sure you explain everything through specific examples, instead of simply claiming you have a certain skill. Avoid talking about obvious tasks and focus on how your skills specifically contributed to previous roles.
Turn your examples into stories
Stories stay in people’s minds longer than a list of facts. Make your examples personal by discussing how you felt during certain experiences, or the impact something had on your colleagues or customers.
The more detail you use, and the more original your story is, will help make your interview stand out.
Make sure they meet the real you
Your personality helps employers understand how well you would fit into the team and wider business. Whilst some job descriptions give clues about the personality traits interviewers are looking for, it is important to think about how your own personality would suit the role.
Reveal the best aspects of your personality through examples of when you have performed well, as well as interesting things you have done outside of work. Do not be afraid to discuss things you would like to improve too – whether it is getting training in a specific area or working on your leadership skills.
Be credible – and stay authentic
Interviewers want your answers to come across as fresh, open and authentic – not like they came straight out of a textbook. Be clear about the stories you want to tell and the skills you want to highlight.
And remember, the best way to stand out in an interview is to be yourself! Each candidate will be a different person, with different experiences, skills and qualifications.
Focus on what makes you the best person for the role.
Want some more advice to do well at your interview?
For more top tips on excelling at your interview, check out our advice on preparing for the big day.
