Although you can never be prepared for what questions will be asked, there are ways that you can enhance your chances. We wanted to share with you some helpful tips and tools to help you succeed and to be your best!
Preparation is key!
- Make sure you have researched the company. Most companies have websites and a social media presence. Having a good knowledge of the company and the services they provide shows that you have a genuine interest in the role, and taking the time to understand the company and their values could put you in a stronger position as a candidate.
- Read the job description. You wouldn’t apply for a job without reviewing the job description and believing that you would be capable of carrying out the role’s duties. Refreshing yourself on the job description before the interview will help you with discussions and conversations that may be had with the hiring managers.
- Be punctual! Arriving a few minutes early shows good time management skills. If you are going to be late for a good reason, it would be sensible to let the recruiter know as soon as possible.
- If your interview is a video call, make sure Microsoft Teams is working and your camera is on and working. You will always be given an interview date with notice; therefore, it is important to make time prior to the interview to check everything is in working order – this allows you time to troubleshoot anything that isn’t.
- If you are unsure about anything, contact the recruiter before the interview to ask any questions you may have.
Consider the questions:
- Think about your TRANSFERABLE skills! We all have individual skills that we develop from a young age and throughout our working careers. When applying for a new role it is important to reflect on the skills that you feel would be beneficial to the new role. It can be easy to reel off a skill set that maybe isn’t applicable to the job you have applied for. Therefore, it’s important to take a couple of minutes and consider what the hiring managers may be looking for.
- Have scenario-based answers ready. What do you think is likely to come up based on the job description? Consider the industry as well as the job type – it is likely you will be asked to provide examples of when you have demonstrated a particular skill or been in a certain situation.
- Be prepared for a practical assessment. This can sometimes feel uncomfortable and make you feel nervous. As these will be tasks associated with the role you have applied for, you have likely already experienced the task in some format, and the practical part of the interview always sounds scarier than it is!
Make a good impression:
- Be aware of your body language. No matter if the interview is done face to face or via a video link, it is easy to pick up on things that could result in you seeming uninterested. If you are slouched in your seat or covering your face, you may come across as disengaged. Whereas sitting up, using hand gestures and smiling will come across in a very different manner.
- Have a good attitude. Everyone’s personality is different, but ensuring you come across as having manners and an approachable demeanour will put you in good stead. You want the hiring managers to remember you for the right reasons.
- Show interest. It is important when you are applying for a role that you show genuine interest in both the position and the company. Consider questions you may be able to ask both throughout and at the end of an interview.
Look the part!
Whether the interview is face to face or conducted by a video call, you should always dress accordingly to get into the right frame of mind. We would advise not to interview in your pyjama bottoms...
Dressing appropriately and making yourself presentable is one of the most important aspects of any interview. Taking the time to put on a smarter outfit shows an element of professionalism and proves you have taken the time and effort to prepare.
Consider what is important to you in your next role?
- Career progression
- Location of the role
- Working in a team or lone working
- Salary
- Perks
- Hours/Flexible working/Shift work
- Annual leave entitlement
You need to consider what is important to you, including the above elements before you apply for a role. If the company isn’t offering what you are wanting from a new role, it’s likely that this may not be the position you are looking for.
Information on the role should all be in the job description, however if something is important to you that would make an impact on your decision to join the company, you should contact the recruiter who will be able to give you more details.
If you cannot attend an interview:
If you cannot attend an interview or change your mind about progressing with a job application, it is appropriate to contact the recruiter to let them know. Remember, recruiters and hiring managers are taking time out of their day to give you an opportunity to interview. By letting them know you cannot attend, you are also leaving a door open in the future if you wish to reapply for a role.
Receiving your feedback
Unfortunately, sometimes you don’t always succeed when applying for a role.
Remember, this could be for various reasons and isn’t always because you have conducted a ‘bad’ interview. You never know who the other candidates are, and it’s important to not feel defeated and discouraged.
Ask the recruiter for your feedback and if there is anything you could do to improve. Take every interview as a learning opportunity and continue your search until you find your dream job!
Written by Becca Frizzell, Internal Recruiter at Health Partners.
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