When it comes to recruitment, Catherine & Vivienne, the directors of Hall Recruitment, have a wealth of knowledge and experience that they are always willing to impart on to their candidates. Here are their…
Top 4 Tips…To Prepare For An Interview
Congratulations! You got the interview, now what?
As recruiters we know how challenging it can be to get an interview. So, the first thing we recommend, is to celebrate this accomplishment. Not everyone is so fortunate, and as such, it is important to remember all the hard work you put into your application. So always celebrate the wins when they come! If you’re struggling to get an interview you should read our tips on how to write your CVs and cover letter.
The next step is to determine which type of interview you will be having. Will it be in-person on location? Or will it be a virtual interview? Once you know which type of interview you will be having the next stage will be to prepare.
First impressions are crucial when it comes to interviews. Within the first 8 seconds of meeting someone, they will have formed an opinion on you. In an in-person interview these 8 seconds are determined by:
1. Your appearance (Hair, Skin, Nails, Makeup, Smell)
2. Your choice of attire
3. Being on-time
4. Your greeting.
5. Your handshake
6. What you have brought with you (CV, Presentation, etc.)
In a virtual interview these 8 seconds are determined by:
1. Your appearance (Hair, Skin, Makeup)
2. Your choice of attire
3. Being on-time
4. Whatever is visible behind you on the screen
5. How steady your internet connection is
6. Your knowledge on the platform your interview will be conducted on (Zoom, MS Teams, etc)
So how do you prepare for these things? Well gratefully all of these things can be addressed before your interview even starts!
Tip #1…
Trial Run!
If you are attending an in-person interview and are expected at a particular location, we recommend doing a dry run, so you know how to get there! If you’re fortunate enough to drive and have a few days before your interview, time how long it will take you to get there and familiarise yourself with the journey so there are no surprises on the day. The last thing you want is to arrive late, stressed, and sweaty!
If you’re having a virtual interview, it could be over zoom, teams, or a number of other programmes. If you’re not familiar with the programme, you could accidentally hang up the call, mute yourself when your answering questions or not switch on your camera for the whole interview.
There is the additional issue of checking your internet connection, different facetime programmes can cause you to drop a call if your internet is spotty or unstable.
Tip #2…
Lighting and Surroundings!
If you are having a virtual interview, your lighting and surroundings become apart of your interview. We have all seen the video of Professor Robert Kelly’s kids interrupting his BBC interview, which made international news. The best way to avoid becoming a meme is by choosing a clear background, in a quiet space with good warm lighting directed towards your face. Overhead lighting generally puts your face in shadow, so try to avoid this. If you have kids or pets, have someone look after them during the call.
Tip #3…
What to Wear?
Professional clothing! If you wear anything but professional clothing to an interview, be it in-person or virtual, it will be the only thing they will remember about you!
You could have the perfect education or experience for the position you are applying for. Unfortunately, because you didn’t dress for the job you wanted, in their minds they can’t picture you in the position.
If your pronouns are she/her you should consider emulating @womanbusinessoutfits | @clairerose
If your pronouns are he/him you should consider emulating @gentlemanslounge | @davidbeckham | @suit_style7
Tip #4…
Who’s This Interview With?
Before your interview research the company! You should know who will be conducting the interview, research them on LinkedIn. This will help you not only learn more about the business you are hoping to work with, but it also provides you with topics for small-talk or ice-breakers at the start of the interview.
Nothing looks better in an interview than being prepared!
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