Top 10 Interview Tips for 2023

Interviews can be daunting, but as long as you’ve done your research and prepared then you shouldn’t have anything to worry about. We’ve put together 10 tips to help you secure your next job.

Print off your job application, CV, and cover letter

This will show you are well prepared and organised. It can also be useful if the interviewer refers to a skill on your CV or a qualification you mentioned in your cover letter, your printouts can be a good prompt.

Research the company

Before your interview make sure you spend time looking at the company website and any social media pages they may have. You may find out about recent or upcoming events the company is involved in. It is also a good idea to know who their main competitors are, as it can be a good talking point and can help to differentiate yourself from other candidates.

Plan your journey

Showing up late to your interview might give off a bad first impression, showing a lack of punctuality and organisation. If you are travelling into an office, make sure you leave enough time for potential traffic. If you are driving you may need to ask about parking, or if you are using public transport make sure you have the right travel times. Make sure you arrive at least 10 minutes early.

Practice for potential questions

Read through the job description and the responsibilities and skills required. Then pick out your skills or achievements that are directly relevant and rehearse your answers ahead of the interview. 

Body language

Make sure to look the interviewer in the eye when you are talking, this shows confidence. Although not too much to the point of making them uncomfortable. Be sure not to cross your arms across your chest or adjust your hands too much as this can come across as defensive and nervous. Remember something as simple as a smile can help you look more relaxed and comfortable making you more likeable.

Look professional

It is always important to make a good first impression of your appearance, so make sure you are dressed appropriately. It is better to be overdressed rather than underdressed, so make sure you know what they might consider inappropriate attire.

First impressions count

As well as dressing professionally, you want your overall appearance to be professional. If you need to eat before your interview, make sure it’s nothing too smelly. Be sure to brush your teeth and have good hygiene. If you are chewing gum, make sure you throw it away before you go in. Also, try to avoid smoking before your interview as the smell could linger on your clothes and make a bad first impression.

Turn off your phone

Make sure your phone is on silent, or better yet turn it off. It is unlikely you will need your phone during the interview so by turning it off you are eliminating any possible distractions.

Think of meaningful questions

At the end of an interview, you are often asked if you have any questions. Make them meaningful ones that you are interested in hearing the answer to. For example, you may be interested in how they can help with your personal development, or you might be interested in company culture and what makes them stand out from other companies. For more inspiration on good questions to ask click here.

Check your tech

As more companies are adopting a hybrid working style, more interviews are happening virtually. You want to make sure you have a strong Wi-Fi connection so there is no chance of dropping off the video call. If the interviewer wants you to use a particular platform e.g., Microsoft Teams or Zoom, make sure you have done a trial run, so you know what you are doing when it comes to it. Also, make sure your laptop is fully charged.

Being able to check all these points will show your potential employer the best possible version of you, and you will know you’ve done all you can to help you try to secure the job. After your interview contact the organiser and let them know how you think it went. Good Luck!