Interview tips for candidates

Going for an interview with a new company can be daunting, to say the least. It could have been a long time since you were last in an interview situation, or maybe interviews have just never been your strong point. Whatever’s worrying you, keep calm and follow these steps to ensure job interview success.

Research The Company

If the employer says "have you taken a look at our website?”, you shouldn’t only be able to say yes; you should be able to echo their company values. If this is somewhere you see yourself working for the foreseeable future, then you should want to learn everything about them. With today’s technology, it’s so easy to access relevant information online about the company you’re interviewing for. Remember to check other sources, not just their website. For example, news articles can be a great source for finding out public perceptions of the company. Show that you care about the company and what they do. By learning about their process, you’ll have a deeper understanding of the company, and you can figure out what your role within that process would be.

Ask Questions

This is the part that many candidates find difficult. You’re so focused on answering questions that your mind blanks any that you might like to ask. To conquer this, plan your questions in advance. You’ll inevitably wonder about certain things as you prepare for your interview, so jot these thoughts down and rework them into something that the employer can answer. Bring your questions on note cards to the interview; you won’t forget what you wanted to ask and you’ll show the employer that you’re organised.
 

Dress The Part

Your smartest suit is perfect for some interviews, but not for all of them. Think about the company and their culture. The culture in many technology companies tends to be more relaxed and this is reflected in their attire. Going for an interview at one of these companies, you want to look smart and professional, yet look and feel as though you fit into the company. Look at their website to get a feel for what outfit would work. Most importantly, be comfortable.

Don’t Be Late

If you’re unfamiliar with the interview location and you have a spot of free time, do a dry travel run. Not only will it save you from getting lost on the day, it could even make you aware of any unexpected road works or other obstacles that you might otherwise not have allowed time for.

Relax

This one is important. If you’ve done your research, and managed not to spill your breakfast down your new shirt, then there’s nothing more you can do; take a few deep breaths and relax. Don’t be afraid to take a moment to think before you answer a question during the interview, and have a glass of water handy to keep you hydrated. Remember you are interviewing the company too, so don’t forget to ask questions.

More:

A guide to technical interviews

Top 5 questions to ask at an interview