Polishing your interview skills
In this article, we’re focussing on the essential areas to cover before, during and after your interview.
At Suzie Walker Executive Search, our team of expert headhunters guide hundreds of well-matched and high-performing candidates through the interview process each year. It all comes down to preparation and fine-tuning to ensure that interviewers see the very best version of you and the unique experience you would bring to the role.
Preparation
Read the job description again and remind yourself of the key areas that make you a good match. What experience and skills would you bring to the role?
Research the company, from their mission and values to products/services and projects/campaigns. Extract relevant insights from their website to support responses to their questions.
Remind yourself of the points covered in your CV, in particular your personal profile, experience/achievements and skills to ensure consistency.
Think about the questions they might ask you and prepare your responses, especially for the classic and occasionally awkward questions: Tell us a bit about yourself; What are your strengths and weaknesses?; Why are you right for this role?; Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
Get your questions ready for the interviewer. While questions might naturally arise during the interview, you will always be invited to ask questions at the end. Some examples: What are your anticipated challenges for this role?; What is the scope for growth?; What do you like about the company?
If you’re asked to give a presentation, prepare your content, design your PowerPoint slides and practice timings to ensure it all meets the brief. Rehearse your presentation with someone you know who will provide honest feedback.
Choose and prepare your outfit, and as we mentioned in our first how-to guide, don’t wear something new – your clothes should be clean and comfortable but also feel like you. To look ‘put together’, stick to two or three colours and wear layers in case the room is hot or cold.
Some things to consider depending on the type of interview you’re attending:
If your interview is virtual on a platform like Teams or Zoom, make sure you have a private and tidy environment with good broadband connection, and think about your backdrop – first impressions count.
If your interview is via telephone, make sure your connection is clear and without any background noise.
For in-person interviews, start thinking about how you'll get there in plenty of time - the last thing you want is to arrive feeling flustered.
Before your interview
Turn off your phone and remove all distractions. If you’re interviewing from your home office, make sure that your household are aware in advance to ensure you’re not disturbed.
Try a breathing technique to calm your nerves. A technique like Box Breathing is simple and effective – it's even used by athletes to improve their performance. Breathe in for 4 seconds > hold for 4 seconds > breathe out for 4 seconds > hold for 4 seconds > and repeat. If you can repeat the cycle 4 times, great, but only do this for as long as it feels comfortable. As the name would suggest, the ‘4’ represents each side of a box, which can be a relaxing way to visualise this technique.
Confidently greet your interviewer and, if you’re meeting in person, consider whether it’s appropriate to shake hands in the current public health climate.
If they offer you a glass of water, we recommend that you accept one so that it’s readily available should your mouth become dry during the interview.
During the interview
Respond to their questions and conversation with a similar tone, taking their lead with regards to formality but always maintaining professional boundaries.
Be positive and yet truthful in your answers. Authenticity will always help you to find the right role with the right people.
Look interested and engaged, asking questions when appropriate to do so and certainly at the end when invited to.
Make sure to thank them for meeting you and that you look forward to hearing from them.
After the interview
Call your recruiter to provide honest feedback, so they’re prepared when following up with the client.
Note down any tricky questions they posed to prepare and practice for future interviews.
Finally, relax and congratulate yourself for taking the next step in your career journey.
If you feel ready to move towards the next stage in your career, please get in touch or connect with us/send a message on LinkedIn.
Suzie Walker Executive Search is a firm of specialist headhunters with an expert team recruiting interim and permanent senior leaders for B2C and B2B marketing, digital and technology roles in FTSE 350 and private equity-backed companies. Find out how we can support you by connecting with a Consultant below.
