Top 10 Interview Tips

The interview stage is arguably one of the most important aspects when looking for a new job, doing well during this stage can make or break a candidate’s application. After your CV it is the next best and most valuable opportunity for self-promotion and marketing, except the only difference being you are doing it in person. Even if not in person, some of these tips may help you with phone interviews prior to a face to face interview:

1. Do your Research
   • Learn as much as possible about what sectors they cover
   • Read up on the company culture
   • Look up company facts via annual reports, press releases and via Google for any company news and references
   • Use Social Media to research the company, such as using Linkedin, Facebook and Twitter to follow them on their company page
   • Use your research to help develop the reasons why you want to work for them and not their competitors, what is it particularly about their company that makes them stand out
2. Research the Role
   • Review the job description and ensure you can answer confidently how you meet those requirements with specific examples
   • If you are working with an agency ask them what the company is looking for and think what is it about you that is suitable for that role
3. Research the interviewers
   • Social Media is a brilliant way to learn about your potential interviewers, you can find out what their focus is and equally it may help you narrow down the type of questions you are going to be asked
4. Practice
   • Many interviews will now have a portion of behavioural questions. You will be expected to provide specific examples where you have demonstrated the skills required for the job.
   • Ensure you can respond to these questions concisely, the more you practice some of the typical questions the more prepared and confident you will feel going in
5. Listen
   • Unfortunately listening is a neglected skill, but is critical to coming across well in the interview and ensures you answer the correct question
6. Relax
   • Take some time before the interview to calm down, meeting new people and trying to sell yourself can often be daunting but before going in, take a second to go over what you have prepared
7. Be on Time
   • Ensure you leave sufficient time to arrive at your interview location with 10 minutes prior to the interview, including time for errors such as getting lost
   • Consider if possible doing a test run so you know where the building location is and how long it takes to arrive
   • Do not arrive excessively early for your interview, if you do then consider finding somewhere suitable to wait without going into the interview location
   • Equally, if you are going to arrive late then contact the recruiter or potential employer to inform them
8. Dress Appropriately
   • Remember that any first impression will be what you are wearing so look professional
   • Ensure you know about the company dress code and what is expected moving forwards even if it less formal
   • Make sure all clothing for the interview is free from creases and dirt
9. Follow Up
   • Consider following up your interview if you have not heard anything within a suitable timescale (such as 48 hours or 72 hours) to get an update
   • If unsuccessful remember there is going to be other opportunities and request feedback on what the interviewers consider could be improved on and focus on these points for future interviews
10. Remember the Importance of Body Language
    • Whilst the content of your interview is paramount, often having poor posture or body language can be distracting at best. This is something to think about beofre your interview as some of the most effective ways to form a good impression is through your body language. For example, good posture, eye contact, listening, head movments are all non virbal signs that improve your chances of getting the job

Final Thoughts on Job Interview Success

Succeeding in job interviews takes research, practice, and persistence. The more effort you put into your interview preparation, the more success you’ll see in obtaining job offers especially if you remember and follow these ten job interviewing tips!

Now that you are interview ready why not search our list of new vacancies for your next job in construction.