How to CRASH an Interview

By: Joana Mendes Alves

In the last article, we talked about how a good CV is the key to opening the doors to the next phase of the recruitment process: the interview. 

While the CV may have gotten your foot in the door, the interview stage is where you must stand out from all the other candidates who also have a good CV and perhaps have similar experiences or skills to you for the role in question.  

So today I’m going to give you the most important tips on how you can enter the room (virtually or in person), ready to present yourself, answer questions and prove that you are capable and fit for the role. 

Shall we begin? 

Tips for a good Interview

1. Success in interviews doesn't happen by accident. It's a result of preparation. Research the company, understand its culture, and know the role you're applying for inside out. This knowledge not only demonstrates your interest but also helps you tailor your answers to align with the company's culture and goals. 

1. During an interview, confidence is key. Maintain a positive attitude. Showcase your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Emphasize your soft skills, such as teamwork, communication, adaptability, and problem-solving. Many employers value these qualities just as much as technical expertise. Remember, interviews are as much about fitting into the company's culture as they are about qualifications. 

3. Practice answering common interview questions and be ready with specific examples that demonstrate your skills and experiences, including behavioral questions. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, highlighting your skills and accomplishments. 

4. Have questions ready to ask the interviewer. This shows your genuine interest and helps you evaluate if the company is the right fit for you. Questions about the role, team dynamics, and company culture are good choices. Here are some examples of good questions to ask: “What does a promotion path look like for this role?”; “How do your responsibilities and expectations change at each level?”; “What is the most unexpected thing you’ve learned while working here?” ; “How does collaboration happen in the company?” ; “How does employee development happen?”. 

5. Arrive on time for the interview, this shows your respect for the interviewer's time. However, in case of an emergency or situation that prevents you from attending the interview, make sure to communicate this as early as possible. Respecting the interviewer's time includes being proactive in case of unexpected circumstances. Your professionalism in handling such situations can leave a positive impression. 

6. Nervousness is natural, but try to stay calm and confident. Deep breathing and positive self-talk can help manage anxiety. Remember, the interview is an opportunity to have a conversation, not an interrogation. 

7. Send a thank-you email within 24 hours after the interview. Express your gratitude for the opportunity and reiterate your interest in the position. This small gesture can leave a positive impression. 

8. Be yourself during the interview. Authenticity is appreciated by employers. It's important to show your true self and not try to be someone you're not. 

9. Bring copies of your CV or referral letters to in-person interviews. Even if the interviewer already has a copy of your CV, be prepared to hand another copy or any referral and portfolio you might have that they can pull out at any minute or share with other decision-making colleagues. 

10. Be articulate. Avoid stumbling over your words. Speak clearly and concisely. A clear speech with conviction is perceived by the interviewer as confidence and competence, and that is the image you want them to have of you since it translates into the way you’ll carry yourself in the role. There are no short cuts for articulation. Train your speech in your head or with someone else. 

11. Tell stories! Come prepared for the interview with stories on how you were able to add value and real, tangible numbers and figures (if applicable) at your previous job. 

12. Be prepared to answer personality questions such as “What’s your spirit animal?” “If you could have dinner with someone, alive or dead, who would it be?” or “How would your friends describe you?” Do not panic. Interviewers ask these questions to see if your personality matches the company culture and how you react to unexpected situations, since being a part of a company is much more than just knowing how to do the work.  

13. To answer the question “Tell us about yourself”, focus on the past (tell them why you majored in the chosen field and why you are passionate about this career) present (what you’re doing at your current job that will qualify you for this position) and future (why you see yourself in this role and this company). 

14. Make sure you dress appropriately. Choose attire that aligns with the company culture. When in doubt, it is better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed. 

15. Be aware of your body language. Maintain good posture and make eye contact. Positive body language can convey confidence and enthusiasm.  

If your interview is going to be conducted online, here are some extra tips: 

💻 Test your equipment. When an interview is online, there are several things that are out of your control, such as the quality of your internet connection, the notifications that pop up, and the state of your microphone and camera. To avoid surprises and malfunctions, make sure to test everything in advance to see if it all works and remember to put your phone and computer notifications on silent to avoid distractions and close all unnecessary tabs on your browser. 

💡 The lighting and the angle of your camera are important. You want your interviewer to be able to see you clearly. To do this, position yourself facing natural or well-distributed light to appear clear and professional and set the camera at eye level for a flattering and engaging point of view. 

 🔕 Choose a quiet location to minimize distractions and background noise that could interfere with the interview. This way, you’ll be able to focus and hear better, and neither you nor the interviewer will be interrupted by unwelcoming noises. 

 👀 Maintain eye contact. Make sure to look directly at the camera to simulate eye contact and engage with the interviewer. 

😬 Lastly, if you get nervous and presume you’ll mess up even if the other person is on the other side of the screen, practice! Practice answering common interview questions in front of the camera to feel more confident and comfortable during the actual interview. 

Well, that is it for the top tips I think are essential to ace an interview at any stage of the recruitment process. Put this into action and watch yourself get one step closer to landing that dream job of yours!  

You’ve got this! Remember, in a world of unicorns, be a Rhino!