How to Ace a Job Interview


You’ve had the letter offering you an interview. Great! Now how do you maximise your chances of landing the job?


Know what to say Use the company’s own words to describe yourself. If the job advert asked for a self-motivated, energetic individual then talk about yourself in words which make it obvious you satisfy those requirements. Remember to say please and thank you - it’s easy to forget basic manners when we’re nervous.


If a question does catch you off guard don’t say, ‘I don’t know.’ Instead, depending on the type of question say something like, ‘I would need some time to consider that...’, or ‘I wouldn’t want to answer that too hastily, I’d prefer to do some research first...’


Make sure the interviewer knows that you want to work for the company. It sounds obvious but is often overlooked.


Know what not to say It’s best not to open with, ‘What does your company do?’ or anything which could be answered with a simple Google search. Make sure you’ve done your homework! Don’t ask anything which makes you sound lazy or entitled: avoid enquiries about having your own office, making personal calls, or how soon you can take your holiday. You can ask about salary, just make sure it’s not too early in the interview.


Know how to answer *that* question Someone always asks ‘What is your biggest weakness?’ or a something similar. Don’t pretend you don’t have any weaknesses because we all do. But avoid the whole, ‘I work too hard,’ humble brag,


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i.e. ‘My weakness is really my strength’, because it’s a very corny answer which lots of people will give. Instead use this question as a chance to differentiate yourself from the competition. Prepare an answer authentic to


you, one where you show you


recognised your weakness in a situation. Explain how you recognised it, what you did or are doing to overcome it, and how you have turned it to your advantage.


Watch your body language Shake hands at the start to show confidence and be more memorable. Sit straight and slightly forward in your seat (to indicate interest), and maintain regular eye contact throughout the interview. Smile a few times but try not to grin like a Cheshire cat throughout!


Follow up Email a thank-you note after the interview. You can get your interviewer’s contact info simply by asking for his or her business card. If you get a second interview or job offer, respond as quickly as possible. If you don’t get the job, accept it with grace and send a follow-up message thanking the interviewer for their time anyway. They may remember you favourably the next time a position becomes available.


To advertise in thewire t. 07720 429 613 e. fiona@thewireweb.co.uk


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