Interview tips from the inside – an internal recruiter’s point of view

Over the past year I would estimate I have sat on the panel for over 200 interviews. That’s over 200 hours of face to face interview time, 200 hours of questioning and listening, 200 hours of assessing a candidate’s suitability to fulfil a role in our organisation and 200 hours of insight into candidate behaviour. It’s fair to say during this time I have been all degrees of wowed, impressed, empowered, indifferent, disappointed and sometimes a little concerned if I’m honest!

The below ten tips are from my experience as an interviewer and express what I feel really makes a difference during the interview process...

Be well presented. This sounds obvious, but dress appropriately for the role you are interviewing for and also the location of the interview. If you aren’t sure, ask your contact about the dress code beforehand. I recently interviewed someone for a role in our corporate office that arrived in shorts and T-Shirt – this may not give the right impression to the interview panel and they may question how serious you are about securing the role. I have also interviewed at more industrial locations where the panel prefer candidates not to arrive in a suit and tie; therefore assessing the location of the interview and suitability of your attire may be worthwhile.

Do your research. Read through the company website and position description before attending the interview, this really is the minimum you should do! Be aware of the company’s image and reputation in the press and amongst their competitors. Do you know someone who works there? Press them for information! Being informed and being able to demonstrate your knowledge of the organisation will impress the interview panel and show them your commitment and interest to the role. Similarly be knowledgable of the responsibilities of the role you are interviewing for, and understand where it fits within the company structure.

Be yourself. For me personally I’m always looking to get an insight into the interviewees’ personality and behaviours during an interview process as I’m a big believer in motivation and cultural fit being the key to success. Show us who you are! Smile, be enthusiastic, and even inject some humour if appropriate. With many organisations focussing on cultural fit being of such importance this is where you can shine.

Stop and think. It’s ok to need to stop and think about a question you have been asked, so don’t be afraid to give yourself some time to answer. All too often, interviewees will blurt out an answer that perhaps isn’t well thought through under pressure. The interview panel will understand that you are nervous and will be happy to give you time to process your thoughts (within reason, if you are silent for ten minutes this might ring alarm bells!).

Be honest. If you don’t know the answer to a question or do not possess a particular skill you then be truthful. The interview panel do not expect each candidate to necessarily be a 100% match to the role they are recruiting. Someone who is motivated to learn may be far more valuable than someone who already has all required skills and experience.

Keep it simple. I can’t tell you how many times during competency / behavioural based interviews I have found myself completely lost in a candidate’s example. Try and follow the STAR methodology (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to give your examples structure.

Know your USP. What is your value? What can you bring to an organisation that is yours and yours alone? Why should the organisation hire you, and not Joe Bloggs who they interviewed before you? Understanding your Unique Selling Point will help you stand out from other candidates.

Know your development areas. We all know the question “what are your development areas?” and we all dread it! But knowing how to highlight your development areas in a positive way will show you have a level of self-awareness and EQ.

Ask smart questions. A particular bug-bear of mine – we reach the end of the interview and the interviewee does not have any questions for the panel. This is your chance to demonstrate your knowledge and insight, and find out if this is the job for you! I can’t stress enough that the interview process should be two-way, the company are interviewing you to assess your suitability but this is your chance to also interview them – do you want to work at this organisation? What is on offer for you from a development and career perspective? Do your research beforehand and jot down some notes to take in with you if you find your mind blank at the end of the interview.

Be confident. Feeling nervous before an interview is totally normal. Even as a seasoned interviewer, when it’s my turn in the hot seat I can find it intimidating! You need to channel these nerves and walk in feeling cool, calm and collected. Little things like arriving a few minutes early to settle and re-read the position description and your notes will help. Remember, the interview panel are only human and have been in your shoes before!

Thanks for reading my top tips and I hope they help you next time you attend an interview!