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Interviews

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Research the role and the company

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Follow STAR methodology

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Prepare personal examples

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Why employers conduct interviews?

It is important to understand the reasons behind the interviews in order to prepare them. 

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1. Soft Skills

  • The interview process allows employers to see how effectively a candidate communicates and interacts. It is hard to test soft skills on tests.

2. Assess Qualifications and Skills

  • Verify Resume Claims: Interviews allow employers to confirm that the qualifications, skills, and experiences listed on a candidate’s resume are accurate and genuine.

  • Evaluate Job-Specific Skills: Employers can assess whether the candidate possesses the specific technical or professional skills required for the job.

3. Understand Candidate's Fit

  • Cultural Fit: Interviews help employers determine if the candidate will mesh well with the company's culture and values, which is crucial for long-term retention and job satisfaction.​

4. Assess Motivation and Commitment

  • Interest in the Role: Employers want to understand why the candidate is interested in the position and the company, gauging their enthusiasm and genuine interest. Always be prepared for this question!

  • Long-Term Potential: Interviews help employers determine if the candidate is likely to stay with the company long-term, reducing turnover.

5. Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking

  • On-the-Spot Thinking: Through situational or behavioral questions, employers can evaluate how candidates think on their feet and approach challenges.

  • Decision-Making Abilities: Employers are interested in understanding how candidates make decisions, particularly under pressure or with limited information. It is a great indicator on job performance on the future.

6. Clarify Any Concerns

  • Address Resume Gaps or Uncertainties: Employers can use the interview to ask about gaps in employment, frequent job changes, or other resume red flags.

7. Decision-Making Tool

  • Final Selection Process: After narrowing down candidates based on resumes and applications, interviews are crucial in making the final hiring decision, allowing employers to compare candidates on a more personal level.

In summary, interviews are a multi-faceted tool that help employers not only verify a candidate’s qualifications but also determine if they are the right fit for the job and the organization as a whole.

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What are mock interviews?

Mock interviews are practice interviews that help you prepare for a real job interview. You answer questions just like you would in a real interview, and then you get feedback on how you did. It's like a rehearsal to help you do better when it really counts. Here are a few reasons why it is useful:

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  • Build confidence: Helps you feel more comfortable and less nervous.

  • Get feedback: Shows you what you're doing well and where you can improve.

  • Practice answering questions: Helps you prepare for both common and tricky questions.

  • Improve communication: Teaches you how to explain your skills and experiences clearly.

  • Get used to the interview format: Prepares you for in-person, phone, or video interviews.

  • Reduce surprises: Helps you feel ready for anything an interviewer might ask.

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How to get better?

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  • Practice Regularly:

    • Engage in mock interviews to simulate real scenarios and refine responses.

    • Rehearse common interview questions to build confidence and fluency.

  • Research Thoroughly:

    • Study the company’s background, culture, and recent developments.

    • Understand the job role and its requirements in detail.

  • Enhance Communication Skills:

    • Practice clear and concise speaking.

    • Focus on active listening and responding thoughtfully.​

  • Prepare for Behavioural Questions:

  • Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure responses.

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  • Reflect on past experiences that demonstrate key competencies.

  • Showcase Your Skills and Achievements:

    • Highlight relevant experiences and skills that align with the job.

    • Quantify achievements with data or specific examples.

  • Work on Body Language:

    • Maintain eye contact and a confident posture.

    • Avoid nervous habits and use appropriate gestures.

  • Handle Stress and Nerves:.

    • Focus on staying calm and composed during the interview.

  • Seek Feedback:

    • After interviews, ask for feedback. This will show that you want to improve and you can actually improve working through it.

    • Reflect on past interview experiences and learn from them.

Quick Tips

  • Focus on the positives: Reflect on what you are going to say, try to change all the negatives into what went well, what did you take away or what did you learn. 

  • Prepare questions to ask: It shows interest in the role and preparation.

Questions Depository

Describe a time when you failed to achieve a goal. What happened, and what did you learn from the experience?

Describe an instance where you took the initiative to improve a process or project. What were the results?

Share a time when you identified a problem at work and solved it. What steps did you take?

Can you give an example of a time when you had to deal with a difficult colleague or team member? What actions did you take?

Why are you interested in this position?

What do you know about our company?

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