The complete

interview guide
Helping you land the perfect role

Specialist Professional Recruitment

 Contents
03 Welcome

04 P
 repare to be the best you
How to prepare
The day of the interview

08 M
 ake a strong start
How to maximise the first five minutes of an interview

12 K
 now your interview questions
Common interview questions
Tell a powerful story

16 A
 void common interview mistakes
Top six mistakes to avoid

20 T
 hrive in all conditions
Making that Skype interview count
Understand your interviewer
Overcoming unconscious bias

25 Contact Us

2
 Welcome to Robert Walters
Helping professionals find It’s one of the reasons we’ve We hope you find this guide useful
fulfilling careers produced this comprehensive and invite you to get in touch if
interview guide. We are committed you would like to discuss your next
Our story begins in 1985 when the to helping our candidates conduct career move. Our contact details
Group opened its first office in successful interviews and therefore are at the back of the guide.
central London. Since then we have outshine the competition.
developed into a global specialist Regardless of your level, this Toby Fowlston, CEO,
professional recruitment group, guide will help you to perfect your Robert Walters Group
operating in a diverse range of interview skills.
markets worldwide.
Our consultants often come from
Toby Fowlston, For over 32 years, we’ve been industry backgrounds and know
Chief Executive Officer helping talented professionals what hiring managers want, so
develop their careers, job move they’re also well placed to help you
after job move. It’s a success story prepare for an interview. They take
we’re proud of and one that’s built the time to listen to your career
on the strength and passion of our goals and match you with the right
people. role.

As the business continues to In addition, unlike the majority

expand, we operate with the same of our competition, we will put
commitment to service and quality. you forward for all suitable roles,
Every candidate is treated as an regardless of which consultant you
individual with a focus on advising, speak to. We also promise to never
consulting and helping you to send your CV out without your
succeed through the job screening permission.
process.

3
 Prepare to be the best you
“We see it all the time – great candidates being passed over How to prepare
because they didn’t prepare for an interview properly. Even The importance of preparation
if you don’t have the full skill set you can still land the job by cannot be overstated. As well as
boosting your confidence, it will
being well prepared and enthusiastic.” help you to show the best you.

Interviewers frequently test

a candidate’s preparation
to see how enthusiastic they
are about the role and the
company. Thorough preparation
demonstrates to them that you’re
serious about the job.

For a fairly straightforward

interview you should allow half
a day’s preparation time, but
for more senior roles which will
require you to go deeper, it’s best
to allocate a full day.

4
 Prepare to be the best you

Research Practice Likewise, read the annual report and

The first thing to do is visit the company’s Ask someone you trust to help you latest press [Link] for things
website and social channels. Make sure practice common interview questions where you can make a link to the role
you read the home page, about us and and competency-based interview and department you are hoping to join.
services/products sections and note questions. Practising out loud will stop For example, “I read that you’ve just
down the key points you learn about the you from ‘rambling’ on the day and launched x. What will that mean for the “I always start by asking
company including its history, vision and help you to communicate your thoughts growth of this role?” people to explain what
mission. clearly and succinctly. We cover
Be creative and imaginative, and our business does. This
interview questions later in the guide.
Then move on to a web search of the remember to avoid questions about pay deceptively simple
company to find out if it’s been in the Devise your questions and benefits in the first interview. These question floors lots of
news lately. This will ensure you come Try to think of questions that will make topics can be discussed once you’ve been people – it’s amazing
across as informed and up-to-date you stand out from other interviewees. offered the job. how many interviewees
with topical issues. It’s also a good idea Interviewers tend to be impressed by struggle with it, perhaps
to know who its competitors are and candidates with an enthusiastic attitude
what differentiates them from other Fast facts because they’re attending
and those who have gone the extra mile
businesses in their field. to prepare for the interview. • Go the extra mile with your research
several interviews in a row
• Map out how your skills and experience
and haven’t made the time
Learn Use your questions to demonstrate your match the job description to do much research.
Learn your CV off by heart so that preparation and insight. For example,
• Do a mock interview with a friend or
you can talk naturally and fluently if you’ve looked at some of their
your recruiter But if you don’t come
about your employment history and employees’ LinkedIn profiles and seen
key achievements. Spend some time that people tend to get promoted every • Prepare interesting questions to make across as having a firm
mapping out how your skills and two to three years, then ask about that. yourself stand out grasp of the company
experience match the job description. and why it’s hiring, the
You want to make it easy for the While it’s a good idea to look at the interviewer can only
interviewer to see how you’re a great interviewer’s LinkedIn profile, it’s
conclude that you’re not
fit for the role. It’s also wise to research important to ensure you don’t come
your current and previous employers across as ‘creepy’ by commenting on really that bothered about
online so you can answer questions personal information you’ve gleaned – the job.”
confidently. it’s best to keep it professional.

5
Prepare to be the best you

What to wear What to take

With six in 10 managers saying how an It’s always a good idea to take several copies of
interviewee dresses has a big impact on their your CV in case the interviewer unexpectedly
employability, first impressions really do count. brings a colleague to the meeting. You will come
However, nowadays there is a lot of flexibility across as calm and organised if you can hand out
and variety in what people wear to work, so additional copies without becoming flustered.
it’s important to do your research by looking at Writing down the company address, interview
social channels such as Glassdoor and Youtube time, and name and title of your interviewer is
to see what the dress code is. You don’t want to also advisable, in case your mobile phone fails on
show up at a tech start-up in a three-piece suit! the day.
The day of the interview
While preparing for the interview is important, Your recruitment consultant will advise you on the
dress code, but if you’re dealing directly with the Fast facts
it’s also vital to prepare for the day itself by
hiring manager, then it’s perfectly acceptable to
planning your outfit, transport route and what • Find out the dress code before the interview
ask them outright. For example, “I hope you don’t
to take. mind me asking but can you please tell me what • Research your transport route
the dress code is for the interview?” Dressing • Arrive at reception 10 minutes early
professionally will help your skills, achievements • Take extra copies of your CV and a portfolio if
and personality to shine through. Remember appropriate
to subtly change your outfit for the second
interview.

Plan your journey

“While it’s important to dress professionally Research your route the night before, ensuring
you don’t want to appear a clone – it’s ok to you build in plenty of time in case of delays. You
may like to arrive in the area early so you can go
express your personality through your dress, over your notes at a café. Regardless of what
just don’t overdo it. You want the interviewer to time you arrive, don’t report to reception until 10
recognise your skills and experience, not to be minutes before your interview time.
distracted by what you’re wearing.”

6
7
 Make a strong start
“One candidate I interviewed recently asked me a non-stop
string of questions about my family, the job, the company, How to maximise the first
things in the news – all sorts of things. But he didn’t really five minutes of an interview
have much to say himself and he didn’t really wait to hear We’ve all heard it said that
my answer before asking the next question, so he just came first impressions count and it’s
across as rather anxious and scattered.” especially true of job interviews.
One third of bosses say they know
within 90 seconds whether they
will hire someone, so starting
strong is a must.

From the all important hand

shake to making small talk and
maintaining eye contact, there
are so many things to be aware
of in the first five minutes of an
interview. Given these first few
moments can have such a decisive
impact on how well the rest of
the interview goes, here’s how to
start strong – together with some
cautionary tales of what not to do
from real interviewers.

8
 Make a strong start

1. Remember the interview starts potential future employer. Co-workers Fast facts
as soon as you leave the house will often share their impressions • Be professional from the moment you
The interview starts long before you of visitors afterwards, so you want leave the house
shake hands and sit down around the everyone who comes into contact with
you to see you in as positive a light as • Be courteous and friendly to everyone
table. You never know who you might you encounter
bump into as you get off your bus or possible.
• Make sure your body language shows
train, or enter the company’s building –
3. Create a strong first you’re engaged and enthusiastic
for all you know, your interviewer could
be in the same coffee bar queue as you. impression • Match your dress style to that of the
So make sure you project a friendly, First impressions count, and non-verbal company you’re meeting
confident, professional air from the cues matter even more than verbal
moment you set off. ones. So in those first few minutes, it’s all
about smiling confidently, shaking hands
Doubtless you’ll have made sure you firmly, making eye contact and generally
arrive early. Give yourself time to have looking as if you’re glad to be there and
a comfort break and make sure you’re you want the job. Lean in slightly, look
hydrated. Make conversation with the alert and interested, and wait to be
receptionist, switch off your phone and invited to sit down. In everything you do,
take in your surroundings – you might project an attitude of energy, enthusiasm “It’s important that
notice something that will make a useful and interest. you stand to greet your
small-talk topic later. Don’t try to cram interviewer with a firm
in any last-minute facts – you want to Clothes-wise, try to match your dress
handshake, eye contact
come across as calm and organised, not style to that of the company you’re
flustered and under-prepared. meeting. and a smile. Remember
not to sit until you’re
2. Treat everyone you meet as You want to project some personality offered a seat. They
your interviewer and charisma, but you also want to come may initiate some small
across as a good fit, so if in doubt always
Make sure that you’re polite and friendly talk to put you at ease,
to everyone you come across in the err on the formal side.
so use this opportunity
interview process. From greeting the
to demonstrate your
receptionist, to the people you share a
lift with, to walking through an open- interpersonal skills.”
plan office to reach your meeting room
– these are all touchpoints with your

9
Make a strong start

4. Be ready for the small talk 5. Be on message from the outset

Getting the small talk right (or wrong) can have Politicians coached in handling the media are
big consequences. It’s a way for people to build always advised to have a maximum of three key
rapport and affinity, and start to generate that messages to get across, which they should stick
elusive, intangible quality of ‘chemistry’ that to and repeat throughout any interview.
characterises all effective business relationships. Similarly, it’s a good idea to have two or three
key points that you want to make about what you
“I like to make a point of coming So as part of your interview preparation, it’s a
good idea to think ahead to some likely topics
have to offer and what you’re looking for. For ex-
ample, ‘I’m ready for the challenge of managing
down to greet candidates in person. that might come up, to help keep the conver- a team’, ‘I combine compliance experience with
sation flowing smoothly. The key is to think of technical expertise’, ‘In my career, I’ve developed
On one occasion, a candidate some topics where you have a shared interest, so an extensive digital transformation skill set’.
assumed I was an assistant, treated that you’re able to both ask and answer credible
questions. These are the three key points that you want your
me in a very offhand way and interviewer to remember about you. So try to
rather rudely asked me to get them For example, if you see a picture of your inter-
viewer’s family, perhaps you could ask about
work them in naturally whenever you can, even in
the first few minutes. It’s also important to have
a drink. They got quite a shock them – and be ready with a family anecdote of a ready answer for some of the most common
your own. Or if you’re a sports fan and you spot questions that come up early on, such as ‘Tell me
when they saw I was heading up signs that your interviewer is too, perhaps you why you want this job’ and ‘What’s your under-
the interview panel! But what most could ask a suitable question that you’ve also got standing of what this job involves?’
an interesting answer to (‘Do you ever get to the
disappointed me was the idea that matches?’ ‘So who’s going to win the Cup this
it’s appropriate to treat staff of any year?’ etc).

level in such a way.” Think, too, about topical themes. For example,
has your potential employer been in the news
recently? Or could you ask about the potential
impact on the company of a recent develop-
ment, such as Brexit or falling share prices or a
serious malware attack? In each case, make sure
you have an interesting thought of your own to
contribute too.

10
“I once heard
someone standing
outside our building,
smoking furiously and
complaining loudly
on their phone about
the early start time
of their meeting and
wondering aloud why
they were even there.
When I got to my next
interview, I realised to
my dismay the noisy
moaner was my next
candidate. Not a great
start!”

11
 Know your
interview
questions

“Make sure you’re listening to the

questions and tailoring your answers
– you can prepare, but you need to
understand the nuances of the person
interviewing you. You may have great
intentions about what you plan to say
in the interview, but don’t force it if it’s
not natural.”

12
 Know your interview questions

Common interview questions

There are some interview questions that you can almost guarantee will come
up in one form or another, so make sure you’ve got some good answers at
the ready.

‘So how was your journey?’ ‘Tell us about your strengths’ Fast facts
The interviewer may initiate some small talk with a Answering this question well is all about showing your • Practise summarising your skills, experience and
question like this to help put you at ease. They’re looking ability to do the job, your commitment to work, and career history
to test your interpersonal skills too, so just relax and your ability to function effectively as part of a team.
• Make note of your strengths and weaknesses
answer naturally. Avoid one-word answers, and don’t Choose three qualities that focus on how your strengths
be afraid to ask a relevant question or two back. will benefit this specific role, and try to include a • Think about the future and how you want your career
combination of hard and soft skills. to grow
‘Tell me about yourself’ • Know why you’d like to work for this company
Most interviewers start by asking you to talk about ‘Where do you see yourself in five years’
yourself and your career history. What they’re really time?’
asking is ‘What would you be like to work with and what Think realistically about where this job can take you
difference could you make to the organisation?’ This and how that fits with your career plans. You want to
is your opportunity to talk about your strengths, skills come across as ambitious, but not impatient or ruthless.
and experience. Don’t give a detailed account of every Ideally you’ll find a way to show how your goals and “Don’t exaggerate when answering
single job you’ve ever had. Instead summarise your ambitions align with those of the company. common or competency questions.
career history by highlighting the most important points
that relate to the job you’re interviewing for. Keep your
It’s important to tell the truth and
‘Tell us about your hobbies and interests’ discuss what you learned through the
summary to five minutes. Think about your personal This is a good chance to show another side of yourself
brand and the story you want to tell, and ensure you and to hopefully build rapport with the interviewer.
experience.”
display enthusiasm and flexibility. Look to surface something surprising or unexpected
that will provoke curiosity and help you to stand out in
‘Why do you want to work for us?’ the interviewer’s mind.
Look beyond the obvious points such as the size of the
company or its current bottom line. Say something
different that shows you have really done your research.
For example, you could point to a new product or CSR
initiative, or a staff project presented on the company’s
social media pages. Show how the things you mention
about the company align with your own personal values
too.
13
Know your interview questions

Distinguish yourself Here are some examples: This gives you a chance to show that,
Competency questions are a useful even if you haven’t formally had to
• ‘Tell us about a time when you had to demonstrate a particular competency
way for employers to distinguish if
deal with challenging feedback on before, you already have the potential
you’re a good fit for their organisation,
your work’ to do so.
and to differentiate between different
candidates with similar levels of skill • ‘Tell me about a time when you were
and experience. That’s because no two able to resolve a conflict within your If you are moving into a role where the
stories – and no two storytellers – are team’ ability to cope with significant time
the same. • ‘Tell me about a time when you were pressure is critical, you might be asked,
Tell a powerful story able to help a team member who was ‘Tell us about a time where you had to
Interviewers are relying Stories are a powerful communication struggling with morale issues’ juggle lots of conflicting deadlines’. If
more and more on tool because they appeal to both the • ‘Describe a situation where you close team-working or client-facing
emotional and rational sides of the were able to directly influence your skills are essential, you might be asked,
competency questions to ‘Tell us about a situation where you had
brain. They’re a chance for you to company’s bottom line’
help them differentiate show more of your personality and to find a way to work with a colleague
• ‘Can you tell me about a time when
between competing establish a warmer connection with who you didn’t always get on with’, or
you had to make a difficult strategic
candidates. But what are your interviewer that goes beyond the ‘Tell me about a time when you went
decision and win over others in the
they exactly – and what’s data of your CV. You can also use them the extra mile to delight a customer’.
process?’
to demonstrate more of what you’re
the best way to approach
capable of, and to steer the interview in
them? the direction that best showcases your You can often infer the sort of questions
Fast facts
suitability for the role. that you might be asked at a specific
interview from what you know of the • Competency questions help employers
role, the job description, and of course differentiate between similar
What will I be asked? your own CV. If you’re working with a candidates
There’s a wide range of topics that you • Use competency questions to tell your
recruitment consultant, make sure you
might be asked a competency question
“Stories are a powerful ask for their advice too – as experts, unique story
about. The questions tend to fall into
communication tool they’ll know which competencies the • Look at the job description for clues
several predictable categories, such as
employer is looking for. on what may be asked
because they appeal to personal qualities, interpersonal skills
both the emotional and and team behaviour, leadership and • Ask your recruitment consultant what
If, for example, you are interviewing competencies the hiring manager is
rational sides of the brain. management, commercial and client
for a role where you’ll be managing looking for
skills, as well as problem-solving and
Use competency questions people for the first time, you can expect
decision-making skills.
to tell your unique story.” a question like: ‘Tell me about a time
when you had to step in and show
leadership in your team’.

14
 Know your interview questions

How to answer a competency Hollywood film, things tend to go worse I did an audit of our existing approval As a result, a modified version of
question for our hero before they get better, processes, and identified all the potential my process was introduced almost
Think of your answer to a competency and seeing how you overcome these risks and bottlenecks. It seemed to me immediately, and colleagues have
question as a very focused kind of story. challenges – whether internal or external that only certain reports really needed commented how the production process
Any good story has a character we care – adds to the power of the story. such a senior level of sign-off, and is now much more efficient. I learnt from
about – that’s you. The character is set a empowering other managers to own this experience that if you want to make
challenge or finds themselves in a tricky Example answer: approvals would help ease the pressure positive change, it’s important to look
situation. Then they have to go on a on the system. I was asked to present my beyond individual personalities and build
Q: Tell us about a time when you had to proposal to the director which was a bit instead a compelling case that everyone
journey and take some actions to find the ‘manage up’
answer, and usually gain a valuable life nerve-wracking, but I put forward the can get behind. And if you want to point
lesson in the process. For your big finish, A: ‘When I first started my current role, case that possible late delivery of reports out a problem, people will listen to you
focus on the positive outcome that you I saw that we had a recurring difficulty to clients was a significant business risk. much more if you’ve got an idea for the
helped to achieve, and briefly say what in getting new client reports signed off When I concluded with my new proposed solution too!’
you learned in the process. in a timely fashion because they had to approach, the executive congratulated
be personally approved by a particular me on my efforts and said they’d been
To make your story more credible and director. This individual was perceived as looking for a way to delegate some of
relatable, add in a few specific details intimidating and hardly ever available, their responsibilities for a long time.
and anecdotal touches (but stay on so we were constantly on the backfoot
point – don’t waffle). And don’t be afraid with deadlines.
to show yourself in a less than perfect
light at some points too: as in any good

Be a STAR storyteller • Situation: • Task: • Action: • Result:

Another good way Explain the context, your What specific task were What steps did you What was the outcome
to remember how to role and the potential you given responsibility decide to take, and why? of your actions? What
structure your answer to a challenge you and the for to help your company How were your actions difference did you make?
competency question is to organisation were facing. meet the challenge? received by stakeholders What did you learn?
follow the STAR system: and co-workers?

15
 Avoid
common
interview
mistakes

“There are great candidates out there

who make common interview mistakes
such as interrupting the interviewer
or speaking negatively about their
former employer, and sadly it ends up
costing them the job.”

16
 Avoid common interview mistakes

Top six interview mistakes to avoid

While it’s important to know the right thing to do and say at an interview, it’s also essential to understand the common
interview pitfalls that many unwittingly fall into. Here we share the top six interview mistakes to avoid.

Don’t be apathetic Sometimes people nail an interview but On the flip side, the overpowering smell
We’ve all been there, agreeing to an then end it by saying something negative of aftershave or perfume can be equally
interview even when you’re not overly about their employer. It comes across as off-putting for interviewers. Sometimes
excited by the job description. However, unprofessional and we all know there are in our eagerness to smell good we
it’s important that you are enthusiastic two sides to every story. may get carried away which can be
from the get-go because it will be too distracting for the person we’re meeting.
late if you decide halfway through the It’s also important to avoid flimsy To be sure, ask a friend to check that
interview that you do want the job after answers to the question ‘why are you you haven’t overdone the perfume or
all. looking to change jobs?’. For example, ‘i cologne prior to your interview.
got bored’ or ‘i wasn’t progressing’ when
The interviewer will have already picked you’ve only been in the role for 12 months
up on your lack of enthusiasm and it will set off alarm bells for the interviewer. Fast facts
will be extremely difficult to turn the It’s best to construct answers that are
• Remember to listen and never talk over
interview around. Put your doubts aside, honest but still paint you in a positive
the interviewer
go in wanting the job and approach the light. For example, ‘i’m looking for a
more challenging, varied role as my • Check your personal hygiene but don’t
interview in that frame of mind.
current role isn’t stretching me’ or ‘i overdo the cologne
It’s also important to note that no matter really enjoy being part of a dynamic • Put your doubts aside and show you’re
how qualified you are, you still need to team and my job doesn’t offer that enthusiastic about the job
display energy and enthusiasm. If you sit currently’. • Don’t speak negatively about your
there with all the experience in the world current employer
but don’t convey enthusiasm, then the Personal hygiene “Overfamiliarity is
interviewer won’t be interested. Clients We talked earlier in the guide about your something that really
have an ego too, they want to feel that physical appearance and finding out the puts me off a candidate.
the candidate sees the role as a good dress code before the interview so you You should always let the
opportunity and will value it. don’t look out of step with the company
culture when you arrive. But it’s equally
interviewer lead the tone
Avoid negative talk important to consider your personal of the interview and not
Speaking negatively about your current cleanliness. For example, if you stopped behave or speak informally
or previous employer is a major pitfall for a coffee on the way to the interview unless the interviewer does
you will do well to avoid. You may make sure you have a mint to freshen so.”
feel negatively about your current up. It’s also a good idea to avoid smoking
workplace, but don’t be too honest if prior to the interview.
that’s your reason for leaving.
17
Avoid common interview mistakes

Don’t talk too much Make time to prepare

If you’ve spent hours preparing for an interview you’ll Even if you’re attending multiple interviews you need
be keen to get the answers you’ve prepared across. to build time into your schedule to prepare properly.
However, don’t fall into the common trap of not Interviewers find it inexcusable when candidates don’t
listening to the question carefully. Sometimes people know about the company and the role. When asked
are so desperate to share what they’ve prepared that about the company, just reciting information from
they give an irrelevant answer to the question. You may the website isn’t going to cut it. Interviewers want
have great intentions about what you plan to say in the candidates who will look beyond the surface level
interview, but don’t force it if it’s not natural. facts and delve deeper into current trends and what’s
happening in the market.
“There’s nothing worse It’s also important to let the interviewer lead the
than getting to the end of interview and set the tone. Interviewers find it very The best candidates will be able to link market trends
off-putting when a candidate jumps the gun and asks back to the business and talk about what they think
an interview and finding the questions before they’ve been invited to. It comes makes the company interesting and unique. But you
candidate has no questions. across as over-confident. Another big mistake is to
interrupt or talk over the top of the
can only do this effectively if you’re well prepared.

Be different and ask Interviewer – bite your tongue and wait your turn to Another fatal mistake is not reading the job description
speak. You want to prioritise listening and achieve the properly or taking the time to understand the role
imaginative questions, make right balance of confidence and humility. These are the before going for the interview. Hiring managers spend
someone want to hire you candidates who stand out. a lot of time and effort devising job descriptions, so
make sure you’ve mapped out how your skills and
over the competition.” Overfamiliarity is also very off-putting for interviewers. experience match the role and know your strengths
“I don’t like it when a candidate acts like they’re my and development areas.
best friend before they’ve even built rapport with me.
If i start to relax and laugh towards the end of the Always ask questions
interview then i’m happy for the candidate to do so too. If there’s one way to leave a lasting negative
For example, i had one candidate who made a funny impression it’s to say you don’t have any questions at
joke about selling gravy in a previous role, but it was at the end of the interview. Interviewers believe it shows
the end of the interview so it worked.” a lack of interest and initiative. Be different and ask
imaginative questions, it will help you to stand out from
the competition.

18
“You want to
prioritise listening
and achieve the
right balance of
confidence and
humility. These are
the candidates who
stand out.”

19
 Thrive in all conditions
“Whether it’s a video interview with the line manager or an Making that video interview
in-person interview with the HR manager, every situation count
is different. It’s important to be well prepared so you can
Most of us use video as a way
thrive in all conditions.” to stay in touch with family
and friends, so we think of it
as a relaxed, social form of
communication. However this
is not the case when it comes
to video interviews – you need
to treat them with the same
professionalism as an in-person
interview.

For example, make sure you dress

professionally (and fully), as you
never know when you may need
to get up during the interview
and you don’t want to have your
pyjama bottoms on display.

20
 Thrive in all conditions

Prepare your space Try to avoid having people walking Is there strong wifi? – Remember this is
You wouldn’t expect to attend an behind you during the interview, as this your responsibility. If you’ve committed
interview in a badly lit, noisy room filled is an unnecessary distraction that takes to an interview, then you need to ensure
with distractions, so why do it for a the attention away from you. in advance that the connection is strong “Don’t assume a video
video interview? It’s much easier for an enough to support a video call. Call a interview will be more
interviewer to concentrate on you if they Technical checks friend to test the connection once you casual. You’ll need to work
can see and hear you clearly, without Video interviews require extra have the interview date.
even harder than usual, as
distractions or interruptions. preparation as you need to ensure all
the technology is working. Knowing that Speak slowly – interviewers need more it’s difficult to read people
Here are top tips from our experts on you’ve tested everything in advance will time to take in your answers over video, over video.”
preparing your interview space: reduce your stress on the day and ensure so make it easy for them by talking at
you don’t become easily flustered. a slower pace than usual. At the end
Tidy up – make sure your background of every question, because it’s difficult
is clean, tidy and uncluttered, Here are a few things to bear in to read the body language nuances,
as interviewers will look at your always ask ‘have i answered your
mind: question correctly and do you need more
environment to get clues about who you
are. The interviewer doesn’t want to see Ask for a trial – wherever possible, test information?’
your laundry in the background. the video connection with the company
beforehand to ensure the visuals and Following these tips will ensure that your
Light it up – you won’t come across sound are working. video interviews will run smoothly.
as your best self if your face is in the
shadows. Ideally choose a room with Find somewhere stable – prop up your
a lot of natural light, but if that’s not tablet or mobile phone so that you can
possible, then put a lamp beside your sit with good posture for the interview
laptop and adjust it until your face is as you would in person. Avoid holding
illuminated on the screen. your device and ensure your face is in the
centre of the picture.
Shut it up – turn off your mobile phone
and shut doors and windows to block out “I had one candidate lie down for a skype
background noise. It’s also worth telling interview – she completely missed the
people in your vicinity that you’re being point that it was still a formal interview!”
interviewed and you don’t want to be
interrupted.

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Thrive in all conditions

Understand your
interviewer
Most companies’ recruitment processes involve interviews with
both a line manager and a human resources professional. But
what’s the difference and how do you flex your interview style
accordingly?

Generally speaking, an interview with the line manager will focus

on the technical aspects of the role – they’ll want to know about
your previous experience, skills and achievements. Be prepared
to talk about how your skills match the job description.

On the other hand, an interview with the hr manager will focus on

the company culture and finding out if you are a good cultural fit.
This is a good opportunity to show off what you know about the
company and how you share its values.

It’s important to remember that the hr manager has the ability

to halt the interview process. So don’t be fooled into under
preparing for this interview – make sure you understand what the
values and pillars of the company are.

Fast facts
• Talk to the HR manager about how your values
match the company’s own values and culture
• Be prepared to discuss your technical skills and
experience with the line manager
• Stay confident when faced with
unconscious bias
• Find common ground and build rapport with
the interviewer

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 Thrive in all conditions

Overcoming
unconscious bias
While companies strive to make the interview process fair and
objective, it’s an unfortunate reality that interviewers are human
and all carry with them some assumptions about different types
of people.

This is called ‘unconscious bias’ and it is the tendency we all

have to favour those who look and act like us, as well as those
we consider to be charming and attractive. However don’t be
discouraged, there are many ways to ensure an interviewer
doesn’t apply their unconscious biases to you.

Here are a few tips:

Mirror speech and behaviours – Knowing that we tend to favour
those who act like us, it’s a good idea to match the way you speak
and behave in an interview to your interviewer. For example, if
they speak very formally, then you should do the same.

Address the bias – Don’t be afraid to mention a particular

bias you faced in a previous role and how you overcame it. For
example, your age may have led people to overlook you for
promotion, so talk about what you did to address this. However,
be careful not to insinuate that the interviewer is biased against
you.

Build rapport – Look for opportunities to form a personal

connection with the interviewer. This can often be done when
you talk about your hobbies and interests, or when making small
talk. If you notice something sparks their interest, then delve
deeper into this topic. You can also ask them what they like about
working at the company to learn more about their motivations
and find a point of potential connection.

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