Interview Tips

Research the Company

Before the interview, take the time to thoroughly research the company. Understand its mission, values, culture, products, and recent achievements. This will not only help you tailor your answers but also show your genuine interest in the organisation.

Tip: Visit the company's website, read recent news articles, and check their social media profiles to stay up-to-date with their latest initiatives.

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Understand the Job Description

Make sure you have a clear understanding of the role you’re interviewing for. Review the job description carefully and note the key skills, responsibilities, and qualifications required. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with these.

Tip: Prepare specific examples from your past work to demonstrate how you’ve handled similar responsibilities or challenges.

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Practice Common Interview Questions

While you can’t predict every question, there are several common ones you should be prepared for. Practice answering questions such as:

• Tell me about yourself.

• Why do you want to work for this company?

• What are your strengths and weaknesses?

• Where do you see yourself in five years?

• Describe a challenging situation you’ve faced and how you handled it.​

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Tip: Keep your answers concise and focus on your accomplishments, skills, and experiences that are relevant to the position.

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Prepare Questions for the Interviewer

Interviews are a two-way street. Asking thoughtful questions demonstrates your interest in the role and the company. Some great questions to ask include:

• What does success look like in this role?

• Can you describe the team I’ll be working with?

• What are the opportunities for growth and development within the company?

• What are the next steps in the hiring process?

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Tip: Avoid asking questions that could be easily answered by reviewing the company’s website, such as basic information about the company’s products or services.

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Dress for Success

The way you present yourself speaks volumes. Dress professionally and in line with the company’s culture. If you're unsure about the dress code, it's always safer to err on the side of formal.

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Tip: opt for clean, well-fitted attire and keep accessories to a minimum. Make sure your grooming is neat and professional.

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Be Punctual

Arriving on time is one of the simplest yet most important ways to make a good first impression. Plan ahead to ensure that you arrive a few minutes early. If the interview is remote, test your technology ahead of time to avoid technical issues.

Tip: Aim to arrive 10-15 minutes early for in-person interviews, or log in 5-10 minutes ahead of your virtual interview.

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Body Language Matters

Non-verbal communication plays a key role in how you're perceived during an interview. Maintain good posture, make eye contact, and offer a firm handshake (for in-person interviews). Smile and show enthusiasm to demonstrate your interest in the position.

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Tip: Be mindful of fidgeting or crossing your arms, as this can convey nervousness or disinterest.

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Stay Positive and Confident

Confidence is key, but remember to stay humble. Speak positively about your previous employers and experiences, even if you’ve had challenges in the past. Focus on what you learned and how you grew from those experiences.

Tip: If you’re asked about a weakness or a challenging experience, always follow up with how you addressed it or turned it into a learning opportunity.

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Follow the STAR Technique for Behavioural Questions

When asked about specific situations, use the STAR technique to structure your answers:

• Situation: Describe the context or challenge.

• Task: Explain your role or responsibility in that situation.

• Action: Detail the actions you took to address the challenge.

• Result: Share the outcome or result of your actions.

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Tip: This method helps keep your answers focused and provides the interviewer with clear, relevant examples of your skills.

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Follow Up After the Interview

Once the interview is over, always send a follow-up thank-you email within 24 hours. Express your gratitude for the opportunity, reiterate your enthusiasm for the role, and briefly mention a key point from the interview that makes you a great fit for the position.

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Tip: Keep your thank-you email brief, professional, and personalised.

Bonus Tip: Stay Calm and Be Yourself

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It’s natural to feel nervous, but remember that the interview is just as much about finding the right fit for you as it is for the employer. Stay calm, be authentic, and let your true personality shine through. Interviews are an opportunity to demonstrate your skills, but also to assess if the company’s values align with yours.

Need More Help Preparing?

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At Snap-Hire, we want you to succeed. If you need further assistance with interview preparation, mock interviews, or feedback, our team is here to help. Email us on contactus@snap-hire.co.uk and let’s get you ready to land your next job!