You have your job interview scheduled – congratulations! Now it’s time to prepare, and we’ve got you covered.

In this article you’ll learn:

Practise strong answers

In the days before your job interview, set aside time to do the following:

  1. Research the company so you can go into your interview with a solid understanding of the requirements of the job and how your background makes you a great fit. Read company reviews to learn more about the company culture and what others are saying about this employer.
  2. Prepare your answer to the common question: “Tell me about yourself, and why are you interested in this role with our company?”. The idea is to quickly communicate who you are and what value you will bring to the company and the role.
  3. Re-read the job description. You may want to print it out and begin underlining specific skills the employer is looking for. Think about examples from your past and current work that align with these requirements. Prepare to be asked about times in the past when you used a specific skill and to tell stories with a clear Situation, Task, Action and Result. Writing out a few examples before the interview can help you respond with good-quality answers.
  4. Practise! Practising your answers out loud is an incredibly effective way to prepare. Say them to yourself or ask a friend to help run through questions and answers. Ask your friend for feedback on your answers. You’ll find you gain confidence as you get used to saying the words.

Prepare smart questions

Interviews are a two-way street. Employers expect you to ask questions: they want to know that you’re thinking seriously about what it would be like to work there. Here are some questions you may want to consider asking your interviewers:

  1. “Can you explain some of the day-to-day responsibilities for this job?”
  2. “How would you describe the characteristics of someone who would succeed in this role?”
  3. “If I were in this position, how would my performance be measured? How often?”
  4. “What departments does this teamwork with regularly? How do these departments typically collaborate? What does that process look like?”
  5. “What are the challenges you’re currently facing in your role?”

Think about first impressions

  1. Dress for the job you want. If you’re speaking to a recruiter before the interview, you can ask them about the dress code in the workplace and choose your outfit accordingly. If you don’t have someone to ask, research the company to learn what’s appropriate.
  2. Don’t forget the little things. Shine your shoes, make sure your nails are clean and tidy, and check your clothes for holes, stains, pet hair and loose threads. Brush your teeth and use floss.
  3. Plan your schedule so that you can arrive 10–15 minutes early. Map out your route to the interview location so you can be sure to arrive on time. Consider doing a trial run. If you’re taking public transportation, identify a backup plan if there are delays or closures. 

Pro-tip: When you arrive early, use the extra minutes to observe the workplace dynamics.

What to bring to the interview

Set aside time before your interview to get the following items together.

  1. At least five copies of your printed CV on paper. While the hiring manager has likely seen your CV, they may not have read every line. Or you might be speaking with someone new. In either case, you might want to highlight specific accomplishments on your copy that you can discuss.
  2. A pen and a small notebook. Prepare to take notes, but not on your smartphone or any other electronic device. Write information down so that you can refer to these details in your follow-up thank you notes. Maintain eye contact as much as possible.
  3. A written version of the prepared questions for your interviewers.
  4. A single bag for all your materials. It’s easy to mistake nervous for disorganised, so keep all your documents in a single, multi-use messenger bag or portfolio. Make sure that it’s professional and appropriate to the corporate culture as well as your own style.

Remember good manners and body language

Non-verbal communication can be just as important as anything you say in the interview.

  1. Use confident, accessible body language. Smile frequently. Make eye contact when you’re speaking. Sit or stand tall with your shoulders back. Before the interview, take a deep breath and exhale slowly. This will help you manage any feelings of anxiety and will encourage greater self-confidence.
  2. Treat every single person you encounter with respect. This includes people on the road and in the parking lot, security personnel and front desk staff. Treat everyone you don’t know as though they’re the hiring manager. Even if they aren’t, your potential employer might ask for their feedback.
  3. Nail the handshake. During a job interview, the hiring manager (or person in seniority) should extend their hand first to initiate the handshake. Stand, look the person in the eye and smile. A good handshake should be firm but not crush the other person’s fingers.
  4. Send a personalised thank you note to each interviewer. You may want to ask for the business card of each person you speak with during the interview process so that you can follow up individually with a separate thank you email—if they don’t have a business card, you could ask for their email address and make a note of it. If you interviewed in the morning, send your follow-up emails the same day. If you are interviewed in the afternoon, the next morning is fine. Make certain that each email is distinct from the others, using the notes you took during the conversations.

Be authentic, concise and upbeat

  1. Respond truthfully to the questions you’re asked. Tie your answers back to your skills and accomplishments by providing examples of solutions and results you’ve achieved. If you cannot immediately think of an appropriate answer, say “Let me think of the best example to share,” pause as you collect your thoughts and then respond.
  2. Keep your answers short and focused, making sure that you answer the question you’ve been asked. Your time with each interviewer is limited so be mindful of rambling. Let your interviewer lead the conversation.
  3. Don’t speak negatively about current and former employers or colleagues. Companies want to hire problem solvers who overcome tough situations. If you’re feeling discouraged about your current job, focus on talking about what you’ve gained from that experience and what you want to do next.
How to ace a video interview

Video interviews are an important part of the hiring process and are becoming more popular. Understanding the specific requirements of a video interview can make you more comfortable and successful with the entire process. In this article, we explain what a video interview is, how to prepare for a video interview and how to deal with any potential problems that might occur.

What is a video interview?

A video interview takes place outside an employer’s office. You and the interviewer conduct the interview by using your phone or computer and video conferencing software such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom or even FaceTime. An employer may use pre-recorded video interviews. Instead of being connected with a person, you will answer interview questions that have been pre-recorded or appear in writing on the screen. You’ll record your answer to each question and the employer will review the recording later. There is often a time limit for your answers, and you may be given more than one chance to record each answer.

How to prepare for a video interview

Here are some steps that you can take to ensure your video interview runs smoothly:

1. Choose a suitable location

It’s important to choose a quiet and suitable location for your video interview. You want your interviewer to focus on you, so find a place that has minimal distractions. Choose a wall with a neutral background, preferably without pictures or art behind you. Make sure you are well lit either by natural light or a nearby light source. Set up your camera so the upper third of your body is clearly visible to the interviewer.

It is extremely important that your location has a reliable internet connection. If you are worried about the internet speed in your home, you can see if your local public library has a private room you can reserve. However, it’s important to avoid coffee shops and other communal spaces, even if they have superior internet.

2. Minimise interruptions

You want to do everything in your power to minimise or eliminate interruptions. Again, you want the interviewer to focus on your answers, and having a quiet and professional video setup shows your professionalism and seriousness about the job. Silence your phone, turn off your tv, stop any alarms that might go off and silence any other computer programs. If you live with other people, make sure they are aware of your interview and remind them to keep the noise level down.

Also, think about the time of day your interview is taking place. If the interview is scheduled around the time the post comes and it causes your neighbour’s dog to bark, address this before the interview. Some noises may be unavoidable, but if you tell your interviewer upfront, it will be less of a distraction.

3. Dress professionally

For your video interview, dress in the same professional way you would at an in-person interview. Research the company culture before your interview, so you have a good idea of what’s appropriate. To look your best on camera, avoid bright colours and patterns, and opt for softer colours instead. If you are wearing a tie, wear a solid colour rather than a patterned one. If you wear glasses, adjust the lighting in the room to reduce glare from the lenses.

Position the camera so that you are looking up slightly and centred on the screen. While it’s likely that the interviewer will only see your upper half, it’s still a good idea to wear professional trousers or a skirt in case you need to stand up for any reason.

4. Study your body language

You need to study and be aware of your body language before a video interview. Sometimes a video interview can feel more informal, and this mindset may negatively affect your posture. Sit in your chair with your back straight and your shoulders open. Plant your feet on the floor and rest your arms in your lap or on the desk.

Eye contact is very important during an in-person interview. To maintain eye contact during a video interview, avoid the instinct to look directly at your interviewer on the screen while you’re answering a question. Instead, when you speak, you want to direct your gaze at the webcam. When you do this, your eyes are more likely to align with the interviewer’s eyes on the other end. When you’re listening, you can look back at the screen.

Also, whilst listening, nod and smile when appropriate to communicate that you’re giving them your full attention. Use hand gestures when it feels appropriate and keep your movements close to your body. Avoid fidgeting or letting your gaze drift away from the device.

5. Review your tech setup

Review and ensure all your technology is working before the interview. First, ensure you understand the software that is being utilised for the interview. Some video conferencing programs require you to create an account before you can use the software. Make sure you have an account and that you update your software before the interview begins. You then want to check your hardware. Test your computer or phone’s camera and audio. If you plan on wearing headphones during the interview, make sure they are compatible with the software you are using.

Right before your interview, check your internet connection and sign into the meeting. Just like an in-person meeting, it’s a sign of professionalism to be a little early to the interview. Test your sound and video and ensure everything is in working order.

6. Do a practice call

The best way to familiarise yourself with the technology you’ll be using is to have a practice call with a friend or family member. Using the software that your interviewer will use, ask a friend to give you candid feedback about your appearance and eye contact. Run through it a few times until things feel natural. This is the time to adjust your lighting, find the best camera angles and ensure your microphone picks up your voice.

You can also practice for the actual interview. Have your friend ask you a few potential interview questions. It helps to rehearse your answers as you become more comfortable with the format. You can even record your answers so you can watch yourself and see what you need to adjust.

Top Tips on succeeding in a video interview

Here are some tips that can help you succeed in a video interview:

Be honest

Be honest with your interviewer about how you feel regarding video interviews. Although video interviews are becoming more common, not everyone has a lot of experience with them. If this is your first video interview and you are feeling a little nervous, tell your interviewer. It may spark some interesting small talk at the beginning of the interview.

You should also be honest about your interview circumstances. If you know there may be potential disruptions or your internet connection is weak, be upfront about it. Your interviewer will appreciate your honesty and both of you can prepare for any potential problems.

Prepare for the unexpected

You should prepare for unexpected problems during your interview. Despite all your preparations, your technology may have problems on the day of the interview. If you feel like you may have technical problems, ask the interviewer for a phone number where you can reach them if you experience technical difficulties. If the video cuts out, call them on that number. Ask if you can continue the interview by phone or if you can reschedule.

You should also prepare for potential interruptions where you are having the interview. If an unexpected noise occurs, apologise for the interruption and ask for a few moments until the noise has subsided. Mute the microphone if the noise is severe. If a housemate or pet enters the room while you’re interviewing, apologise to the interviewer, mute your microphone and turn off your camera, then deal with the interruption.

Have a pen and paper ready

You should have a pen, paper and some prepared notes during your interview. Having a copy of your CV can also be helpful, as you can refer to it when you are talking about specific examples from your previous work experience. Write important points that you want to bring up in the interview and questions you may have for the interviewer. Keep your notes out of the camera view and try not to rely on them too much. You can reference them now and then, but if you constantly look down at your notes, it may become distracting to your interviewer.

Dealing with a counteroffer

First, let’s define a counteroffer: a counter is when your current employer offers to improve your remuneration, and terms of employment (e.g., status) or undertake to change something such as management style following the submission of your resignation.

In many ways, a counteroffer can be very flattering – it shows your employer might value you more than you expected or that they are genuinely looking to change things for the better now that they realise you’ve been unhappy. However, here are some reasons why you should think twice before accepting a counteroffer:

1. Does the counteroffer address the real issues?

Whilst remuneration and status are very common reasons for someone to decide to leave an employer, there are often other reasons which enter the equation. Reasons such as culture, quality of work, reputation, management style, and work/life balance are often a factor and are sometimes more important and profound reasons for someone looking to move on. The counteroffer nearly always addresses remuneration and status, but all too seldom does it address those more profound issues (how can it?). As such, counteroffers deal with superficial reasons but not deeply held ones.

It’s for this reason that studies show that most people who accept a counteroffer end up leaving their employer in any case within 12 – 24 months. The counteroffer merely saw that you were paid more for tolerating issues which were becoming intolerable – ultimately, time catches up and those deeper set reasons for leaving come to the fore again.

2. In whose best interest is the counteroffer made?

Whilst you are valuable to your firm in so many ways, you are also a profit centre – harsh, but true. Your resignation has a negative financial impact on your employer in terms of lost fee income and the cost to replace you. Furthermore, your resignation may hurt your Line Manager in terms of their career development – it may impede them from hitting their target, and it may show that they have a problem with staff retention. So, whilst there may well be some valid and noble reasons for counteroffers, given the above, ask yourself if the counteroffer is being made in your best interest or in the best interest of your Line Manager and your firm.

3. Is the counteroffer you’re getting just an early pay rise?

Let’s say you earn £60,000 and you resign 5 months prior to the pay review. Let’s say you were offered £63,000 by your potential new employer and that a counteroffer comes in at £65,000. Is it realistic to expect that you will get a further rise in 5 months’ time when the salary review comes around? If not, you may have sacrificed an opportunity to move to a firm whose offer was good enough to make you resign for an extra £166 a month before tax. If the suitor’s offer ticked all the boxes in terms of the non-financial aspects, then one must question if it was worth accepting the counteroffer.

4. Your cards may be marked.

No one likes having a gun put to their head. In some ways, your resignation, if you do accept a counteroffer, is putting a gun to your Line Manager’s head (metaphorically speaking!). So, if a situation like a promotion or a round of redundancies were to come up and you are being compared to peers who did not resign and have remained loyal, they may be viewed more favourably due to their perceived loyalty.

5. You were being deliberately underpaid.

If your employer can afford to offer you improved terms following your resignation, they could afford to do so beforehand; they just chose not to do so and, in that light, you were being deliberately underpaid. Now one could say “So what? The situation has been remedied now.” However, it might be worth questioning what kind of employer you have if it takes your resignation to get the remuneration you merited.

6. They are buying time.

This takes us back to the first point. Opinions and surveys vary, but something like 75% of people who accept a counteroffer ends up leaving anyway within 18 months (Why? Because the counteroffer did not address the deep-seated reasons for your original resignation). Your Line Manager may know this; HR will almost certainly know this. Many counteroffers are made in the full knowledge that you will leave soon, it simply buys your employer time to build a contingency plan for when that happens.

So, what should you do?

Plan your resignation – plan what you are going to say, keep it simple and do not let the resignation become emotionally charged or a forum for recriminations. Plan so that you cannot be derailed from your intended course.

Most importantly, get it clear in your own mind why you are leaving and recognise that many of those reasons will not be rectified by a counteroffer (perhaps it’s quality of work, the firm’s standing, or management style). Also, clarify which positive aspects of the firm you are joining really resonate with you and make you feel good about moving on. It might be an idea to write these down and keep the document.

The reasons for you leaving may be like gaping wounds; a counteroffer is merely a sticking plaster used to cover them up when what is really needed is surgery!

In the final analysis, the cold truth is that counteroffers are not about you. They may be about your current employer protecting the revenue they gain from you; they may be about your firm not wanting to hand an advantage to a competitor; they may be about your Line Manager’s professional and personal needs, but they are probably not about you and your career development.

If you need a helping hand when resigning, then speak to your consultant at HCP Automotive to help and guide when the time comes for you to move on to your new opportunity.

How to accept a job offer!
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