Job hunting? Here's 6 top tips to nail your next interview.

How to make an impact in interviews in 2022

You've got the skills, you've got the experience, and you've got the passion for the job. Now you just need to make your interview one to remember.

With over 16 years in recruitment, and 1140 plus candidates successfully placed, we have seen a thing or two with interviews.

There are those that have nailed it and those that have… well, bombed. We love our candidates and nothing excites us more than seeing you score that career you’ve been dreaming of.

So our team put our recruiting heads together and created six top tips to impress in your interview.

“With over 16 years in recruitment, and 1140 plus candidates successfully placed, we have seen a thing or two with interviews.”

Preparation is key. Take the time.

Put some time aside to think about your skills and how they will translate to the role. Ask yourself how you can benefit the company and prepare some answers that best answer those. This not only helps support your suitability, but gives you confidence.

Presentation is power. Make it count.

Prepare your outfit the night before to reduce decision making. Allow time to get yourself ready and travel with plenty of allowance for traffic. Taking the stress out of your routine will mean your presentation will be professional, calm and focussed. Stats show that 71% of employers wouldn’t hire someone who doesn’t follow the appropriate dress code.

Be you. Consistently.

Statistically, you have about 7 seconds to make a good first impression. Being fake or presenting yourself differently to your true self doesn’t last and is exhausting. Authentic is best. Keep it simple, keep it real, and keep it honest. The employee that is meant for you will connect with the real you. This is where you let your best self shine. Stats show that lack of confidence during the interview is why 40% of interviewers don’t take a candidate past the first stage. And the best way to be confident is to be yourself.

"Stats show that 71% of employers wouldn’t hire someone who doesn’t follow the appropriate dress code.”

Ask questions. Lots

It’s reported that around 47% of failed interviews are down to a lack of understanding. If you are with a quality recruitment agent, they will have a great relationship with the business, so tap into their knowledge. Ask exact details of the role, culture of the team, management style of the business, staff retention rate. Don’t hold back. Get to know the company, check out their LinkedIn, website and social media to get a feel for the values and culture. Arm yourself with insight. It’ll give you confidence and show your motivation, attention to detail, and initiative.

Take notes. Seriously.

This surprises people when we suggest it, but taking a notepad (and taking notes) is a great way to show you are committed, interested and prepared. An interview is a two-way meeting. You’re both figuring out if you’re a good fit, not just the interviewer.

Use your manners. Always.

The saying goes, “Good manners open doors that education can’t” and it’s true. We’ve seen highly educated individuals lose out on a role because rude or abrupt people are not the most fun to be around. End your interview asking when you can hear about the outcome and sincerely thanking them for their time.

“It’s reported that around 47% of failed interviews are down to lack of understanding.”

We hoped these helped. At Mckinnel Associates we love to see you succeed. We are all about constructing fulfilling career prospects for you, and we are genuinely excited to help you along the journey.

Let's work together to connect your dream career today.