Your job interview is often an important stepping stone to you landing your dream job and is an opportunity for you to showcase your skills, experience and personality to your potential employer.
It can often seem like a daunting step, but we have put together some of our expert recruitment consultants' interview ‘do’s and don’ts' so you can head into your next interview with confidence.
Whether you’re preparing for a virtual interview from the comfort of your own home, or gearing up for an in-person meeting that could change the trajectory of your career, let’s dive in and uncover the secrets to interview success.
Ross McEwan - Principle Consultant, Build to Rent
Do
Research the company in-depth – look at their LinkedIn pages, company website, google news etc.
Come up with at least 3 questions to ask after the interview: 1 role-specific, 1 specifically for the hiring manager, and 1 about the future ambitions of the business.
Try to visit the property beforehand to understand the layout of the scheme, the location and the amenity space if you are interviewing for a site management role.
Pre-plan examples from your career that mirror the responsibilities in the JD using the SMART answering method
Don’t
Leave preparation for the interview until the day before
Present yourself too casually if interviewing virtually, dress smart and make sure the background or room is clean and presentable
Ryan Doyle - Manager, Estate Agency
Do
Imagine you’re the hiring manager, ask yourself “What are the 3-5 key aspects that I’m looking for in a candidate?” Once you’ve listed them down on a piece of paper, then take time to work out how you’ve proven to have ticked these boxes in either your current, or previous positions. It’s my top tip!
Don't
Arrive to your interview too early, the optimum time to arrive at your interview is 5 minutes before the scheduled time. 10 mins is most likely acceptable, however 15 minutes and beyond could be seen as inconvenient, or even show a lack of professionalism
Mary Kuchina - Consultant, New Homes
Do
Research the development and familiarize yourself with what site you could potentially be working on! OR come prepared with at least 3 questions to ask the interviewer, this really shows your interest and keenness to know more about the role.
Don’t
Talk or discuss pay/salary rates with the interviewer, we are here to support you with this.
Alisha Rauf - Consultant, Business Support
Do
Reiterate things you have done in your experience that are also mentioned on the job spec. Eg., 'I've taken meeting minutes which I saw were on the job spec - this is a huge part of my current role so I am super familiar with this!'
Don’t
Say you are looking for progression fast and outgrow my roles easily - this may make it seem like you are jumpy and not looking for longevity in your next role!
Sophie Whitelock - Principal Consultant, AST
Do
Prepare for some questions they might ask you like; why do you want to work for us? Why do you want to leave your current company? Tell me a time you dealt with a difficult tenant/landlord. Strengths and weaknesses?
Don’t
Give long-winded answers, and keep them clear and concise.
Verity Hampson-Smith - Principal Consultant, Development and Construction
Do
Write a list of questions to ask at the end of the interview, avoid asking about the salary of holiday entitlement at this stage, but as about the onboarding process or what your first 3 months would look like if you were to join
Your preparation, when asked what you know about the company, try to be different and focus on positive market updates and achievements, rather than what year they were formed.
Don’t
Don’t sit waiting in reception on your phone, look around the room for notices or awards and mention them in the interview.
Focus on your weaknesses or use negative language to describe your skill set, always flip these parts into strengths.
As you move forward on your journey, keep in mind that each interview is a unique opportunity to learn and grow. Reflect on your experiences, adapt your approach and continue refining your skills. Success may not happen overnight, but you’ll steadily improve your performance and increase your odds of securing your next role.
