Candidates

Ultimate job interview guide for 2025

Posted 2 days by Jonny Grange

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Job interviews are a vital step in landing your next opportunity, giving you the chance to showcase your skills and see if the company is the right fit for you. With competition high, being well-prepared can set you apart.

This guide covers everything you need to succeed—from preparation tips to making a great first impression and handling interview nerves with confidence.

Before the job interview

Preparation is key to a successful job interview. Thorough preparation can help you feel more confident, answer questions effectively, and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role.

Below, we’ll explore crucial steps to take before your interview to set yourself up for success.

Research & preparation

Researching the company and the role you’re applying for is one of the most important steps in your interview preparation. Employers expect candidates to have a solid understanding of the company’s values, mission, products, and recent developments.

Why research is important:

Demonstrates genuine interest in the role
Helps tailor your responses to align with company goals
Boosts your confidence and preparedness

Start by:

Exploring the company’s website
Reading their latest news and blog posts
Checking their social media channels
Looking into competitors and industry trends

Neglecting to research the company can result in a lack of confidence during the interview and might give the impression that you are not serious about the role.

Employers value candidates who have taken the time to understand their business and industry.

What to wear to a job interview

Choosing the right outfit for a job interview is essential, as it plays a key role in shaping your first impression with potential employers.

Your attire should align with the company’s culture and industry standards to ensure you present yourself appropriately.

Here are some general guidelines based on industry expectations:

Corporate environments - Formal business attire
Creative industries & startups - Smart casual with a professional touch

When in doubt about the company’s dress code, it’s always safer to lean towards business casual or smart attire to maintain a professional appearance.

Optimise your social media presence

In today’s digital age, employers often review candidates' social media profiles before making a hiring decision. Ensuring your online presence aligns with your professional image is essential.

Steps to optimise your social media presence:

Review your social media accounts, particularly LinkedIn, ensuring they reflect your professional experience.

Remove any unprofessional content and adjust privacy settings.
Ensure consistency between your CV and online presence.
Engage with the company’s content and showcase thought leadership.

Arriving for the job interview

Your arrival at the interview venue can set the tone for the entire meeting. Planning ahead and arriving at the right time, with a calm and collected mindset, can help you make a strong start.

When to arrive for your interview

Punctuality plays a crucial role in making a positive first impression during a job interview. Arriving at the right time shows professionalism, reliability, and respect for the employer’s schedule.

Here are some best practices when it comes to getting the timing right when arriving for interviews:

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early

This allows you to settle in, review your notes, and demonstrate punctuality without being too early.

Plan your route in advance

Check traffic, public transport schedules, and parking options to avoid unexpected delays. Consider doing a trial run if the location is unfamiliar.

Prepare for virtual interviews

Avoid arriving too early, as it may inconvenience the employer, and arriving late can create a negative impression and increase your stress levels. Being well-prepared ensures you walk in calm, composed, and ready to impress.

Calming your nerves before the interview

Feeling nervous before a job interview is completely normal. The key is to manage those nerves so that they don’t affect your performance.

Tips to stay calm:

Acknowledge your nerves and stay positive
Practice deep breathing exercises or mindfulness techniques
Visualise a successful interview
Engage in light conversation with the receptionist to ease tension

Preparation can also help alleviate nerves. Reviewing your notes, practising answers to common questions, and reminding yourself of your skills can boost your confidence.

Making a good first impression

First impressions are formed within the first few seconds of meeting someone, and they can have a lasting impact on the interview outcome. Here are some key elements of a strong first impression:

Body language:

Maintain good posture
Offer a firm handshake
Make eye contact and smile

Professionalism:

Arrive with a positive attitude
Speak clearly and show enthusiasm
Be polite to everyone you meet, from the receptionist to the interviewer

Failing to make a strong first impression can make it challenging to recover during the interview. Employers are not only assessing your qualifications but also your cultural fit and ability to interact professionally.

Beginning of the job interview

Starting an interview on the right note is crucial for creating a strong first impression. From professional greetings to setting a positive tone, each element plays a role in how the interviewer perceives you.

Preparation and awareness of social cues can help you navigate the initial moments with confidence and ease.

Professional greetings

A professional greeting sets the tone for the interview and demonstrates your respect and enthusiasm for the opportunity. It is your first chance to create a positive impression and establish rapport with the interviewer.

Why a professional greeting is important:

It demonstrates professionalism and respect.
It helps break the ice and create a welcoming atmosphere.
It sets the stage for a productive conversation.

Key tips for a professional greeting:

Be confident but courteous: Offer a firm handshake, maintain eye contact, and greet the interviewer with a warm smile.
Introduce yourself effectively: Use a polite and professional tone, saying something like, "Good morning, I'm [Your Name], and I'm excited to be here today."
Observe cultural nuances: In some industries or cultures, a handshake might not be the norm, so adapt your greeting accordingly.
Pay attention to body language: Stand tall, make eye contact, and exude confidence.

Failing to greet the interviewer professionally can create an awkward start and potentially set the wrong tone for the rest of the interview.

Small talk tips

Small talk can often feel awkward, but it serves as an opportunity to build rapport and ease into the interview. Engaging in light conversation helps to create a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Why small talk matters:

It helps establish a personal connection.
It provides a moment to relax before diving into formal questions.
It showcases your interpersonal skills.

Tips for effective small talk

Prepare beforehand: Have a few neutral topics in mind, such as industry news, recent company achievements, or general professional trends.
Avoid controversial subjects: Steer clear of politics, religion, or overly personal topics.
Be an active listener: Show interest in the interviewer’s responses and build on their comments naturally.
Keep it brief and relevant: Avoid dominating the conversation with lengthy responses.

Setting a positive tone

A positive tone from the start helps to create an encouraging and engaging atmosphere, making both you and the interviewer feel comfortable. Enthusiasm, optimism, and confidence are key to setting the right tone.

How to set a positive tone:

Show enthusiasm: Express your excitement about the role and the company.
Be authentic: Avoid sounding overly rehearsed or scripted; instead, let your genuine interest shine through.
Maintain a confident posture: Sit up straight, nod in agreement, and use open body language.
Speak clearly and professionally: A calm and articulate voice can leave a lasting impression.

The interview itself

Once the interview begins, being prepared for different types of interview formats and understanding the interview process can give you an edge over other candidates. Companies use various methods to assess candidates based on their preferences and the role requirements.

Different types of interviews

Employers may conduct interviews in various formats depending on the role and company culture. Each type of interview requires a unique approach.

Telephone interviews

Telephone interviews are often the first stage in the hiring process and focus on assessing your basic qualifications. They are typically used to screen candidates before inviting them for a face-to-face interview.

Tips for excelling in telephone interviews:

Choose a quiet location free from distractions.
Speak clearly and concisely to convey your enthusiasm.
Have your CV and job description on hand for reference.
Smile while you speak—it helps convey a positive tone.

Video interviews

Video interviews are becoming increasingly popular, especially in remote hiring processes. They combine the benefits of face-to-face interaction with the convenience of remote accessibility.

How to succeed in a video interview:

Ensure a stable internet connection and functional camera/microphone.
Dress professionally and maintain eye contact by looking at the camera.
Choose a clutter-free and well-lit background.
Test your equipment beforehand to avoid technical issues.

In-person interviews

In-person interviews provide the best opportunity to establish a connection with the employer and experience the company culture firsthand. Here are some top tips for candidates when it comes to attending in-person interviews:

Arrive early and bring the necessary documents such as your CV and references.
Observe office culture and interactions to better understand the company environment.
Maintain strong eye contact and engage in active listening.
Be prepared to discuss your skills and experiences in detail.

The interview process

Understanding the different stages of an interview process will help you anticipate what to expect and how to prepare effectively.

Screening

The screening stage typically involves a recruiter or HR representative reviewing your qualifications to ensure you meet the job requirements.

1st interview

This interview often covers your experience, skills, and cultural fit within the company. It is usually conducted by the hiring manager.

2nd interview

The second interview usually involves more technical or role-specific questions and may include multiple stakeholders from the company.

Skill assessment (Potentially)

Certain roles may require you to complete a task to demonstrate your practical abilities. For example, a software developer may be asked to complete a coding exercise within a specified time frame.

3rd/final interview

This interview may involve senior leadership and discussions around your long-term potential within the organisation. Salary and benefits discussions may also occur at this stage.

The decision

At this stage, the employer evaluates all candidates and makes a final hiring decision based on feedback from all interview stages.

How to use the STAR interview technique in interviews

The STAR technique is a structured method for answering behavioural interview questions effectively.

What is the STAR method?

The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is a technique used to structure responses to competency-based questions, ensuring clarity and focus.

Steps to answer using the STAR technique:

Situation: Begin by describing the context or background of the situation. Keep it relevant and concise, focusing on the key details that set the stage for your example.

Task: Clearly outline the challenge or goal you were faced with. Be specific about your responsibility in the situation.

Action: This is the most critical part of your response. Describe the steps you took to address the situation, highlighting your skills and decision-making process.

Result: Conclude with the outcome of your actions. Emphasise positive results, such as achievements, lessons learned, or improvements made.

Example:

Situation: "In my previous role, our team faced a tight deadline for a product launch."

Task: "My responsibility was to streamline communication between departments to ensure timely delivery."

Action: "I implemented a project management tool and held regular update meetings to track progress."

Result: "As a result, we launched the product on time, exceeding our sales target by 15%."

Answering common interview questions

Preparing for common interview questions is crucial to ensure you present yourself confidently and effectively. Many interviewers ask standard questions to assess your suitability for the role and your ability to handle challenges.

Why preparation is key:

It helps you craft well-thought-out responses.
It reduces interview anxiety by building confidence.
It enables you to align your skills with the employer’s needs.

Common interview questions include:

"Tell me about yourself."
"What are your strengths and weaknesses?"
"Why do you want to work here?"

To ace these questions, consider structuring your responses using the STAR technique for behavioural questions and focusing on relevance and conciseness.

Addressing career gaps

If you have gaps in your employment history, it's important to prepare a clear and honest explanation. Employers understand that career gaps happen for various reasons, but how you address them can influence their perception of your suitability.

Tips for addressing career gaps:

Be honest but positive: Focus on what you learned or how you stayed productive during the gap.
Showcase skills gained: Whether through freelance work, further education, or volunteer experiences, highlight transferable skills.
Keep it brief: Provide a concise explanation without dwelling on unnecessary details.

Example: "During my career gap, I focused on upskilling by completing a professional course in project management, which has enhanced my ability to handle complex projects."

Body language & communication

Your body language and communication style play a crucial role in how you are perceived during an interview. Non-verbal cues can convey confidence, enthusiasm, and professionalism, making a lasting impression on the interviewer.

The importance of body language in an interview

Effective body language can enhance your verbal responses and demonstrate your confidence and interest in the role The impact of good body language can:

Help you appear more approachable and engaged.
Reinforce the message you're conveying verbally.
Influence the interviewer’s perception of your personality and suitability.

Common non-verbal cues to focus on:

Eye contact: Maintain consistent but natural eye contact to show attentiveness.
Posture: Sit upright with an open posture to project confidence.
Gestures: Use natural hand gestures to emphasise key points.

By mastering these aspects of body language, you can create a strong and positive impression during your interview.

How to end an interview

Ending an interview on a strong note is just as important as making a good first impression. This is your final opportunity to leave a lasting impression and reinforce your enthusiasm for the role.

Below are key elements to ensure you finish the interview on a positive and professional note.

Ask relevant questions

Towards the end of an interview, candidates are often given the chance to ask questions. This is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate your interest in the role and gain valuable insights into the company.

Why it’s important:

It shows you have done your research.
Helps clarify aspects of the job that matter to you.
Reinforces your enthusiasm and commitment.

Some effective questions to ask include:

"What are the key priorities for this role in the first six months?"
"Can you tell me more about the company culture?"
"What are the next steps in the hiring process?"
"What does success look like in this role?"

Thank the interviewer for their time

Expressing gratitude at the end of your interview is not only polite but also reinforces a positive impression.

Tips for thanking the interviewer:

Be sincere and specific, e.g., "Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today. I really appreciate learning more about the company."
Maintain eye contact and a warm tone.
Follow up with a thank-you email to reiterate your appreciation.

Offering to provide additional materials, such as references or work samples, can show your proactive attitude and willingness to support the hiring process.

Why it’s beneficial:

Shows you are thorough and prepared.
Reinforces your qualifications and suitability.
Provides the employer with further proof of your capabilities.

Reemphasise your interest

Before you leave, make sure to reaffirm your enthusiasm for the role and the company. This helps to solidify your commitment in the interviewer’s mind. Here are some ways you can express your interest in a role:

"I'm very excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team."
"This role aligns perfectly with my skills and career goals."

Ask about next steps

Gaining clarity on the next steps in the hiring process will help you stay prepared and demonstrate your eagerness. Here are some examples of the types of questions that you can ask the interviewer:

"When can I expect to hear back regarding the next steps?"
"Should I follow up with someone from HR?"

Following up after the interview

Following up after an interview is a vital step that shows your enthusiasm and helps you stay on the employer’s radar. A well-timed follow-up can make a lasting impression and reinforce your suitability for the role.

When to follow up

Timing is key. Send a thank-you email within 24 hours to show your appreciation and interest without delay. Keep your follow-up email professional and to the point:

Send within 24-48 hours to show promptness.
Be polite and professional, expressing gratitude for the opportunity.
Reaffirm your interest, highlighting your enthusiasm for the role.
Personalise it, referencing something discussed in the interview.
Offer to stay in touch, mentioning LinkedIn, phone, or WhatsApp if appropriate.

Nailing your job interview is all about preparation, confidence, and follow-up. From researching the company to making a great impression and handling tough questions, these interview tips will help you stand out.

Ready to take the next step? Submit your CV and explore our latest job opportunities today!

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