Bryony Gibson, director of Bryony Gibson Consulting, shares expert advice to help you stand out and succeed in a job interview.
Everyone gets nervous when it’s time for a job interview, especially now the landscape has changed. Once a straightforward inperson meeting, the process often starts online, adding a new layer of complexity. Whether you’re a seasoned interview professional or re-entering the job market, success hinges on a well-prepared and strategic approach.
Sweat the Small Stuff
Doing the right groundwork has always been crucial but in a digital world, no detail is too minor. Double-check your interview time. If your meeting is online, test your video conferencing software and ensure your surroundings are distraction-free. If your interview is in person, map out the journey and location, check for potential road closures, and plan your trip so you have time to spare. Understanding these logistics in advance prevents unnecessary stress and allows you to focus entirely on your performance.
Dress for Success
Your appearance speaks before you do. Whether the company culture leans toward formal or relaxed, align your outfit accordingly. Dressing well isn’t just about impressing others – it’s about boosting your confidence and creating a positive first impression.
Define Your Goals
Your job interview is a two-way street. Beyond securing an offer, what do you want to learn? Research the company, identify gaps in your knowledge, and prepare meaningful questions that give insights into their culture, expectations, and long-term vision. This will help you determine if the role is right for you.
Knowledge is Power
There’s no excuse for going into an interview unprepared. Use the company’s website, social media, and recent press releases to understand its mission, values, and current projects. Demonstrating this awareness shows initiative and helps you to adapt your answers to align with their goals.
Leverage Insider Knowledge
If you’re working with a recruiter, use them as a resource. They can offer invaluable insights into the company, the interviewers, and what they’re really looking for. A preinterview call with your recruiter will help you fine-tune your approach and anticipate key areas of focus. It will help you to prepare.
Build a Connection
Interviewers don’t just hire skills, they hire people. Try to establish rapport, whether through shared interests, mutual connections, or simply an engaging conversation. Research your interviewers in advance, learn about their backgrounds, and find natural ways to build common ground. Creating a strong personal connection will make you a memorable candidate and give you an edge.
Own Your Story
Few things are more frustrating for an interviewer than a candidate who fumbles through their own history. Learn your CV inside and out, and practice articulating your experience emotively. Think of it as storytelling. Highlight your achievements, the obstacles you’ve overcome, and the unique strengths that set you apart.
Face Tough Questions Head-On
Expect to be challenged. Whether that’s explaining a career gap, a job switch, or a difficult project, honesty and confidence go a long way. Instead of getting defensive, frame these experiences as learning opportunities that have shaped your growth. Employers respect self-awareness and resilience. They understand that things don’t run smoothly all the time.
Master the STAR Method
Competency-based questions are common in interviews, so use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. Have four or five strong examples ready to go that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities, leadership skills, or adaptability in real scenarios.
Final Thoughts
Nailing a job interview requires more than technical know-how. It demands preparation, adaptability, effective communication skills, and a proactive approach. If you follow this advice, I can’t guarantee you will get the job, but you will increase your chances of making a lasting impression and, hopefully, secure the role you’re after.