Having the ability to navigate interviews with confidence is crucial in helping you secure a job. Today, employers have multiple interview formats, which adds even more pressure for you to make a strong impression. That’s where we come in, with our tips on how to survive interviews!

The tactics of handling different forms of interviews – Phone Interviews, Video Interviews and Face-to-Face Interviews – are very similar, and will become clear with our help!

Phone Interviews:

Thankfully, phone interviews don’t tend to cause as much stress and anxiety as the other forms of interviews do. With these interviews, you can prepare a calm space where you feel confident.  Most people prefer this as the nerves of having to face someone in a professional setting for the first time can be daunting.

Let’s get to the basics of a phone interview:

  • Greetings: 

It’s important to remember to greet the person on the other end of the call when doing a phone interview. Saying ‘How are you?’ or engaging in their response is a good start. Using their name, either in a formal way or their preferred way, displays respect, kindness, listening abilities and professionalism.

  • Demonstrating understanding and experience: 

Use industry jargon and refer to your personal experience in projects within the industry. This will help the interviewer recognise that you have a significant level of understanding about the position and their organisation’s purpose.

  • Anecdotes: 

Providing short but relevant anecdotes will help provide further proof of your experience and understanding of the role and industry. Additionally, talking about the previous work you’ve done can help the interviewer understand your process and prompt them to look further into your work – if it’s available online.

  • Listening: 

Listen carefully to the questions that the interviewer asks. In phone interviews, it’s assumed that your complete focus is on the interview, meaning that misheard or misunderstood questions could lead an interviewer to assume that the position is not important to you and they will likely move on to another candidate. Try writing down the questions as they’re asked!

  • Be prepared: 

Set goals for yourself and express to the interviewer how you intend to use this job opportunity in building your professional profile and career path. Having an understanding of where you see yourself heading in life gives good insight into your professional expectations. This will reveal your determination, work ethic, and willingness to produce great work for the company.

Video Interviews:

Video interviews can be slightly more daunting and awkward as they are either pre-recorded with supplied questions, or a video call on programs such as Zoom or Skype. As the focus of the screen is predominantly on your face, nervous fidgeting can become obvious and distract the interviewer or suggest a lack of confidence.

These factors can lead an interviewer to assume that you would not, personally, be the right fit for the atmosphere in the workplace.

Here are a few tips for video interviews:

  • Active listening: 

It’s important to not only listen to the questions posed by the interviewer but also convey your undivided attention to them. This communicates your attentiveness and genuine interest in the conversation. Displaying your listening skills by looking at the interviewer is important as it portrays your listening and focusing abilities. Most importantly, it shows that you’re interested in the company and position.

  • Body language: 

While fidgeting is normal when nervous, attempting to cover it up can distract you from the interview. Try preparing a relaxing environment and sit in front of the screen with good posture that displays your interest, focus and professionalism.

  • Prepare: 

As in all interviews, it’s important to set goals for yourself and express to the interviewer how you intend to use this job opportunity in building your professional profile and career path. Research the organisation and job you are interviewing for and be aware of how their practices can also benefit you.

  • Dress for the job you want: 

Unlike phone interviews, you will be on screen with a clear picture of yourself. There are many factors that go into dressing for the job, from the outfit itself to a clean appearance. This refers to neatly done hair, make-up (if necessary) and a sense of alertness. Despite only being partially visible in a video interview, you should make sure your entire appearance is up to a professional standard, to help with simulating a professional environment.

  • Remove distractions: 

It’s best that for the duration of the interview, any distractions such as phones or fiddling objects should be removed from your surroundings. Try placing the computer on an empty table and face a blank wall. Additionally, aim for almost complete silence with nobody walking or talking around you.

Face-to-Face Interviews:

Arguably the most daunting of all the interview methods, face-to-face interviews require more preparation than the other forms. There are a lot more factors that go into a face-to-face interview, such as:

  • Introductions: 

First impressions are everything! It’s important that you be polite, respectful and professional in all manners of self. This includes body language, maintaining eye contact, smiling and showing that you are actively listening to the interviewer.

  • Dressing for the job: 

For a face-to-face interview you must look presentable and professional in every way. There are many factors that go into dressing for the job, such as:

–  Neatly done hair

– Make-up (if necessary)

– Clean nails

– Sensible and professional outfit (including shoes)

  • Pitch: 

Like in any interview, it’s good to prepare an overall summary of who you are, why you are interested in the position/industry, your experience and why you would be a good fit for the company and role. The goal is to sell your worth to the employer, showing them why you are the best person for the job!

  • Preparation: 

Be ready for any question the interviewer may ask. By preparing and practicing structured answers to typical interview questions, your confidence within the interview will rise.

  • Research: 

It’s smart to research the company before going into an interview as you can share understanding of what is done and also provide easy links from your experience to your role within the company.

Final tip for surviving an Interview:

No matter which interview process you go through, it’s important to dress for the job, prepare your answers and present yourself to the interviewer with confidence in your experience and knowledge!