Interview tips

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Hi there

Just wondering, have people got any tips about how to behave, what to do and not to do in an interview?

I’ve been with the same company for a long time but things aren’t looking up and I need to consider my options and prepare

I don’t do well in interviews, never have. I’m more of a nerdy type of person, can’t do small talk (I try but it shows that I’m faking it). My ideal interview is a test! It doesn’t happen anymore as there’s a drive in companies towards extroversion and agreeableness- I’m neither. I mean, I’m not argumentative but I’m honest when asked about stuff and it seems too much. I think I come across as too much matter of fact and unlikeable but never have had direct feedback as to what it is that makes me fail. But I can sense frostiness often.

Any tips anyone on how to charm the interviewing panel?

Thank you!

Hi and welcome to WP! You ask a great question! I had a couple panel interviews not too long ago. I just had one recently with two people. I try to smile and make eye contact with each of them (That is the hardest part for me) when giving answers. I also tend to nod to show that I'm understanding their questions. It can sometimes take a couple of interviews before you feel comfortable. I think one thing I noticed that seems to help in interviews is finding something personal or work related that you and one of the interviewers have in common.

On my last interview I mentioned a bookstore that was in the same town that I visited with a friend. This was after telling them that I was familiar with the area. That kind of helped to break the ice some. Hope this maybe helps and wish you the best of luck!

Hello and thank you!

Ah, definitely one of the hardest things for me too! I tend to either look away or come across as staring as I don’t know when to stop (this is when I’m making a conscious effort to maintain eye contact). I guess practice makes master, eh?

On the personal, I couldn’t agree more. The problem is my brain goes blank when I’m asked a personal question or there’s a small talk attempt. Like I can’t switch from ‘work’/‘task’ mode to a personal mode. Also, frankly, my interests are kind of limited and a bit niche so it’s difficult to come up with something but I think the ‘rabbit in the headlights’ reaction is more of a problem. After all, plenty of people out there can make this stuff up on the spot, I’m just not one of them!

Thank you again for sharing your experience and tips and for wishing me well, I’ll need it!

If you ever get the question "So, what do you like to do for fun after work / what are your hobbies?" What they're actually asking is "Do you have a social life?"

They're looking for an answer that shows you have friends. However, they also want to know you are responsible. So, I'd avoid saying "Oh, I love a night out partying", instead go for "Oh, I like to hang out with my Improv group / play D&D campaigns with my friends / I go to a local book club" whatever.

You're not out causing chaos but you're not a shut-in either. You can also use this question to talk about any unusual skills you may have, but remember to list at least one activity that involves interacting with other people.