Candidates
Interview Tips:
Once you have made it to interview for a job vacancy within the scientific community, this is usually the final hurdle you will have to cross before the job is yours. Here are a few tips to help the interview run as smoothly as possible and to help you make a professional, confident impression:
Prepare – The more preparation you do for an interview the better. You will impress the interviewer if you can drop into conversation things that you know about the company already. You will also feel more confident and relaxed if you already know something about the people you are going to see. As a minimum, check out the company website and/or do a Google search. Study the job description and try to anticipate the questions you might be asked specific to the role. See our further advice sheet on Interview Questions.
Logistics - Make sure you know where you are going, how long it will take to get there and who you are going to see. Plan to arrive at least 10 minutes before the interview time.
Smart dress – Make sure you look presentable for your interview. See our further advice sheet on Presentation.
Handshake – A firm handshake conveys confidence. Practise with a friend until you can give a confident handshake without any embarrassment. This is particularly important for female candidates who may never have shaken hands before. You will find yourself shaking hands with many people in your professional career and it’s important to do this with ease.
Relax – Be yourself and relax. Interviews are stressful enough without getting too wound up so try to relax and you will find that you can think more clearly and give better answers. If you do start to get nervous just take a slow, deep breath and think calm thoughts. Remember your interviewer may also be nervous and is only human after all.
Smile – Not only does this make you look more interested in what the interviewer has to say but it will also help you to feel calm.
Eye contact – Maintain natural eye contact with the interviewer(s) as this gives out the correct message about your social skills and your interest in what they are saying.
Enthusiasm – Don’t underestimate the power of enthusiasm. Attitude is everything and enthusiasm is infectious. Employers want employees who really want to work for them so make sure to convey evidence of this.
Direct answers – Give concise answers, not necessarily one-word answers, but avoid waffling or going off on a tangent. If you have not understood the question or lost concentration for a moment, ask for it to be repeated or expanded upon. A confident person would not hesitate to do this.
Questions – Try to have at least one question for the interviewer at the end, such as, “If I am successful in getting this job, when would you be looking for me to start?” or “How long do you think it would be after starting that I would actually be doing the job hands on?” You may like to ask a more direct question of the interviewer, such as, “What do you enjoy about working here?” or, “What made you decide to join the company?” Matters such as holidays and pay will normally have been discussed earlier but, if not, avoid these topics until the second interview. We can always clarify details for you at a later date.
Confidence – Have confidence in yourself and your abilities. Remember that you would not have been asked to come for interview if they didn’t think you could do the job. This is your opportunity to let the interviewer know that you can.
If you require any further information or advice please do not hesitate to contact your CK Science consultant.
