Careers > Application Process
Approaching an Interview
Interviews tend to occur towards the end of the application process and enable the employer to get a better view as to whether you are right for the role, but also whether you think the company is right for you.
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Types of Interview
There are four common interview types to be aware of: telephone, virtual, face-to-face and an interview as part of an assessment centre. Following COVID-19, face-to-face interviews have become less common, however the style of interview will be replicated using video conferencing software, such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams. We’ll cover more on this below, however it’s important you understand how to use these tools before starting your interview.
Top Tip
Have the platform downloaded as opposed to using the browser. The downloaded version is likely to have increased functionality, and if one fails, you can use the other.
In some scenarios, you may be faced with only one type of interview, however don’t be surprised if you have to complete multiple interviews throughout the process.
Style of Questions
You can be faced with a variety of questions in an interview. Some will focus on your strengths, some on past experiences or some may focus purely on the technical knowledge required for the role. The most common style of questions can be found below.
- Competency-based questions
Competency-based questions are most common and require you to draw upon your skills and experience in order to answer the question. For example, ‘tell me about a time you successfully led a team’.
Top Tip
Before the interview, write down a list of your skills or experiences that you can use during the interview. Whilst it’s important not to look at this list if the interviewer can see you, it’ll ensure your key points are fresh in your mind for when competency-based questions pop-up.
A popular format for answering competency-based questions is the STAR technique – Situation, Task, Action and Result. This is the order in which you should structure your answer. By using this technique you are less likely to waffle and can stay focussed on what is relevant to answering the question. The most important section is ‘actions’; it’s about how you contributed and what steps you took to contribute towards (hopefully) a positive result.
- Strength-based questions
Strength-based questions are all about you and what you enjoy as an individual. It might cover your personality or certain characteristics/traits the employer is looking for. The strengths employers will look for will vary on the role and company you’re applying to. For example, some might be looking for a confident communicator, however this wouldn’t be relevant to all roles.
There are no right or wrong answers to these questions, only preferences on the employer’s behalf. You’re best to be yourself and answer honestly. Trying to predict what the employer is looking for, if successful, can leave you in a role that you’re not suited to and potentially won’t enjoy.
- Technical questions
Technical questions will test your role-related knowledge. For example, it may involve asking you to explain a process or even solve a problem whilst the interviewer is present. These types of questions are more common across technical roles such as engineering.
- Value and motivational based questions
Value and motivational based questions ensure that you align with the company’s vision. If possible, try to highlight what separates that company from others you have applied to. Look at their website and social media and ask any contacts already at the company whether they have a specific focus or area they are proud of. You also might find a culture report or page on the company website about their values.
Preparing for an Interview
- Research the employer, role and common questions
Use the company website, social media platforms and contacts within the company to find out as much as you can. You can also check websites such as Glassdoor to find comments others have written about their recent experiences. This being said, even if you find some common questions, it’s best to fully prepare in case things change.
- Familiarise yourself with your CV and application
These are the details you have already given to the employer, and therefore it is likely they will ask questions about this information. Familiarise yourself with the key details and ensure you can back up your points with evidence. As stated earlier, it’s worth writing a list of experiences and skills you can draw upon for competency-based questions so they’re fresh in your mind. Don’t look at this list if the interview can see you!
- Be comfortable with where and how the interview is taking place
This goes for whether the interview is in person or online. If it’s in person, ensure you know where the interview is taking place so you’re not late or rushing. If online, make sure you are comfortable with the technology being used and have a good internet connection. If your interview is on Zoom, you can set up a mock meeting to ensure your connection is solid and you understand the functionality of the tool.
- Is the company right for you?
As well as the employer assessing your skills and capabilities, the process is also a good opportunity to see whether the company matches your expectations. It’s good to have some questions prepared for the interviewer, enabling you to show an interest and get a better insight into the company and role.
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