The top 10 things you must say in every interview
Barry Whelan of Excel Recruitment offers some valuable advice on how to secure a job by creating the right impression during the interview process
Print16 April 2015
The rule of thumb is that if you have been called for an interview, the company wants to recruit you and the job is yours to lose. So, making a great first impression is a really important part of the interview process. Here are 10 tips that will help you on your way. These are our views on what you must get across in that first interview.
- Tell the interviewer you are the best person for the job.
You need to explain to the interviewer why you are the best person for the job. Analyse the job description and understand what the company is looking for in the position. Verbalise what experience you have that matches the company’s requirements.
Reiterate not only what the company is looking for, but also how your abilities, experience and dedication fit the position and will help the company succeed.
- Tell the interviewer you want the job
Tell the interviewer straight out that you want the job. A high level of enthusiasm for a position can go a long way. Ask what you need to do to get the job and how you can be successful in the position.
Try asking about their expectations for you in the first three months, six months and a year. This will show long term enthusiasm for a role and forward thinking.
- Tell them you are genuinely interested in this company.
Line managers really enjoy meeting candidates who have a genuine interest in their company and a desire to work for it. Prior to the interview, read the company’s latest press releases and research any current news related to the company.
- Let them know you have done your homework.
Do the research, make sure you then let the interviewer know you have. Demonstrate an understanding of the company and role. If you’ve taken the time to research the company, it would be a mistake not to communicate this during your interview. Look up the interviewer on LinkedIn; know a little about who you are meeting. It is flattering for them and reflects well on you.
- Let them know you’re a cultural fit.
It is important to have a good sense of the company culture. While it’s important for hiring managers to make sure prospective candidates have the skills and expertise required to produce quality work, it’s also important to learn whether they’d be a good fit culturally
- Let the interviewer know you are successful.
It is important not to come across as cocky, but equally important to talk about your success. Tell the interviewer your most significant accomplishment and any commercial or career goals you have reached. It is important that your success is memorable and that it is a story that remains in the interviewer’s mind after the interview is over. Try to stand out from the crowd when talking about your successes. Give specific examples.
- Tell the interviewer you’re available and availability
If you can start immediately, make sure you tell the interviewer. If it is a couple of weeks’ notice then let them know this. If you have three months’ garden leave, then make sure you get this information across.
- Come across as a nice person.
Make sure you smile and are friendly; try to build up a good, warm rapport early with the interviewer. A good handshake can go a long way. It shows confidence and professionalism. It is a cliché, but a firm handshake can go a long way and there is nothing worse them a limp one.
- Thank them for their time.
It is a simple matter of courtesy, but is really essential. Interviewing is time consuming and can take a lot out of someone’s time. Thanking the interviewers may seem obvious, but a thank you can go a long way.
Interviewers remember the prospective employee who lacked manners.
- Tell them you’re ready for next steps.
What are the next steps in the interview process; ask the interviewers and let them know that you are ready for them. Again show enthusiasm here, not cockiness. If you know the next steps, you should be in a good position to arrange your diary to meet them.
Try to drop these 10 points into each interview you do to help you achieve the position.
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