How To Follow Up After an Interview
01 Nov, 2023
What To Do and What Not To Do in an Interview
01 Nov, 20231-2 minutes
If you have a job interview on the horizon, there’s a lot of information you need to remember to perform well during the process.
To celebrate National Career Development Month, we’re delving into seven of the biggest ‘do’s’ and ‘don’ts’ of job interviews, to help you make it over the finish line and secure that job!
What to do in an interview
Listen to the questions carefully
Strong listening skills are important to employers, so be sure to demonstrate you have this quality in your interview. Giving an answer to a different question is a big no-no.
Be clever
If a hiring manager asks you what your biggest weakness is, you need to be clever with your answer. For example, instead of saying ‘my biggest weakness is X’ you could say ‘my biggest weakness is X but I have been taking steps to improve my skills in this area by doing Y.’
Turn your phone on silent
No matter how well an interview is going, an unexpected phone call midway through the interview won’t impress anyone. Turn your phone off or on silent (not on vibrate) before you enter the interview room.
Look interested
If you look disinterested in the role or company, the hiring manager could take this as a sign that your heart isn’t really in it. If it comes down to just you and another applicant, they could go with the other applicant based on their perception of your passion.
Give a firm handshake
Upon entering the interview room, be sure to greet everyone in the room with a smile and a firm handshake. A limp or clammy handshake won't impress anyone.
Salary research
Although we wouldn’t advise discussing salaries during the interview (unless the hiring manager raises it), it would be wise to research beforehand to understand what your skills and experience are valued at in your part of the UK. This will help to avoid you being caught off guard during the interview or agreeing to a lower salary than what you are worth.
Practise a mock interview
By performing a mock interview with a friend or family member beforehand, it will help you to feel more familiar with the format and how you will answer certain questions.
What not to do in an interview
Lie or bend the truth
It’s much better to be honest in your interview than to get caught out further down the line. Even a white lie will cast doubt over your integrity.
Interrupt the interviewer
Interrupting the interviewer will come across as rude and potentially discourage them from hiring you.
Badmouth previous employers
You never know who knows who within your industry and badmouthing a previous employer might make the interviewer think you are capable of doing the same to them.
Fidget or slouch
Sit upright in your chair and keep a good posture throughout the interview. Slouching could make it appear like you are uninterested in being there.
Ask about salary and benefits
Unless the hiring manager asks about your salary expectations or mentions perks, it would be wise to wait until you have received an offer of employment to discuss terms. By discussing money, the interview has the potential to go off track very quickly.
Share irrelevant personal information
Unless it is directly relevant to the position, you don’t need to share personal information about your life with the hiring manager.
Give yes or no answers
The hiring manager will likely ask you an open-ended question and be looking for some depth in your answers. If you are unsure of what the hiring manager is asking you, ask them to elaborate on what they mean.
Who is Spencer Clarke Group?
Since 2017, we've been changing the face of recruitment. From our employees, to the way we do business, to the culture within our office, we're determined to make a difference and create a positive impact on everyone around us.
Recruitment to us isn't just about matching candidates and clients; we’re passionate about finding candidates the perfect job which has the ability to boost their salary and standard of living, better their work life balance and improve their mental health.
Similarly, we understand the impact which an experienced and skilled employee can make to a business and we love seeing clients thrive through the hard work of candidates which we have placed with them.
We operate in two sectors:
In eleven specialisms:
Healthcare, Social Care & Nursing
Corporate Functions & Business Support
Planning, Development & Regeneration
Highways, Infrastructure & Engineering
If you’re searching for a new role, why not visit our job page to take a look at the latest opportunities? Alternatively, upload your CV and one of our experienced consultants will contact you when a relevant opportunity becomes available.
If you’re struggling to fill a role, why don’t you give us a call on 01772 954200 to see how we can help? One of our consultants will be happy to listen to the challenges which you are facing and advise on the best possible solution for you.
