8 Proven Interview Tips from Recruitment Experts
Job interviews are an inevitable part of working life, and let’s face it, they can be nerve-wracking. But the key to tackling them with confidence is simple: prepare, don’t panic.
Proper preparation doesn’t just help you feel more at ease under pressure; it also shows potential employers that you’re serious, capable, and ready for the role. First impressions count, and the work you put in beforehand can make all the difference.
With insights from experienced recruitment professionals, we’ve pulled together eight tried-and-tested interview tips to help you shine. Keep these in mind as you get ready; they’re designed to help you make the best impression when it matters most.
1. Remember the little things
A job interview is more than a conversation — it’s your chance to market yourself. While your qualifications and experience matter, what truly sets you apart is how well you present yourself in the room.
This is where your unique selling points (USPs) come in. What do you bring to the table that others don’t? Most candidates will have a degree or relevant experience, so what makes you memorable? Sometimes, it’s the little things that tip the scales in your favour.
Think beyond your CV. How you speak, your body language, punctuality, and even how you treat people before and after the interview all play a part. In many cases, it’s your interpersonal and professional presence that leaves the biggest impression.
Greg Thorpe, Managing Director of specialist recruitment agency Howett Thorpe, says:
“Seemingly small things can make a big difference. Not doing your research on the business you’re applying to is a sure-fire way of irritating your interviewer, so always be prepared. Whether you arrive within plenty of time can also make the difference between you and the next candidate securing that all-important second interview, as can how polite you are to the receptionist or person who leads you to the interview room.”
“An unexpected test during an interview can be stressful, but it’s often how you respond to the challenges, rather than the actual results, that can sway the balance.”
Tip: Arrive early and prepare for potential delays, whether it’s cancelled transport, traffic, or parking issues. Practice your interview technique with friends or family, including your handshake if appropriate, as this can help set a confident tone from the start. Most importantly, treat everyone you meet with respect, from reception to the interview panel, because first impressions start the moment you walk through the door.
Benefit: This approach helps you appear calm, organised, and confident, qualities that speak volumes about how you might perform in a professional environment. Demonstrating strong interpersonal skills and composure under pressure gives you a clear edge in today’s job market, making you more memorable and more likely to progress to the next stage.
2. Do your research
You might have thought your homework days were behind you, but when it comes to interviews, preparation is still essential. Doing your research on the company you’re applying to shows that you’re engaged, proactive, and genuinely interested in both the role and the organisation.
Understanding the business — including its services, clients, values, and mission — not only helps you align your answers to what they’re looking for, but also gives you a chance to stand out. Referencing your research in your responses or questions during the interview demonstrates initiative and can leave a lasting impression.
Kate Dalton, Client Services Manager at intranet software company Oak, says:
“Over the years, I have found that the key thing that consistently impresses is when candidates have done their research. Having a competent understanding of the company and its operations can be as simple as reading the ‘About Us’ section on its website and having a quick scroll through its Twitter feed, but it makes a huge difference!
“If nothing else, being well-versed in the prospective company’s background shows that you are interested and passionate.”
Tip: Take time before your interview to visit the company’s website, especially the About Us, Careers, and News sections, and review their recent activity on platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter/X. Look out for recent achievements, partnerships, projects or initiatives that stand out to you.
As you gather this information, look for ways to find common ground, whether it’s shared values, areas of interest, or parts of the business that align with your experience. Make note of where your skills and strengths complement their operations, and look for natural opportunities to reference these overlaps throughout your answers. This doesn’t need to be overt — a few well-placed examples that link your background to their work can make a strong impact.
Benefit: This kind of preparation demonstrates initiative, enthusiasm, and cultural alignment. It allows you to tailor your responses more effectively, build stronger rapport with your interviewer, and demonstrate that you’re not just looking for any job — you’re interested in this job, at their company. That level of insight can easily set you apart from candidates who haven’t done the groundwork.
3. Body language is important
What you say in an interview matters, but what you don’t say can be just as powerful. Relying solely on your CV or technical skills risks overlooking the impact of your soft skills and non-verbal communication.
Nervousness is normal, but how you carry yourself can influence how confident and capable you appear. Slouched posture or lack of eye contact can inadvertently come across as disinterest, even if that’s far from the truth. Even if you’re feeling unsure, adopting confident body language can help you look composed, and in time, you’ll start to feel it too.
Stephen Martin, Recruitment Director at oil and gas recruiter Fircroft Group:
“What we say and do is important, but up to 80% of our communication is non-verbal; stance, attitude and eye contact are all crucial in an interview setting. Throughout the interview, the employer needs to feel your engagement. Posture is crucial: keep your back straight and shoulders in line to convey a calm, but positive demeanour. Using your hands can also be a beneficial, friendly way to demonstrate enthusiasm and interest.”
“Once you have mastered the art of conveying confident and positive body language, any lingering nerves will soon disappear.”
Recommended action: Rehearse your body language in advance, either in front of a mirror or by running through mock interviews with a friend or mentor. Pay attention to your posture: sit or stand upright with relaxed shoulders and an open stance. Maintain steady eye contact and use natural, purposeful hand gestures to express enthusiasm and engagement.
If nerves start to build, reframe them as excitement. The same chemical (adrenaline) is released whether you’re feeling nervous or thrilled. By shifting your mindset, you can trick your body into responding with energy and focus, rather than anxiety or tension.
Benefit: Confident body language helps you appear calm, professional, and engaged, before you’ve even answered a question. It puts interviewers at ease and shows you can communicate effectively under pressure. This self-assurance not only helps manage nerves but gives you a strong edge in competitive interviews, where presence and poise matter just as much as what’s on your CV.
4. Take a ‘less is more’ approach
When it comes to interviews, communicate with clarity, not chatter. Rambling answers, off-topic anecdotes, or overexplaining can dilute your message and distract from your key strengths. Your goal is to help the interviewer see how your skills align with the role, not lose them in unnecessary detail.
Stephen also says:
“It can be easy to get carried away. You might find yourself talking too much, teetering off-topic or focusing solely on certain questions, with time flying by.
“You’ll no doubt be keen to tell the interviewer why you’re well-suited to the role, but keeping your messaging definitive and to the point is critical. Not only will this show the interviewer you’re able to concisely summarise key information, but it also demonstrates an element of poise and maturity when communicating with others in a business setting.
“And, of course, allowing your personality to show through and smiling throughout should also work in your favour!”
Recommended action: Record yourself answering common interview questions and play it back to identify where you go off-topic or over-explain. Focus on trimming answers to their essentials while still showcasing your strengths. Practising aloud also builds confidence in delivering responses clearly under pressure.
Benefit: Refining your delivery in this way helps you stay sharp and focused in the moment, avoiding rambling or repetition, making it easier for interviewers to follow your points and understand your value. It also shows interviewers that you can communicate with clarity and professionalism — a valuable skill in any workplace setting. This approach allows what you do say to seem more impactful and more memorable, helping you stand out for the right reasons.
5. Turn up at just the right time
First impressions don’t start when you shake hands; they start the moment you arrive. Something as simple as your timing can influence how professional and prepared you appear. Arriving too late suggests poor planning. But turning up too early can create unnecessary pressure for your interviewer, especially if they’re still preparing.
Getting your timing right helps you — and your interviewer — start the conversation on the right foot: calm, focused, and without avoidable distractions.
Lee Biggins, founder and managing director of employment website CV-Library, says:
“While being early can show your due diligence, it’s best to avoid going in until 10 minutes before the interview starts. After all, you might be ready, but your interviewer may not be!”
That said, it’s always better to err on the side of earliness. Lee says,
“Similarly, make sure you aren’t late by planning your journey in advance – maybe even test it out a couple of days before. First impressions count, and you don’t want to annoy your interviewer before the interview has even begun!”
Recommended action: Plan your journey and aim to arrive around 15–20 minutes early, allowing time for potential delays such as traffic, parking, or public transport issues. Wait to enter the building until about 10 minutes before your scheduled interview. If you’re too early, use that time to review your notes or take a short walk to reset and focus. Be aware of any local events or disruptions that could affect your route, and adjust accordingly.
Benefit: Punctuality, without being premature, demonstrates that you’re organised, respectful of others’ time, and able to plan. It helps set a calm, professional tone from the outset and ensures your first impression is one of preparation, not pressure.
6. Master the “what are your weaknesses?” answer
Self-awareness is one of the most underrated, yet powerful, qualities you can bring to an interview. Employers aren’t looking for someone flawless; they’re looking for someone who knows where they can improve and is actively doing something about it. So when you’re asked, “What’s your biggest weakness?” — don’t panic. It’s not a trick question. It’s a chance to show that you’re reflective, coachable, and serious about your growth.
The common trap? Offering vague or overly polished responses that dodge the real question. These surface-level answers might sound polished, but they don’t reveal much about you. Stronger answers come from honest reflection — real moments when you faced a challenge, recognised an area for improvement, and took steps to get better. That’s what interviewers want to hear.
Craig Dalziel, Senior Manager at technology recruiters FRG Technology Consulting, says:
“A lot of people often end up giving examples of things that aren’t really weaknesses, such as perfectionism – who doesn’t want things to be perfect, right? – But interviewers are actually looking for answers that demonstrate how self-aware and reflective you are.
“It’s okay to admit that you’re not particularly great at a certain soft skill – nobody is perfect. The best answers will always include an action taken to remedy any weakness. If you identify public speaking as being your weakness, what are you doing to make yourself better at it? Answer this way and you’ll be able to demonstrate that you are reflective, proactive, and always looking for ways to improve.”
Recommended action: Take time before your interview to audit your past performance, think about feedback you’ve received, moments where you struggled, or areas where you’ve actively sought improvement. Select one that’s relevant to the role but not critical to success, and outline how you’ve addressed it. Consider writing it down in a STAR format (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to stay clear and focused when discussing it under pressure.
Benefit: Rather than appearing generic, your response will come across as thoughtful and authentic, helping interviewers trust not only your self-awareness but your ability to grow within the role. Demonstrating progress, rather than perfection, shows you’re future-focused and adaptable — exactly what employers look for in long-term hires.
7. Prepare some questions of your own
A great interview isn’t a one-way exchange; it’s a conversation. While the employer is assessing whether you’re the right fit, you should also be evaluating whether the role, team, and company align with your goals and values. Asking thoughtful questions shows you’re engaged, curious, and serious about the opportunity, not just looking for any job.
The questions you ask can leave just as strong an impression as the answers you give. It’s a moment to show initiative, demonstrate your interest in the role, and gain the insight you need to make an informed decision.
Lee also notes the importance of coming equipped with questions to ask the interviewer themselves:
“The interview isn’t just about you being asked a load of questions around why you’re the right person for the job. It’s also a great opportunity for you to find out more about your potential employer. While some of your questions may get covered during the interview, try to prepare a few which you can bring up towards the end of the meeting. Some great examples include: “How do you judge success in this role?”, “How would you describe the culture here?” and “What’s your favourite thing about working in this company?”
Recommended action: Before the interview, prepare 2–3 specific, well-thought-out questions that go beyond what’s on the job description. Ask about team dynamics, success metrics, or growth opportunities, anything that helps you evaluate whether the company is the right fit for you. Even if your questions are answered during the interview, make a note of them and follow up with a new angle or ask for deeper insight. Avoid ever saying “I don’t have any questions” — have something ready. Always.
Benefit: Asking meaningful questions positions you as proactive, prepared, and genuinely invested in the opportunity. It reinforces your professionalism, shows you’ve done your research, and demonstrates that you’re thinking critically about your future with the company. Just as importantly, getting honest, detailed answers helps you assess whether the role is truly right for you, potentially saving you time, effort, and energy pursuing a position that may not be a good fit.
8. Suit up for Skype interviews
Interviews aren’t just about what you say — they’re about how you present yourself. Professionalism starts the moment you’re seen on screen or step into the room, and your appearance plays a big role in shaping first impressions.
Whether you’re meeting virtually or in person, dressing smartly shows respect for the opportunity and helps you project confidence and credibility. Wearing pyjama bottoms for a video call or turning up to an office interview in muddy shoes sends the wrong message. From your posture to your clothing, everything contributes to the overall impression you make, and employers want to see that you’ll represent their company with polish and pride.
Graham Oates, CEO of Norrie Johnston Recruitment, an executive search and interim management agency that frequently uses Skype, says this isn’t necessarily the case.
“Don’t attempt to just be smart from the waist up, assuming the interviewer will only see the top half of your body. I’ve been in plenty of Skype interview situations where the candidate has had to stand up. So, dress as if you were going to an in-person interview. In any event, you will feel – and look – more professional.
“So much of an interview is about interaction, maintaining eye contact and facial expression. The technology can compromise these if you aren’t careful, so remember to look at the camera, not the screen – that way, the interviewer will feel you are maintaining eye contact. Smile and have an engaged and pleasant facial expression; try to forget you are talking to a computer screen and imagine the interviewer being physically in the room with you.
“Even if you have done many Skype interviews before, it’s still important you practice with a friend to ensure your mic is set up properly and your background isn’t distracting. Also, check that everything is working properly; you wouldn’t dream of turning up late for a face-to-face interview, so having to delay one over Skype because you haven’t done your technical groundwork is inexcusable.”
Recommended action: Set aside time the day before your interview to lay out your outfit, test your tech (if it’s virtual), and double-check any items you need to bring or access. For video interviews, position your camera at eye level, ensure good lighting, and run a test call to catch any issues. Treat the entire setup — your attire, environment, and body language — as part of your professional presentation.
Benefit: This level of preparation not only helps you look the part, it shows you are the part. A smart, considered appearance signals attention to detail, professionalism, and pride in how you present yourself, traits that employers associate with how you’ll represent their brand in the workplace.
Interviews can be challenging, but by focusing on the details, from arriving at the right time and dressing professionally, to communicating clearly and asking thoughtful questions, you’ll be setting yourself up for success. These small, strategic actions help you stand out for all the right reasons and show employers that you’re capable, confident, and ready to contribute.
Best of luck — go in prepared, stay calm, and let your strengths shine. Afterwards, be sure to follow up on your interview to help you make a good impression.
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