Top 10 Interview Tips for Job Seekers in Ireland

Top 10 Interview Tips for Job Seekers in Ireland 

Congratulations, you’ve secured an interview for the job you want! This is great news as it means your application has appealed to your potential new employer, and now you have a chance to impress them at the interview. Interviews can be nerve-wracking, however, and we would like to share our top 10 interview tips to give you the best possible chance of success.

We’re going to assume that this is a face-to-face interview, although many businesses now interview remotely and most of these tips still apply to this scenario. Whether you’re applying for the job of your dreams or a role that will be a stepping stone in your career, read on to find out how to make the most of your interview opportunity.

Top 10 Interview Tips

There’s no need to reinvent the wheel, being successful at an interview does not require a complicated formula. It’s all about building connections and demonstrating that you are a great fit for the role and the company. Here’s how:

1. Research the company. It’s important to do your homework before a job interview, thoroughly researching the company, its culture, values and recent news. This will enable you to show your interviewer that you have a genuine interest in working with this company and that you have been following developments that are relevant to it.
2. Prepare your answers. It’s not possible to predict exactly what you’ll be asked at the interview but some common interview questions are likely to come up and you can get to know these and practice your responses. You should prepare answers that relate to your skills and your experiences, and link this to the job you are interviewing for wherever possible. Ask a friend or relative to rehearse with you and give you feedback on your answers as this is a great way to find out how you come across in this situation.
3. Prepare yourself. Set yourself up for a successful interview by preparing yourself to feel good on the day. Ensure you have a relaxing evening the night before and get a good night’s sleep if you can. Eat a nutritious breakfast and make time for something that helps you to relax, whether this is a quick yoga routine, a coffee or a dog walk. This will ensure that you feel your best and make a genuine positive impression on your interviewer.
4. Dress appropriately. It’s not a fashion show, but it is an opportunity to demonstrate your professionalism and you should dress smartly for your interview. Even if you know the company has a casual dress code, you should err on the side of caution and dress professionally on this occasion. It’s much better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed!
5. Arrive on time. Arriving late for an interview will not make a good impression. You should aim to arrive at least 10-15 minutes early for your scheduled interview time, so plan your route accordingly and don’t forget to allow for traffic. Being punctual shows that you value the interviewer’s time, while lateness gives an impression of carelessness which can throw the whole interview out.
6. Bring multiple copies of your CV. You may be interviewed by multiple interviewers and they will all want to see your CV and refer to it during the interview. Make sure you also bring any documents that are relevant to your application, such as qualifications you have taken, and arrange these in a neat folder so that you can access them with ease. This is another opportunity to demonstrate your organisational skills and professionalism. You can check out further tips on producing a great CV in this article.
7. Showcase your soft skills. The job description for the role you want will include a job specification that details the qualifications and experience the employer is looking for in applicants. As well as this, they will be seeking soft skills such as the ability to work well in teams, and good communication and problem-solving abilities, and these are often as valuable within a company as technical skills. You can refer to your soft skills throughout the interview, answering questions carefully to cover these points and display your aptitude. You should refer to specific examples to illustrate your answers. For example, if you are asked about projects you have worked on, this is a great opportunity to talk about your teamwork skills and you could use an example of a time when your skills in this area made a difference to project outcomes to show that you are capable and a good fit for this role.
8. Ask questions. At the end of the interview, you will probably have the opportunity to ask your interviewer any questions you have about the role, the company or the team you wish to work with. This is a great chance to show your interest and engagement in the company and the job, and you should ensure that you have at least a couple of interesting questions to ask. You might ask about the company culture, for instance, or about the specifics of the job role.
9. Practice your body language. Body language is as important as what you say in an interview situation and you should be aware that your interviewer will begin to form an impression of you before you even speak. Ask a friend or relative to help you practice your body language and make adjustments according to their feedback. For instance, you should maintain eye contact, offer a firm handshake and sit up straight during the interview. Positive body language can convey confidence and professionalism and help you develop a rapport with your interviewer that will contribute to a successful outcome.
10. Follow up. When you have finished your interview, take a few hours to recover and have a break from thinking about the process. Within 24 hours, however, you should send a follow-up email, thanking your interviewer for the opportunity and re-iterating your interest in the position. You can also ask for feedback if you are not successful in the interview, and this can help to inform you so that you can prepare for the next one.

And, of course, it’s important to think positively. Know that you are well qualified for this job and that you would be a great fit for the company, and focus on expressing this to your interviewer. See it as an exciting opportunity to showcase your qualifications and your personality and professionalism, and try to nurture a positive mindset. You have worked hard to get to this interview, so take a few deep breaths before you go in and try to enjoy the experience.

Work with a Recruitment Agency In Ireland

Working with a Recruitment Agency can help you to make your job search more efficient, connecting you with positions that suit you and offering professional advice on your CV and interview style. If you’re searching for a new job in Ireland, talking to us can make the process easier. We will take the time to get to know you and find out what you are looking for, before matching you with desirable positions and giving you the very best chance of securing the job you are dreaming of.

CareerWise is Ireland’s leading specialist recruitment firm, based in Cork, Shannon and Galway, and we can help you find the top talent for your business in Ireland. We specialise in the Engineering, Supply Chain, Science/Pharma, IT and Accounting industries in Ireland, and we look forward to working with you. Contact us online now or call us at +353 (0) 21 206 1900 to arrange a consultation.

Eileen Kelly

(Human Resources Specialist) HDip – Shannon Office

Eileen is a graduate of University of Limerick (H Dip in Personnel Management CIPD accredited).
She brings over 15 years’ experience in Human Resources with a large multinational.
Eileen also has experience of managing teams in the public sector for project work.
Eileen provides candidate selection, performance management and other supports for one of our major clients, working closely with our clients lead teams on site.

Share this Post: