Preparing for a job interview
While doing the research, think about why you have applied for the job, what it is that you are interested in and what you think may be challenging about the job. These may be questions that you will be asked in the interview.
Ultimately, you want to think about what you have to offer to the company you are applying to. Nowadays, many jobs are open to applicants coming from all sorts of backgrounds. While that is a great opportunity, you may also find it difficult to articulate why your background is relevant to this particular job.
For example, when thinking about working in cybersecurity, degrees in computer science, maths or another IT-related field might seem most obvious. However, having studied cognitive science, neuroscience or psychology may prepare you just as well for a graduate scheme or job in this particular field.
The main thing to remember about a job interview is that you’re there to sell yourself, your transferable skills, your attitude and your past experiences. What is it you have learned in your degree that is transferable to cybersecurity?
Many programs will teach you how to build an argument, how to apply research and knowledge, how to communicate complex ideas and how to test hypotheses.
The main point here is that your applicable skill set might not seem obvious at first. However, you will know why you applied to the job in the first place. Something made you think that you had a chance, so convey why you really do have the skills to work for this employer.
How to answer job interview questions
One of the most common questions we get is about job interview questions.
One of the first questions you may be asked could relate to your CV and cover letter. Make sure you look at these documents as well as any references you may have sent before the interview to prepare for potential questions.
What past experiences are relevant to the job and what have you learned from seemingly irrelevant experiences that are applicable to the role?
Online, you will find endless lists of questions that are regularly asked at job interviews – feel free to check out the references at the end of this post to guide you through some of them in a bit more detail.
Essentially, when answering questions, think about what impression you want to leave the interviewer with. Show that you are creative in your thinking, that you have problem-solving abilities and that you remain honest and well-grounded.
When asked questions that have a negative twist, try answering them in a positive way by, for example, illustrating how you have overcome a challenge.
When the questions asked are abstract, relate them back to your experiences and skills.
In the end, the interviewer wants to get to know you as a person and what you have to offer to the company.
If you feel uncomfortable with what you are saying because you are trying hard to impress, chances are that the interviewer will feel the same way. Ask your friend or colleague to give you feedback and go through sample questions so that you are prepared for the topics that may come up.
Another great tip on how to ace your job interview is to practice answering questions in front of a mirror. This way, you can easily check your delivery and body language.
The top 8 interview questions and how to answer them
On top of practising in advance, you want to make sure you that you are indeed answering what you have been asked. If you are not sure you understood the question, it is okay to ask for clarification. It will demonstrate that you are actively engaging with the conversation, and will look much better than simply answering the wrong question.
A classic question that shouldn’t be surprising. Interviewers ask this question because they are looking to see that your attitude is consistent with their company culture. Don’t just say you’re good at something, but back it up with specific evidence.
2) Why should we hire you?
A good example answer to this would be: “I’d say because of my attitude. I constantly strive to develop my personal and professional skills. For example, I have recently completed an open university course in communication. I’m easily adaptable, as shown in my prior role where I had to quickly learn lots of new things and develop successful strategies that drove the development of the business. I’m highly organised and attentive, I have come up with my own method of tracking open projects. I believe in working hard, but this has to be balanced with playing hard, which is something I believe your company gets right. I’ve also performed well in similar roles in the past, for example, in my previous role I increased traffic to our site by 50% in 3 months.”
This answer is good as it focuses on why your attitude is compliant with the attitude of the business, which is crucial to impressing interviewers. If they can’t imagine you working side-by-side with the existing team, you have no chance. It’s also important to talk about previous experience, backing it up with specific examples of success stories.
4) What’s your greatest weakness?
A good example answer to this interview question would be: “From what I understand from talking to people today, and from reviews on Glassdoor, you have a very work-hard/play-hard culture. This really resonates with me, as I love a challenge at work but need that time to unwind and socialise with my colleagues as well. I also saw a press release talking about the upcoming office you are opening in New York. I’m very attracted to expanding companies as I intend to stay here long-term and look forward to tackling new challenges that arise when businesses expand to new markets. Finally, your company is well-respected in the industry and is known to provide an exceptionally high-quality service. I like everything I do to be the best it can possibly be, so I’d love to contribute to this culture of success.”
The above answer covers the company culture, the trajectory of the company and a brief sentence about where the company is now. This shows that you have done your research and that the aims and attitude of the company resonate with your own.
8) Do you have any questions for me?
Before any interview, think of at least 10 different questions to ask. Most of them will be answered within the course of the interview, so you want to make sure you have some questions at the end.
You might want to find out about practical aspects such as working hours or payments or you might be interested in the working culture of the company. Either way, this is your opportunity to show curiosity and interest. At the same time, you want to prove that you have come prepared.
Good example questions to ask in a job interview:
- Please, can you tell me about the company culture in more detail?
- Would I get the opportunity to earn any qualifications? What is it like to work here?
- Could I hear more about your experience in the company? When did you join, what do you think about it?
- What would a regular day look like?
- How long on average does it take for employees to get promoted?
- What direction is the company going in? Do you have any more plans for expansion?
- Are the existing staff sociable? Are there events, parties etc.?
Asking smart questions that should help your decision as to whether or not you want to work somewhere, this also shows the interviewer that you have done your research and are genuinely interested in the company and the job.
Remember that a job interview isn’t only about selling yourself. It’s also your chance to see if a company is a good fit for you. In your previous answers, you’ve explained why your past experience, transferable skills and attitude comply with the company. This is your chance to see if the attitude of the company complies with you.
Non-verbal communication tips for job interviews
The below video highlights how you can adapt your body language to get the best out of your next job interview. We will summarize the main points highlighted in the video below.
1. Adopt an engaged posture (lean in towards the interviewer).
2. Appear calm and relaxed.
3. Use appropriate hand gestures (not too much movement, this is distracting).
4. Mirror the interviewer.
5. Get your eye contact right (not too much, not too little).
6. Avoid lying signals (touching your nose or face, glancing off to the side).
7. Give the perfect handshake (firm, dry hands. If you are prone to sweaty palms, you should wipe your hands on your trousers or other fabric).
Bonus tip: smile! The power of the smile is undervalued. Show the interviewer that you are happy to be there.
While some of these tips may seem obvious, having practised these simple forms of interaction in a practice interview will make you feel more secure.
If you are sitting in an interview wondering what to do with your hands, where to look at and how to greet the interviewer, you are losing focus on answering the questions or asking your own questions. Having ritualized some of the tips above will allow you to perform better.
Preparing for a phone interview
A phone interview may feel unnatural or awkward at first, however, it may also be a great opportunity.
To make sure you are experiencing the best conditions for your phone interview, ensure you have a good connection and that you won’t be disturbed. Practice the interview with a friend and get a feeling for what silences may feel like.
While not seeing the interviewer won’t allow you to pick up on non-verbal cues, you may find it easier to focus on the content of what you are saying. Indeed, you will have the chance to note down points you would like to make or ask about.
When speaking on the phone you want to avoid reading off a list, however, writing down some key terms will provide you with enough of a memory cue to mention what you have prepared.
The best tip we can give you for phone interviews is to smile the whole way through it.
It might seem strange but try it right now. Say something out loud with your normal expression, and then say the same thing whilst smiling.
You should be able to notice the difference in tone and style – even if you can’t pick up on the difference, the person on the other end of the phone definitely will.
You will come across more confident, friendly and calm, giving you an advantage over others applying for the same job.
Other tips
When it comes to the interview day, you want to make sure that you have been prepared in advance. Things that may add further stress to you on the day should be avoided.
Plan what you will wear and how you will get to the interview in the days before the interview. If you have time, make a test trip to the interview location a day before, to ensure you know the route and can get there on time.
The outfit you choose is important for any job interview.
Wear something that is appropriate for the interview. You may have been given a dress code. If you haven’t been given a dress code, always opt for smart business attire (suit, tie and shoes for men and a jacket, blouse and knee-length skirt or trousers for women).
Always bring a notepad, a pen and a list of questions you want to ask.
Also, bring a copy of your CV, the job listing, and any other supporting information for your application. This will help you look organized, attentive and driven. Make sure that whatever documents you need to bring are in a neat folder and in a presentable condition.
And lastly, remember that an interview is a chance for both sides to get to know each other. Don’t feel like this is only about the interviewer assessing you.
Observe if you feel like this job is right for you and afterwards think about what went well and whether you would like to proceed to the next step of the application process.
Supplements for job interviews
A supplement that works on the dopamine pathway (and so helps you be more confident, assertive and motivated), will help you feel able to deal with stressful situations better. Brainzyme® Focus Pro does exactly this, making it an ideal supplement for job interviews.
