How to Nail Your Job Interview

What to wear to a job interview 

There isn’t a right or wrong answer to this question as it is subjective and depends on the employer and place of work. 

Your outfit should make a good first impression, but it should also be comfortable to wear in the interview. Your outfit shouldn’t be distracting, and you should also dress appropriately for the job you are applying for, considering the employer’s dress code. 

Use the following 3 tips if you are unsure of what to wear: 

Prioritise your comfort and flexibility 

If you are uncomfortable with what you’re wearing, it’s all you’ll think about – distracting you from your interview. Make sure that your clothes are suitable for the workplace, and consider comfort as a priority. 

Overdress for the workplace 

If you have looked into the workplace and found their dress code, either by social media or by speaking to a hiring manager, you’ll know what staff generally wear within the workplace. Use this knowledge as a base, and dress a step ahead from everyone else. For example, if staff usually use t-shirts and jeans, consider wearing a plain work shirt and trousers. 

Keep it clean 

Having clean, tidy clothes is one of the biggest factors in making a good first impression. Make the effort to make sure that your outfit is clean. 

What not to wear to a job interview 

Some simple things to avoid include: 

• Casual clothes (Jeans, graphic T-shirts, trainers) 
• Torn or Ill-fitting clothes 
• Uncomfortable clothes 
• Heavy perfume or cologne 
• Earphones or a hat (Take these off before you meet the interviewer) 
• Bright or flashy colours and patterns 
  

How long do job interviews last 

Interviews can be varied in length, and can also depend on the type of job interview and industry. Generally, you can expect a job interview to last between 45 minutes to an hour. 

Types of job interviews 

There are multiple types of job interviews that you may be involved in. They all serve individual purposes for both the candidate and the employer. 

Some common types of interviews include: 

In-person interviews 

A one-to-one interview is the most common interview, and what you would usually think of when you think of an interview.  

Video interviews 

Video interviews rose in popularity and use within businesses since the global pandemic in 2020. This allows employers to interview the candidates remotely where a face-to-face interview is not possible. 

Group interviews 

For companies hiring a larger number of roles, group interviews may be the route they go. This would see you being interviewed among other candidates, where you may be asked to complete a task or a series of questions. 

Phone interviews 

It’s very common for a phone interview to be an introductory interview, where the hiring manager will find out more about you and, if they think you’re a good fit, invite you to an in-person interview. 

Common interview questions 

Every interview is different, and every interviewer will have their own questions that they like to ask, but it’s still important to be prepared by knowing some of the more common interview questions. 

• Tell me about yourself 
• Why do you want to work at this company? 
• What can you bring to the company? 
• What are your greatest strengths? 
• What do you consider to be your weaknesses? 
• Tell me about a challenge or conflict you’ve faced at work, and how you dealt with it. 
• Why are you leaving your current job? 
• Do you have any questions for us? 
• How would you describe yourself? 
• What interests you about this role? 
  

How to answer interview questions confidently 

The key to confidence in an interview is preparation.  

Knowing the role, knowing the company, knowing the questions. Preparing for everything the interviewer will throw at you will give you confidence that shines through all your answers. 

Before you go to your interview, do your homework. Find out as much as you can about the company; what they do, how they started, their ethos. Show the employer that you care about the company and the role.  

When you’re in your interview, express your positivity and confidence through your body language. Make eye contact, smile, and use open gestures to show that you are engaged in the conversation. 

You should also speak with clarity and certainty, avoiding filler words such as ‘um’, ‘like’, and ‘uh’ where you can. Take time to collect your thoughts before you respond. This clarity will show the interviewer that you are confident in your skills and abilities in the role. 

Still not sure what to expect? Complete our short online course for the best preparation possible in just 20 minutes: https://theaimgroup.co.uk/courses/cpd/preparing-for-a-job-interview-online-training  

Listen to our podcast where we discuss our top interview tips here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6YiohIQddZ2Go0veZF38jS?si=e5a9554e15f44ae9