Interview Hints & Tips
Nail your prep, impress in the room, and follow up like a pro.
Quick start
- Research: the company, role, and competitors.
- Know the spec: match your experience to each requirement.
- Know yourself: examples for strengths, gaps, and achievements.
- Plan logistics: route, parking/train, arrive 10–15 mins early.
- First impressions: smart dress, eye contact, confident intro.
- Close strong: ask good questions, confirm next steps, follow up.
Research the organisation
What they do, who they serve, size, recent news, and top competitors.
Know the job specification
List each requirement → prep a matching example from your experience.
Know yourself
Be ready to explain your moves, gaps, strengths, and what you bring.
First impressions
- Be early: aim for 10–15 mins.
- Dress appropriately: better a touch smart than underdressed.
- Body language: eye contact, open posture, hands calm.
- Bring: CV copies, ID (if requested), notepad & pen, your questions.
Answering with STAR
Situation (context) → Task (goal) → Action (what you did) → Result (impact, numbers if possible).
Common interview questions (tap to expand)
- Tell me about yourself.
- Strengths and weaknesses.
- Why this role/company?
- Achievements you’re proud of.
- How do you handle conflict or a difficult customer?
- Example of working as part of a team / independently.
- Where do you see yourself in 3–5 years?
- Salary expectations.
Tip: pick 5–6 strong STAR stories and adapt them to different questions.
Questions to ask the interviewer
- What does great performance look like in the first 6–12 months?
- How does this team measure success?
- What are the current priorities/challenges for this role?
- How do you onboard and support new starters?
- What are the progression opportunities?
- What are the next steps in the process?
Close the interview & follow up
- Reconfirm interest and fit in your closing sentence.
- Ask about timelines and next steps.
- Thank them for their time.
Ready for your next interview?
“Arden Personnel have been truly amazing.After 2 months of struggling to get an interview I now have a full-time position after being with Arden for just 1 week. From preparing me for the interview to checking up on me after ,they have felt like family who truly care for you🤍 My only regret is that I didn’t contact them from the start of my job hunting journey…very grateful to Arden Personnel!.” — Candidate Review