Interviews can be daunting and uncomfortable.

For many of us, they are our first encounter with public speaking in a business environment.

We put a lot of pressure on ourselves to succeed and make a positive impression, knowing that we are likely being compared to other candidates who may have more experience and relevant skills to offer.

It’s natural to feel nervous leading up to and during interviews.

But what if we could reduce our anxiety by knowing how to prepare and what steps to take to set ourselves up for doing our best?

I believe that’s possible.

By understanding what to prepare and how to effectively convey your message on the day, you can significantly impact how you feel, how you’re perceived, and the opportunities you can secure.

Here are some key interview tips, divided into preparation and delivery; to make the entire process less stressful and help you excel in your next business interview.

Interview Preparation Tips

Do background research on the company and your interviewer(s)

Before the interview, research the company and the individuals who will be conducting your interview.

Who owns the company? What does the company do? Are there several strands to the business? What is its business value proposition? Has it been mentioned in the news recently?

Do a search of your interviewer on LinkedIn – who are they? What’s their role? How long have they been at the organisation? Have they worked in the industry a long time? Do they have any interests and passions? (i.e. they could be involved in volunteering programmes or DEI boards)

All of this will be useful to help you tailor your responses to resonate. This sort of preparation demonstrates your genuine interest in the position and the business, setting you apart from other candidates.

Nail your USP key messages

Identify what the main key points are that you want to communicate during the interview.

In other words, what are your unique selling points that make you stand out for this role?

If you’ve got these nailed, the rest will come easily.

Why do you want to work for this particular organisation? What skills can you offer? What life or professional experiences have you gone through that will give you a unique perspective in this role? How can you add value?

Your messages should be clear, concise, and relevant to the position you are applying for.

Structure your points to highlight your strengths and how they align with the company’s needs and the requirements in the job description.

Avoid jargon or fluffy language and focus on delivering your message in a straightforward manner.

Consider the STAR method when framing your answers

The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is a powerful tool for structuring your responses to behavioural interview questions.

By framing your answers in this format, you can clearly demonstrate how you have effectively handled situations in the past.

This method helps you stay focused and organised, making it easier for the interviewer to understand your capabilities.

It’s a good idea to pre-empt and prepare a few beforehand.

Here is an example of a STAR method answer:

Interviewer: “Can you describe a time when you had to manage a difficult project with tight deadlines?”

STAR method answer:

Situation:

“At my previous job we were assigned a project to launch a new product within three months. The project was of high importance as it aligned with our annual strategic goals, but we faced a tight deadline and limited resources.“

Task:

“I was responsible for leading a cross-functional tram to ensure the project was completed on time while maintaining high quality and within budget.”

Action:

“To tackle this, I first organised a kick-off meeting with all the team members to outline the project objectives, deadlines, and individual responsibilities so everyone was on the same page. I developed a detailed project plan and set up weekly progress meetings to monitor and address any issues promptly. I also established clear communication channels with all stakeholders and implemented a risk management plan to anticipate and mitigate potential delays and hiccups.“

Result:

“Despite the challenging timeline, we successfully launched the product on schedule. Our organised approach ensured that all tasks were completed efficiently, and the team remained motivated and focused. The product launch was a huge success, leading to a 20% increase in quarterly sales and positive feedback from our clients and senior management. My efforts were recognised, and I received a commendation for my leadership and project management skills.“

Practise

Rehearse your responses to common interview questions and practise your pre-prepared answers with a friend or in front of a mirror.

Doing this helps you become more comfortable with your material and reduces anxiety because you’ll feel more prepared.

You can even record yourself to evaluate your performance and adjust.

Be aware of filler words such as ‘like, umm, you know, kinda’ etc – try to avoid or minimise these.

Prepare thoughtful questions

At the end of the interview, you will likely be given the opportunity to ask questions. You can prepare a few beforehand so you have some in your back pocket.

Demonstrate your interest in the role and the company. I’d avoid asking about salary or benefits at this stage.

Rather, focus on the company’s culture, challenges, and future plans.

Interview Delivery Tips

Be aware of your body language

Non-verbal communication is just as important as what you say. Maintain straight and open posture, make eye contact, and use natural concise gestures to convey confidence and enthusiasm.

Avoid crossing your arms or fidgeting, as these can be perceived as signs of nervousness or defensiveness.

Get a handle on your nerves

It’s normal to feel nervous before an interview, it shows you care!

To manage your anxiety practise deep breathing exercises, meditation, set positive intentions and focus on positive thoughts, visualise a successful interview; you could imagine yourself at the end feeling like you’ve done yourself proud and the interview went well.

Remember, the interviewers want you to succeed – they chose to speak with you because they saw your application and believe you have potential.

Be authentic

While it’s important to present yourself in the best light and do yourself justice, authenticity is also crucial.

Be honest about your experience and skills and avoid embellishing or providing false information.

If you don’t know what something means or the answer to a question, that’s okay. Don’t pretend to know. As long as you are showing a willingness to learn and develop your understanding then that is enough.

Authenticity builds trust and leaves a positive impression.

Send a follow up

After the interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. Mention specific points from the conversation to reinforce your interest in the position and to keep yourself at the forefront of the interviewer’s mind.

Let it go

Don’t spend hours obsessing about what you could’ve or should’ve said or done better during the interview.

Trust that if you followed the tips above, you have done enough and done justice to yourself. That is all that matters.

If you’ve done your best and still don’t get the job, it simply wasn’t meant for you at this stage of your life and career. Accept it, let it go, and move on to the next opportunity.  

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Thank you for reading, I hope you have found this article useful ahead of your next business interview!

Remember, every interview is an opportunity to learn and improve, it’s not the end of the world if you don’t get the job at the end of it. You will still be one step closer to your career goals.

Here is a useful YouTube video on what not to do during an interview!

For more articles and support with business public speaking click here.

Tilly x