Careers guide | How to ace your next job interview

Whether you’re going for an entry-level role or looking to step into a leadership position, your job interview is perhaps the most significant part of the recruitment process. So how can you navigate any nerves and make the case that you are the right person for the job?  

Frame of mind

By their very nature, interviews tend to cause anxiety: you aren’t sure what to expect; the thought of having to talk about yourself might feel cringeworthy; and the ability to think on your feet can be a challenge.  

One of the keys to success is using this anxiety for benefit rather than detriment – it can create focus, energy and enthusiasm for preparation and participation. 

Practical considerations

If your interview is online, be clear about the platform and ensure you have the most up-to-date version. Practice using the platform and consider how you present on screen – what does your backdrop say about you, is there adequate lighting and could you reduce background noise by using a headset? Remember to silence any notifications on your device and put your phone on “do not disturb”.  

If the interview is in person, you may want to visit in advance to familiarise yourself with travel times and entrances. At the very least, plan your route ahead of time.  

Regardless of the type of interview, find out who will be interviewing you. Look them up on LinkedIn and reflect on how you can use their posts, connections and previous roles to develop a rapport.  

Prepare your responses

Good practice recommends potential employers send interview questions in advance, and you can request these as an additional support need. If you don’t have any questions, you could use AI for some common examples. But remember that AI outputs will not always understand global differences or specific job titles. 

Review the job description or person specification and think about how these might be turned into questions. For example, by prefixing with: “Give me an example of…” or “Tell me about a time when…”.  

Now think about the best examples from your professional practice. Reflect on your career highlights, look back on past appraisal forms or ask trusted colleagues.  

Using a template to structure answers can also help you prepare and rehearse, particularly if you tend to go off on a tangent or waffle. 

During the interview

Your preparation to date places you in a strong position and the following may help you perform more effectively: 

• Interviews often cause an adrenaline rush, which means we speak more quickly. So think about what you can put in place to calm yourself. 
• Ensure you give yourself enough time to get there and always plan to arrive early.  
• Use notes to help you stay on track – interviews are not memory tests. 
• If you do not understand a question, ask for clarification.  

At the end of the interview

The interview might be over, but there are things that can cement a positive impression: 

• Ask questions to demonstrate the research you have undertaken into the organisation or sector.  
• Share any important examples or evidence that you have not been able to address earlier.  
• Thank everyone for their time and reiterate your interest in the role.  

Finally, while you want to meet the needs of the interviewer, don’t forget that this is an opportunity for you to make an informed decision about whether this role and this organisation are right for you. 

Tamsin Russell is workforce development lead at the Museums Association