STEP 4
JOB INTERVIEWS
INTERVIEW LIKE A BOSS, NOT A ROOKIE
So, you’ve scored an interview. Nice. Now’s the time to show them you’re the right choice. But let’s not wing it, okay? I’m giving you all my top tips for every stage of the process. You’re welcome.
BEFORE THE INTERVIEW
Make sure you prep like you’ve never prepped before!
- Research: If you don’t know the company’s mission, products or clients, don’t even bother showing up.
- Elevator pitch: Get ready to summarise your work experience, skills and career goals in a way that leaves them wanting more. Short, snappy and confident.
- Practise responses: Prepare and practise answers to commonly asked interview questions. Consider the STAR method to frame your answers (Situation, Task, Action, Result). You don’t want to ramble.
- Have questions ready: When they ask, ‘Do you have any questions for us?’ the only right answer is yes. Show interest.
- The handshake: In-person interview? Perfect that firm handshake. Weak handshakes say, ‘Oh god, please let this be over I’m not ready and don’t want the job’. Or something like that.
DURING THE INTERVIEW
Ready to shine? Here’s how to make it happen.
- Dress to impress: Don’t dress like you’re just there for the free coffee. Show them you mean business.
- Silence your phone: Off, and out of sight. Don’t get distracted.
- Positive vibes only: No bad-mouthing past employers. It’s not a good look.
- Stay confident: Stuck on a question? It’s okay to ask for clarification or take a beat before answering. Better a thoughtful response than a rushed mess.
- Ask to expand: If you feel like your answer fell flat, don’t be afraid to ask if you can elaborate. They’ll appreciate the effort.
AFTER THE INTERVIEW
It’s time to seal the deal.
- Thankyou email: Within 24 hours, send a thankyou note. Make it thoughtful and reiterate why you’re pumped about the role. This is a no-brainer if you want to stay in the running.
- Connect on LinkedIn: Go ahead and send a connection request to your interviewers. At the very least, job interviews can be great networking opportunities.
- Follow up: If they give you a timeline on when you will hear about next steps – and then you don’t hear from them – wait 1–2 business days before reaching out. No timeline? Wait 5–10 days before you check in.
HAVE AN ONLINE JOB INTERVIEW?
Here’s how to nail that interview from the minute you log on.
- Pick a pro setting: No, your messy bedroom won’t cut it. Find a quiet, well-lit space that screams ‘I’ve got my life together’.
- Check your tech: Make sure your laptop is charged and plugged in. Test your Wi-Fi, camera and mic. Oh, and wear headphones to avoid awkward echoes.
- Test the platform: Zoom? Teams? Google Meet? Test your platform before the big day. There’s nothing more embarrassing than fumbling with tech while your potential boss watches.
WANT TO GO OVER YOUR LINES?
Of course, you do.
Below, I’ve listed some commonly asked questions (from all the very important, prestigious and high-up companies I’ve interviewed with. You’ll get there one day.):
- Why are you interested in this company?
- Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
- Describe a time when you worked on a marketing project from start to finish.
- How do you stay updated with marketing trends and industry changes?
- Tell me about a time when you had to work under pressure or meet a tight deadline.
- Give an example of a time you worked on a team project. What was your role?
- How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback?
- What’s a recent marketing campaign that impressed you, and why?
- How would you handle a situation where a client is unhappy with a campaign you helped create?
- What’s one skill you’re hoping to develop in this role?
