NAIL YOUR NEXT

JOB INTERVIEW:
YOUR STEP-BY-STEP
GUIDE TO SUCCESS
WHAT’S INSIDE?
Welcome to your Interview Guide! Here you will find all the tips and advice you need to guide you through your next job interview
and ensure it’s a success - whether it’s taking place in person, over video or phone.

PART 1: YOUR PRE-INTERVIEW PART 2: WHAT TO DO ON THE PART 3: AFTER YOUR INTERVIEW
TO-DO LIST DAY OF YOUR INTERVIEW – WHAT’S NEXT?

Hays Interview Guide - What’s inside? 2

PART 1:
YOUR
PRE-INTERVIEW
TO-DO LIST
DO YOUR RESEARCH
In order to get yourself interview-ready, you need to research and speak to your recruiter about these four things:

1. THE INDUSTRY 2. THE COMPANY

WHAT DO I NEED WHAT DO I NEED The company’s history, products and services, mission,
Any recent developments, trends and changes
TO KNOW? TO KNOW? values and purpose, customers and its culture

WHERE CAN WHERE CAN Their company websites, annual reports, marketing
I FIND THIS Search engines, news stories and company websites I FIND THIS material, company social media accounts, employee
INFORMATION? INFORMATION? social media activity, news stories, events and review sites

3. THE HIRING MANAGER 4. THE ROLE

WHAT DO I NEED Who they are, their role, their expertise WHAT DO I NEED As much as possible about this role and any previous
TO KNOW? and their career experience TO KNOW? work the team has completed

WHERE CAN Their LinkedIn profile, search engines, WHERE CAN

The job description, company social media accounts,
I FIND THIS the company websites, speaking appearances I FIND THIS
employee social media activity and company websites
INFORMATION? (try searching YouTube), and your recruiter INFORMATION?

Hays Interview Guide - Pre-interview to do list 4

PLAN HOW YOU ARE GOING TO INTRODUCE YOURSELF
A key part of getting ready for your interview is preparing how you will introduce yourself and talk through
your ‘story’ so far. So, how should you structure your introduction?
THINGS TO REMEMBER:

When talking through your CV, ensure you do so in

chronological order – focusing on only the roles
I am a business management graduate with

1
which are relevant to this job interview.
Firstly, explain your relevant educational a master’s in Digital Marketing. Since leaving
and professional background university I have enjoyed a two-year marketing Keep your language simple, and where possible,
career within the sports industry. use action verbs to better showcase your skills.

During my time within this industry, I have

been able to apply what I learnt during my

2
master’s, whilst building upon my digital You can find more information about introducing
Next, discuss the key skills and expertise
marketing expertise even further. I believe yourself in a job interview here.
you have which directly relate to this
that my digital marketing skills are best
opportunity, using measurable examples
showcased by an email marketing campaign
I recently led, which increased our conversion
rate by 10%.

My previous organisation has helped me

develop the digital skills I have today, however,
I believe that for the sake of progressing my

3
Finally, describe what you are looking for expertise further, it’s time to move on.
in your next role and why this role, at this Therefore, I’m looking for a more challenging
organisation, appealed to you role within a fast-paced global organisation,
where there is plenty of room for me to grow as
a marketing professional; hence why I was so
pleased to be invited to interview for this role.

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 PRACTISE INTRODUCING YOURSELF

1. YOUR RELEVANT EDUCATIONAL 2. THE KEY SKILLS AND EXPERTISE 3. WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR IN
AND PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND YOU HAVE WHICH DIRECTLY YOUR NEXT ROLE AND WHY THIS
RELATE TO THIS OPPORTUNITY. ROLE, AT THIS ORGANISATION,
TIP: USE MEASURABLE EXAMPLES APPEALED TO YOU

Hays Interview Guide - Practice 1 6

PREPARE YOUR ANSWERS TO THESE
COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
Once you’ve introduced yourself and spoken through your CV, you will likely be asked some common interview questions.
Here are some that you should prepare for:

1. “WHY ARE YOU LOOKING TO 2. “WHY SHOULD I HIRE YOU?” 3. “HOW WOULD YOUR FRIENDS
LEAVE YOUR CURRENT JOB?” DESCRIBE YOU?”

• The interviewer will ask you this because they want to • This is an opportunity to sell yourself; think about what • By asking this question, the interviewer is trying
understand what motivates and fulfils you, and what benefits you will bring to the company if they take you to determine if your personality suits the role,
type of company culture you are best suited to. on, rather than someone else. team and company.

• Don’t focus this answer on what you dislike about your • Identify three skills/experiences you’re going • What kind of personal attributes of yours would be
current role or organisation; focus on the opportunities to mention. This list should include ‘hard skills’ useful for demonstrating your suitability for this role?
that you see in the position you’ve applied for, such mentioned in the job description (i.e. technical
as the opportunity to learn new skills, or develop your abilities), as well as transferrable or ‘soft skills’,
For example:
understanding in a new industry. like communication and the ability to work
You might be interviewing for a sales role, and you
as part of a team.
Find more advice on answering this question here. think your friends would describe you as friendly
and a good listener. These would be good qualities
• Be informative, but succinct. Don’t risk disengaging
to mention, as they demonstrate your ability to build
For example: the interviewer with an overly long and poorly
rapport, including with potential and existing clients.
“While I’ve learnt a great deal in my current role, I structured response.
believe it is now time to make a change, because
I’d like to expand on my skills and build on my • Rehearse, but also maintain some spontaneity. Be sure • Don’t just think about traits that relate to the job
experiences on a more consistent basis. I believe not to over-rehearse your response to such an extent description, think about how your friends would truly
this opportunity may enable me to do that, as I’ve that you come across as robotic when you give it. describe you – or, better, ask them. This will indicate
found from my research that your company has a to the interviewer how well you will get on with your
Find more advice on answering this question here.
commitment to lifelong learning for your staff.” potential colleagues.

Find more advice on answering this question here.

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PREPARE YOUR ANSWERS TO THESE
COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
4. “WHY DO YOU 5. “CAN YOU TELL ME 6. “WHAT ARE YOUR 7. “ARE YOU INTERVIEWING
WANT THIS JOB?” ABOUT A TIME THAT SALARY EXPECTATIONS?” WITH ANY OTHER
YOU FAILED?” COMPANIES?”

Structure your answer with these four • This will help the interviewer to assess how • Make sure you are aware of the • The interviewer will ask you this for a range
key points: you deal with set-backs; do you take a step industry standard for your role and of reasons, whether that’s to gain validation
back and think about where you went wrong, level of experience before going into your that you are genuinely interested in this role
1. Why you are passionate about or do you sweep it under the carpet and act interview. If you’re unsure, consult our and their company, or to see how quickly
the company? like it never happened? Salary Guides or ask your recruiter. they would need to act if they were to offer
you the job.
2. Why you are passionate about the role? • Plan which example you are going to talk • Having this information will allow
about – not something which is a thinly you to answer this question with a lot Do: Convey that this is your company
3. How this opportunity would allow veiled success story, but is a genuine more conviction, and will put you in of choice; pivot the conversation
you to progress? example of where you made an a much better position should you towards what you are looking for in
oversight or error in judgement. need to negotiate. your next role; keep it general; don’t
4. Reiterate how pleased you are to have. hide the fact you’ve already received
been invited to the interview • Some key points to remember: explain a job offer if that’s the case.
clearly how it happened, don’t make
excuses, don’t blame others and show Don’t: List specific company names
that you have learnt from the situation. or the number of other jobs you’ve
applied for, and don’t exaggerate
the scale of your job search or
progress so far.

Find more advice on answering Find more advice on answering Find more advice on answering Find more advice on answering
this question here. this question here. this question here. this question here.

Hays Interview Guide - Pre-interview to do list 8

 PRACTISE YOUR ANSWERS TO THESE
COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
1. “WHY ARE YOU LOOKING TO 2. “WHY SHOULD I HIRE YOU?” 3. “HOW WOULD YOUR FRIENDS
LEAVE YOUR CURRENT JOB?” DESCRIBE YOU?”

Hays Interview Guide - Practice 2 9

 PRACTISE YOUR ANSWERS TO THESE
COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
4. “WHY DO YOU 5. “CAN YOU TELL ME 6. “WHAT ARE 7. “ARE YOU
WANT THIS JOB?” ABOUT A TIME THAT YOUR SALARY INTERVIEWING
YOU FAILED?” EXPECTATIONS?” WITH ANY OTHER
COMPANIES?”

Hays Interview Guide - Practice 2 10

LEARN HOW TO USE THE STAR TECHNIQUE FOR
SITUATIONAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
You may also be asked situational and
behavioural interview questions that are “Tell me about a time when “Give me an example of a time “Tell me about a time when you
about understanding how you work, and you supported a colleague when you’ve missed a deadline. saw that a colleague had made
what your innate response to a particular who was struggling.” How did you learn from it?” a mistake. What did you do?”
situation would be. For example:

In order to answer this type of interview question successfully, you need to use the storytelling method called the STAR technique. This will keep your responses
clear, focused and memorable. Let’s demonstrate this technique by using the example question “Can you think of a time where you used a problem-solving attitude?”

S SET THE SITUATION

“Yes, whilst I was employed at X company, I was responsible for digitally promoting a portfolio of X products. One week, our online
sales for a particular product were 25% lower than usual.”

T EXPLAIN YOUR TASK

AND INVOLVEMENT
“I was tasked with making changes to our digital marketing presence to rectify this dip in sales.”

“Therefore, I created banner adverts for these products to go on our homepage and email signatures. I also increased our social media

A DESCRIBE YOUR ACTION activity promoting these products. I encouraged internal teams to “like and share” this activity. I then launched an email campaign to
go out to a targeted list of customers for that product.”

R SHOW OFF THE RESULTS “Consequently, by the following week, online sales for this product saw a 40% increase and have remained steady ever since.”

Learn more about the STAR technique here.

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 PRACTISE THE STAR TECHNIQUE:
ANSWER ONE OF THE QUESTIONS BELOW
“Tell me about a time when you saw that
“Tell me about a time when you supported “Give me an example of a time when you’ve
a colleague had made a mistake.
a colleague who was struggling.” missed a deadline. How did you learn from it?”
What did you do?”

S SET THE SITUATION

T EXPLAIN YOUR TASK
AND INVOLVEMENT A DESCRIBE YOUR ACTION
R SHOW OFF THE RESULTS

Hays Interview Guide - Practice 3 12

BE READY TO EXPLAIN ANY GAPS ON YOUR CV
It is common to have gaps on your CV, whether that’s down to redundancy, travelling, illness, caring for a relative, looking after
children, studying, and so on.

Whatever the circumstances, this is very common and explaining the gap in an interview doesn’t need to be a source for stress
or worry. But how can you explain these gaps to an interviewer in a manner that further sells you as a potential hire?

REMEMBER THESE FIVE GENERAL PRINCIPLES:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

When explaining how you’ve spent Structure your answer well. Rather than going into specifics Whatever the reason is, Use positive language and don’t
your time out of the workplace, try Briefly start by explaining why you about the reason for your gap, remember to be open and honest apologise for taking a break or
to demonstrate anything you’ve were unemployed during that time, focus your answer on how you with your answer, without going having a gap.
done that has been productive then go on to explain what you did, used your time and why you think into unnecessary detail.
or proactive – such as learning and lastly emphasise why you think you would be great in this role.
a new skill, keeping up to date this is the right opportunity for you.
with the industry, or any voluntary
work you undertook.

Learn more about explaining CV gaps

in an interview by reading this blog.

Hays Interview Guide - Pre-interview to do list 13

PLAN THE QUESTIONS YOU’RE GOING
TO ASK YOUR INTERVIEWER
When you are asked “Do you have any questions?”, it’s important to use this as an opportunity not only to determine if this truly is the perfect job
role, company and team for you, but to demonstrate your creative thinking, curious mindset and genuine interest to your potential employer.

FOCUS YOUR QUESTIONS ON THESE SIX AREAS:

1. THE ROLE
4. LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT
• Is this a new role? If not, how has it evolved?
• How often would my performance be reviewed?

NO
• Is there scope for career progression?
• What training opportunities are available?

INT TE
• What does success look like in this job?
• What does a typical day look like?

E
QU RVI S
EST EW 5. THE ORGANISATION
2. THE TEAM
ION • What are the main challenges and opportunities
• Can you tell me more about the team? S the business faces?
• How does the team fit into the overall
• How long do employees usually remain with
structure of the company?
the business?
• What constitutes success for the team?
• How does your organisation live its purpose?

3. THE HIRING MANAGER

• What’s your background?
6. NEXT STEPS
• From your perspective, what’s it like
to work here? • What is the next step in the hiring process?
• What is your management style?

Hays Interview Guide - Pre-interview to do list 14

 PLAN THE QUESTIONS YOU’RE GOING
TO ASK THE INTERVIEWER
1. THE ROLE 3. THE HIRING MANAGER 5. THE ORGANISATION

2. THE TEAM 4. LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT 6. NEXT STEPS

Hays Interview Guide - Practice 4 15

YOU ARE ALMOST INTERVIEW-READY,
WITH JUST SIX FINAL PREPARATIONS LEFT…
Ensure you’re clear on these six practicalities:

1. WHAT TIME AND WHERE 2. PRACTICE 3. HOW LONG THE 4. WHAT FORMAT THE 5. WHAT THE DRESS 6. THE JOB DESCRIPTION
THE INTERVIEW WILL MAKES PERFECT INTERVIEW WILL LAST INTERVIEW WILL BE CODE IS
TAKE PLACE

If the interview is being Conduct mock interviews with As a general rule of thumb, Will it include tests, This is still important even It’s a great idea to print
conducted at the a friend or family member. a face-to-face interview will or meeting the team? if the interview is taking this out to have with you,
organisation’s office, You could also use a free last around 45 minutes place remotely. just in case.
ensure you know how to get online AI tool, such as to one hour.
there and how long it will take. Google’s Interview Warmup. If your interview is face-
to-face, you can have this
If the interview is being in your bag for some final
conducted remotely, ensure preparations on your way.
you’re clear on the technology
used – and plan where you If your interview is
will sit, thinking carefully remote, you can have this
about what you’d like your to hand so you can refer to
background to be. Also ensure it at any point.
you inform anyone you live
with about the interview, so as If you’re feeling unsure about
to avoid any noise disruption. any of these points, your
recruiter can help you.

Hays Interview Guide - Pre-interview to do list 16

IF YOU NEED TO ARRANGE TIME OFF FOR YOUR
INTERVIEW, CONSIDER THESE THREE THINGS

1. TRY TO AVOID SCHEDULING THE 2. BOOK A DAY’S ANNUAL LEAVE ON 3. DON’T LIE OR SNEAK AROUND
INTERVIEW DURING WORKING HOURS, THE DAY OF THE INTERVIEW
IF POSSIBLE

• First thing in the morning, during your lunch break, • Or if that’s not possible, what about booking • If you have been unable to move the interview
or even after work are the preferable times to a half-day? to a time that fits around your current work
arrange an interview commitments, it can understandably be tempting
• This way, your anxieties will be significantly to manufacture a mythical doctor’s appointment
• If your interview is scheduled for a time that diminished, allowing you to focus solely or even call in sick on the day
could be particularly difficult for you to attend, on your interview
let your recruiter or the hiring manager know • But we do not recommend this; it is a very difficult
as early as possible situation to be in, but it’s not worth getting caught
out in a lie. If you are at last resort, then it’s best
• Explain the situation and request some to be vague and say that you have a personal
alternative dates and times appointment you must attend

Find more advice on arranging

time off for a job interview here.

Hays Interview Guide - Pre-interview to do list 17

GET INTO A POSITIVE FRAME OF MIND
BEFORE YOUR JOB INTERVIEW
This will allow you to perform at your very best, in the knowledge that you’re as prepared as possible. It will also help you feel more confident,
enabling you to really sell yourself and your skills in an authentic way to the interviewer.

Follow these five steps in the days before your interview to get into a positive mindset, and to calm any nerves you may be feeling:

1. REFRAME THE WAY YOU THINK 2. SPEAK TO YOUR RECRUITER 3. DON’T LET IMPOSTER SYNDROME 4. PICTURE POSITIVE OUTCOMES 5. CHANGE YOUR PERCEPTION
AND SUPPORT GROUP GET THE BETTER OF YOU OF THE INTERVIEWER

Check your language for phrases Do you have a friend or family Rather than telling yourself that your Negative thinking can send the It’s easy to be intimidated by
like “this is impossible” or “I can’t” member who is great at giving success to date has just been down best of us into a downward spiral an unknown, presumably senior
and replace them with positive advice, or calming you down? to luck, remind yourself of your of anxiety, and this is not the right person. But this doesn’t need
affirmations, such as “I can do this”. Give them a quick call for uniqueness and your worth. mindset to be in before an interview. to make you nervous; after all,
some reassurance. Give yourself a pep talk, believe if you’ve followed this guide’s
An interview is merely a Take that self-belief into your in yourself and remember all that advice, you will have already
conversation with someone to Remember, too, that your recruiter job interview. you have achieved so far in your looked up your interviewer
get to know each other and to is an expert, and can answer life and career. and found out more about them.
find out more about the job – questions about any worries
there’s no need to build up the or concerns you may have. Now try to mentally visualise Realise that this person will have
situation and cause yourself positive outcomes, whether that’s also been in your shoes once, so
unnecessary stress or anxiety. building rapport with the interviewer you don’t need to feel intimidated.
or delivering great answers that set
you apart.

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LAST BUT NOT LEAST…
The evening before your interview is the time for you
to wind down and relax your mind. You’ve done all you
can by way of interview preparation, so now you need
to ensure you go into the interview tomorrow with
a fresh mind.

THE NIGHT BEFORE YOUR INTERVIEW,

YOU SHOULD:
• Make sure you have time to switch off from your
preparation. You could do that by exercising,
speaking to friends and family, or planning
an activity or hobby for the evening

• Eat a nutritious meal

• Stay calm and keep things in perspective – if you

need to revisit the steps for maintaining a positive
mindset, then do

• Get a good night’s sleep – make sure you avoid any

phone or computer screens in the lead-up to going
to sleep, and focus your attention on things that
calm you down and distract your mind, such as
reading or mindfulness

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PART 2:
ON THE DAY
OF YOUR JOB
INTERVIEW
MAKE THE BEST FIRST IMPRESSION POSSIBLE
It’s essential that you are mindful of the fact that the second you step through the door – before even meeting your interviewer
– you are already making your first impressions.

So, on the day of your interview, ensure you:

(Tick)

1 Refresh your mind of the job description, your CV, and any key notes you have made.

2
Be polite to everyone you meet – whilst receptionists and passing employees will not be deciding
if you get this job or not, they could play a factor. Be your true, authentic self when meeting anyone
during your interview process.

For a face-to-face meeting, wait professionally in the reception area before you’re invited for your

3
interview. Rather than scrolling through your phone, look around you. Are there posters that tell
you more about the organisation? Or marketing materials like booklets that you could flick through?
This will not only help to illustrate your interest in the company from the outset, but will also teach
you more about the organisation.

4
For an online interview, make sure your technology is working before. Ensure your laptop has enough
battery life, your camera and microphone are working, and that your wifi is stable. Check that you have
the correct details needed to join the meeting.

5
Whether it’s in-person or online, arrive on time - being 10 minutes early is best. But if you’re running AND FINALLY…
late because of factors outside of your control (like unexpected travel issues), then let your
• SWITCH OFF YOUR PHONE
interviewer or recruiter know. Being on time is essential for a video interview too – while • DON’T CHEW GUM
being early for this isn’t necessary, be sure you are ready to go 10 minutes prior to the meeting. • SMILE!

Hays Interview Guide - On the day of your interview 21

ENSURE YOU BUILD RAPPORT
WITH YOUR INTERVIEWER
Build a meaningful connection with your interviewer by…

1. SMILING 5. STARTING YOUR ANSWERS WITH A

POSITIVE AFFIRMATION OR AGREEMENT
Make a conscious effort to smile when you are first
introduced, when you say goodbye and regularly throughout Such as “great question”. This is another great way to
the interview. This might seem obvious now, but nerves could humanise the interaction between you and the interviewer.
make you forget.
6. ASKING FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS
2. REMEMBERING YOUR INTERVIEWER’S NAME
Again, make this more of a conversation. If the interviewer
Use it quite often during the interview and as you leave. This is gives information you’re interested in when delivering a
a trick that politicians use when establishing rapport with question, once you have answered their question, be sure
journalists who interview them, and it’s surprisingly effective. to follow up and show your interest.

3. BEING MINDFUL OF NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION 7. RELAXING, AND BEING THE REAL YOU

Even the seemingly simplest things, like sitting up properly in Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through to help
your chair and maintaining good eye contact, can make a big your interviewer see who you really are. Answer questions
difference to both your own mindset and how the interviewer honestly and clearly.
perceives you.
8. KEEPING IT POSITIVE
TOP TIP FOR A REMOTE INTERVIEW :
4. NOT INTERRUPTING THE INTERVIEWER
Maintain a positive attitude and avoid negative comments
Whilst it’s important to make the interview feel more like a about previous employers or colleagues. To appear as though you are providing eye contact during
a video interview, remember to occasionally look into your
conversation than an interrogation, it’s important you are
camera while delivering your answers and when receiving
patient and ensure the interviewer has finished speaking
a question. That way, you will look engaged when listening,
before responding. If you’re interviewing remotely, be aware To find more advice on building rapport with your and you will be more engaging when you are speaking.
of any time lags due to technology. interviewer, read our blog.

Hays Interview Guide - On the day of your interview 22

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR MIND GOES BLANK
DURING THE INTERVIEW
STAY CALM AND DON’T PANIC ADMIT TO YOUR INTERVIEWER THAT YOUR MIND
HAS GONE BLANK
This is crucial. It’s important to know that the sense of
dread and impending disaster washing over you isn’t This shows honesty and humility, whilst giving you the
everything you fear it is. Staying calm will allow your opportunity to move on. It could also help you to relax from
mind to think more rationally and logically, rather than the sudden fight or flight response and allow you to ask the
being in a panicked state of mind. interviewer to repeat the question.

TAKE A DEEP BREATH REPEAT THE QUESTION BACK TO THE INTERVIEWER

Not only will this give you a moment to collect yourself, a deep This gives you a moment to collect your thoughts and listen to
breath also sends a message to your brain to calm down and the question again in your own voice, and for the interviewer to
relax. In a job interview, your brain has reacted to a situation confirm that you have heard the question correctly.
it perceives as threatening, and you taking a deep breath is
calmly sending it a polite message, in response, that this time.

HAVE A SIP OF WATER WHAT CAN YOU DO TO ENSURE THESE MIND

BLANKS DON’T HAPPEN IN THE FIRST PLACE?
At the start of a face-to-face interview, ensure you accept
an offer for a drink; similarly, if you are at home for a video • Relax as much as possible, so that you
interview, make sure you have a drink nearby. This is because can think logically
when you’re faced with a tough question or your mind goes
• Focus on listening to the question being
blank, you can take a sip of water before answering. This will
asked, rather than your anxieties and
be a natural pause in conversation, buying you some more
worries in your head
time to calm your mind and think of your answer.
• Don’t worry about moments of silence, they
are normal in any conversation. Take your time
For more advice on dealing with mind
blanks, read this blog. • Use gestures to help you in the retrieval
of key information

Hays Interview Guide - On the day of your interview 23

PART 3:
WHAT TO
DO AFTER
YOUR JOB
INTERVIEW
NEXT STEPS – WHAT YOU SHOULD AND SHOULDN’T DO
AFTER YOUR INTERVIEW
Well done – your interview is now over! So, what’s next?
While you’re waiting to hear back from your interviewer or recruiter, follow these dos and don’ts:

DO
REFLECT ON HOW THE INTERVIEW WENT TALK TO YOUR RECRUITER GIVE YOUR REFERENCES A HEADS-UP
STRAIGHT AFTER THE INTERVIEW

Firstly, congratulate yourself! Having taken a moment, Following on from your interview, speak to your Your references should be aware that they are being
it’s time to consider your impressions of the interview. recruiter as soon as possible and provide feedback used as a reference, but drop them a note to remind
Was it what you expected and did it match what you on how you think the interview went, whilst it is all them and ask them politely to keep an eye out. Ensure
prepared for? still fresh in your mind. you thank them after they have provided this.

Identify what you did well and where there’s room for Reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and how much
improvement. Can you repeat or build on what went you enjoyed meeting with the interviewer. This will be
well in future interviews? Contrastingly, what can you relayed to the company and will work in your favour.
better prepare for? Ask the recruiter for feedback if they have this yet.
If not, then politely try to get an idea of when you
What were your thoughts on the interviewer and the can expect to hear back.
hiring company? Were you happy with the answers
they provided to your questions?

Hays Interview Guide - After your interview 25

 DON’T
CUT TIES WITH BE TOO OBVIOUS LOSE TRACK OF WHO YOU CALL OFF THE JOB SEARCH
YOUR RECRUITER HAVE INTERVIEWED WITH

If you are not successful following Just because a new opportunity is Keep a spreadsheet or list of the However well this interview went,
this interview, then don’t lose hope on the horizon, that doesn’t mean names of the companies, hiring do not by any means cancel any
and certainly don’t cut ties with your you should clock off and let your managers and job titles which other upcoming interviews you have
recruiter. Thank them for their support performance drop within your current you have or plan to interview with. scheduled for different roles, or give
so far, and get as much feedback role. Ensure you are mindful of your up the job hunt on this basis alone.
as you can as to why you weren’t focus and diligence. Make sure this spreadsheet is
successful. Be sure to take this on up-to-date so that you are clear where Think about what is making you so
board ahead of your next interview. It is important to maintain both you are at in the application process keen for this specific opportunity,
your reputation and relationship with each role, and always review that and use these key points to steer
Your recruiter is a valuable ally to with your current company. You don’t list before picking up the phone or your search for similar roles.
have during your job search, and it know how much longer you will be sending that email.
is important that they get to know working there, and even if you are
you and what you’re searching for in offered another role, you never know
your career. So, work on building a when you might need their help in the
professional rapport with them, and future – such as by providing you with
connect with them on LinkedIn. a good reference.

For more advice on what you should and

shouldn’t do after your interview, read our blog.

Hays Interview Guide - After your interview 26

ASK YOURSELF 1 DO YOU FEEL EXCITED
ABOUT THE JOB? 2 IS THE COMPANY
RIGHT FOR YOU?

THESE FOUR
QUESTIONS
• Now you have been to the interview and found out • How did you feel about their purpose, values and culture?
more, can you honestly say this opportunity would
push you to your full potential? • Would you feel proud and passionate about working there?

TO DECIDE IF • How does it fit in with the career plan and objectives
you first set out when you embarked upon your
• Does their company “personality” suit your personality?

THIS IS THE job search? • What were your first impressions of potential colleagues
(if you were introduced to them)?

RIGHT JOB
• How did you feel when the interviewer was explaining
the role in more detail; did you feel excited, and like this
is the challenge you have been waiting for? Did you find

FOR YOU
yourself asking more questions about the opportunity?

• Does this new role have what your current one lacks?
Think again about your reasons for wanting to leave.
Be factual about what you want from a new role –
will this job provide those things?

27
Hays Interview Guide - After your interview
ASK YOURSELF 3
WHAT DID YOU THINK
OF YOUR POTENTIAL
NEW MANAGER? 4 WHAT IS YOUR “GUT”
TELLING YOU?

THESE FOUR
QUESTIONS
• How did your potential boss come across • Your gut feeling isn’t just a suspicion; it is your intuition
during the interview? telling you that a certain decision is for the best, even if
it doesn’t make complete sense at the time.

TO DECIDE IF
• Were they a strong communicator?
• If you walked away from this interview feeling more
• Did they explain the job and their expectations excited than when you walked in, even though certain

THIS IS THE
for the role clearly? boxes in your “perfect job” criteria remained unchecked,
then that’s your instincts kicking in, and you should pay

RIGHT JOB
• Did they listen to your answers, and were they attention to them.
encouraging and receptive to what you had to say?
• But ensure you pair this gut feeling with facts and logical

FOR YOU
• Did they answer all of your questions fully? thinking. When we feel enthusiastic about things, our
rational thinking can be ignored. So, make sure you
• Were they approachable and welcoming? Did you feel don’t get swept away with your excitement.
comfortable talking to them and asking them questions?

• Did they seem passionate about their job, their team

and the company? Find out more by reading our blog.

• Were they interested in your ambitions for the future,

and what you hoped to achieve if successful in this role?

28
Hays Interview Guide - After your interview
 IS THIS JOB RIGHT FOR YOU?
ANSWER THESE FOUR QUESTIONS
1. DO YOU FEEL EXCITED 2. IS THE COMPANY 3. WHAT DID YOU THINK 4. WHAT IS YOUR “GUT”
ABOUT THE JOB? RIGHT FOR YOU? OF YOUR POTENTIAL TELLING YOU?
NEW MANAGER?

29
Hays Interview Guide - After your interview
SIGNS THAT YOUR
INTERVIEW WENT WELL

1 5 9
You were asked “closing questions” at
You were in the interview for You feel excited about the company the end– such as questions surrounding
longer than expected. and the role. your notice period and when you would
be able to start.

2 6 10
Your questions were answered in full –
The interviewer was clear
The interview felt conversational this shows the interviewer was eager
about the next steps.
to sell you the opportunity.

3 7 11
You were told what you would be doing in this
role – for example “in this role, you would be You were introduced to your potential The interviewer gave good
expected to…” as opposed to “the successful new colleagues. feedback to your recruiter.
candidate would be expected to…”.

4 The interviewer seemed engaged – consider

their body language and their responses. 8 You were introduced to senior
decision makers.

Read more about the signs your interview went well in our blog.

30
Hays Interview Guide - After your interview
WHAT TO 1. WRITE DOWN AN HONEST
ACCOUNT OF HOW YOU FELT
2. GIVE BALANCED AND
PROFESSIONAL FEEDBACK

DO IF YOUR
THE INTERVIEW WENT TO YOUR RECRUITER

Do this in chronological order – start right at the beginning Now that you have a clear recollection of the interview,

INTERVIEW of the day, and end with the final point of your interview.
This will allow you to offload your many thoughts and
you should speak to your recruiter. It is worth letting
them know from the get-go that you don’t feel the

WENT BADLY
feelings about the interview so you can recollect more interview went as well as it could have.
clearly how it went.
When feeding back about your performance, it’s
Once you’ve written everything down, it will be easier important that you’re honest, but also that you aren’t
If you think your interview didn’t go very well, then don’t to pinpoint the mistakes you made during the interview. too negative in the language you use – or cross the line
worry. You may well be able to salvage the situation, or Did you forget to prepare questions to ask at the end? from self-aware to self-deprecating. Be sure to also
at least make the best of it, by following these steps: Did you ramble too much with one of your answers? highlight the lessons you have learnt.
Did you accidentally speak negatively about your last
employer? Whatever it was, identify how the mistakes
happened so you can avoid them for next time.

YOU MIGHT SAY SOMETHING LIKE:

FOR EXAMPLE, INSTEAD OF SAYING:
“One of the interview questions caught me off-
“This was a really bad interview. I
guard. Having never been asked this in an interview
completely messed up one of my answers.
before, I rambled a bit. Next time I’ll draw a few deep
I wasn’t expecting the question, so I just
breaths and perhaps ask for a couple of seconds to
rambled and talked absolute rubbish.”
think about my answer.”

31
Hays Interview Guide - After your interview
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR
INTERVIEW WENT BADLY
3. TAKE YOUR RECRUITER’S 4. KEEP CALM AND CONTINUE
FEEDBACK ON BOARD YOUR JOB SEARCH

Once you have fed back to your recruiter, listen to what they In the stressful ‘limbo’ period that is waiting to
have to say. They have plenty of experience in coaching hear back about your success in the interview,
jobseekers for interview situations and gathering feedback it’s important that you keep calm and positive.
from their clients, so they will be able to provide you with
some advice. Don’t give up on your job search whilst waiting to
hear back. Relax, spend some time with family and
The recruiter might also have some feedback from your friends who can boost you up, and then get ready
interviewer, so remember to listen carefully. If they picked to bounce back and carry on looking for new roles.
up on some of your slip-ups, don’t panic. Let the recruiter
know the reasons you think you made these mistakes,
and how you will avoid them in the future. This shows
self-awareness and honesty – both valuable traits,
and both of which can be fed back to the interviewer.

Remember to take note of positive feedback,

and don’t be too hard on yourself.

If you’re looking for more advice for dealing with a bad interview, then read our blog.

Hays Interview Guide - After your interview 32

32
WHAT TO DO IF YOU’VE BEEN INVITED
BACK FOR A SECOND INTERVIEW
Firstly, congratulations if you’re reading this section of your Interview Guide! That must mean you’ve
been invited for a second interview, so well done. But how will this differ from the first?

WHAT FORMAT WILL THE INTERVIEW BE? WHO WILL YOU BE MEETING IN YOUR
SECOND INTERVIEW?
Don’t assume the format of your second interview will be
the same as the first. You may be prepared for a one-on-one At the second interview stage, you will most likely be meeting
interview, only to be faced with a panel of stakeholders on the someone more senior within the business; the person who will
day. Check with your recruiter how many people are interviewing ultimately have the final say on the hiring decision.
you and how the interview will be formatted.
You may also be introduced to more team members,
If there are more people involved in this second interview meeting some of your potential colleagues.
than your first, during the meeting, remember to interact with
everyone in the room and not just those who are asking you the Before your interview, confirm with your recruiter
most questions. Remember everyone’s name and address them who will be conducting the second interview. This will
as such. allow you to research them beforehand online, be it
on LinkedIn or via the company website (following
You may also be asked to undertake a task or test – something the same steps we covered earlier in this guide
which would test your proficiency for the role. Again, ask that you used for your first interview).
your recruiter about this as they will be able to advise you on
anything you should prepare or practise before the interview.

33
Hays Interview Guide - After your interview
WHAT TO DO IF YOU’VE
BEEN INVITED BACK FOR
A SECOND INTERVIEW
WHAT IS THE INTERVIEWER TRYING TO ASSESS?

The main differences between your first and second interviews lie in the objectives of the
interviewer. The key information they are most likely looking for in a second interview is:

1. Your level of interest in the role and organisation 3. Are you the right ‘fit’?
Your level of enthusiasm is directly linked to how well You could be asked questions surrounding your hobbies
you would perform if you were offered the role, so if and interests, how your friends would describe you, and
you are still keen make sure this comes across. what type of culture you prefer to work in. As you answer
these questions, it is important that you remain authentic
2. Do you have the skills required? and honest - after all, the second interview is your chance
Prepare for competency-based interview questions by to critically assess how good a ‘fit’ this organisation is
revisiting the core requirements of the role, plus some for you too.
examples of times you have showcased these skills.
You should also double-check with your recruiter to 4. Addressing and resolving any reservations or doubts
see if you are required to share examples of your Try and recall any recurring questions that they asked
work or prepare any presentations. multiple times but phrased in different ways. This may
be reflective of a concern that they were trying to clear up.

5. Your availability and salary expectations

Have this information ready. If you are unsure of how
to negotiate your salary, check out our Salary Guides.

34
KEEP IN MIND THE
FACT THAT THIS
EXPERIENCE HAS BEEN
VALUABLE, NO MATTER
WHAT THE OUTCOME
CONGRATULATE YOURSELF FOR GETTING THIS FAR

You must appreciate that you have learnt a lot during this process, and have also
increased your employability along the way.

You now have answers prepared and practised for questions such as “Why should I hire
you?”, which are going to come in useful in many future interviews. Your answer to this
question can also act as a great reminder to yourself of the value you bring.

You also now have an up-to-date CV, which you are confident to talk through –
something that is useful in both your professional and personal life.

Apply your growth mindset to this experience; after all, you will have got a lot from this
interview process, no matter the outcome.

Hays Interview Guide - After your interview 35

FURTHER JOB
SEARCH ADVICE
At Hays, we are your lifelong career partner, so can support
you throughout each stage of your job search.

YOU MAY FIND THE BELOW ADVICE USEFUL:

• Creating and updating your CV

• Finding your perfect job
• Accepting a job offer
• Starting a new job
• Get in touch with your local Hays team

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