At Gough Recruitment, we speak to employers every day, and recently, a clear theme has emerged.
Many candidates have the skills, experience, and qualifications to do the job… yet they’re not getting the offer.
Why?
Interview performance.
Clients are telling us that too many candidates simply aren’t prepared enough for interviews. And in a competitive job market, preparation is what separates the “maybes” from the “yes, let’s hire them.”
The good news? Interview skills can be learned, refined, and mastered.
Here’s how to do it.
1. Know the Company Inside and Out
Before your interview, take the time to truly understand the business.
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Visit their website and learn their history, services, and mission.
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Check their LinkedIn page and follow recent posts or news.
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Look at any press releases or recent projects they’ve worked on.
Why it matters: Employers notice when you’ve done your homework, it shows genuine interest and initiative.
Helpful Tool:
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Google Alerts – Set up alerts for the company name so you’re notified of any news or updates before the interview.
2. Understand the Role and Your Fit
Read the job description carefully and highlight the key skills and experience required. Then, match these to your own background with examples.
Pro Tip: Prepare a few “success stories” from your past roles that demonstrate you’ve delivered similar results.
3. Practice, Practice, Practice
Even the most experienced professionals benefit from practice.
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Prepare answers for common questions like:
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“Tell me about yourself.”
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“Why should we hire you?”
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“What’s a challenge you’ve faced and how did you overcome it?”
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Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
Helpful Tools:
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Big Interview – Offers mock interview training and feedback.
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Interview Warmup (by Google) – AI-powered practice sessions to help you improve your answers and delivery.
4. Prepare Questions for the Employer
Interviews go both ways, employers want candidates who are curious and engaged.
Ask questions like:
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“How do you measure success in this role?”
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“What’s the team dynamic like?”
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“What’s the company’s vision for the next 12 months?”
This shows you’re not only qualified but also invested in the role and culture.
5. Get the Logistics Right
It might sound simple, but interview nerves can be made worse by poor planning.
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Confirm the time, location, and format (in-person or online).
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If virtual, test your camera, microphone, and internet connection.
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Plan your outfit in advance so it’s one less thing to worry about.
6. Focus on Mindset and Body Language
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Arrive a little early to settle in and calm your nerves.
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Maintain eye contact and smile naturally.
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Listen actively, don’t interrupt, and respond thoughtfully.
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If you need a moment to think, pause. It’s better than rushing your answer.
Final Thought
An interview is more than just a Q&A, it’s your opportunity to demonstrate why you’re the right fit for the role, both in skills and personality. The better you prepare, the more confident and natural you’ll feel on the day.
At Gough Recruitment, we work closely with our candidates to ensure they’re ready to shine, from polishing your CV to practising your interview technique.
Need help preparing for your next interview?
Speak to your Gough Recruitment consultant today.