10 interview tips to make a positive first impression

Do you want to perfect your interview performance? Take a look at the top 10 tips in this article for best practice in-person and online interview advice.

Rate this content

 

Being interviewed, in person or online, can be nerve-wracking. You want to do well and ultimately get the job.  Unfortunately, there’s no getting away from interviews; they’re a fundamental part of the recruitment process. But there are certain things you can do to improve how well you do, including the 10 top tips listed below.   

before the interview 

do your research

Sharing what you know about the company during your interview is a clear sign you’ve done your homework and are committed to working for the organisation. 

Read their website and social media channels, and keep an eye out for recent press articles and business news. You may also find that this research helps you generate ideas for your questions at the end of the interview. 

areas to research:

  • what does the company do? 
  • what are their successes? 
  • what are their current challenges? (e.g. market conditions, competitors, technology) 
  • who are their main customers? 
  • who are their top 3 competitors? 
  • what’s their USP? 

prepare your answers 

Think about the questions you think you could be asked and consider your responses. A good starting point is to prepare for questions that are centred around your CV and career history.  

questions to prepare for: 

  • Tell me about yourself? 
  • Talk me through your career to date 
  • What has been your greatest career highlight so far? 
  • What are your strengths and weaknesses? 

Looking at the job specification can also help. Turn each requirement into a question and identify three examples of how you’ve demonstrated the relevant competency. 

for each of these examples you should identify the: 

  • concept – how did you come up with an idea/plan/suggestion? 
  • construct – what did you do and how? 
  • outcome – what was the result for you and your previous employer? 

consider the practicalities  

This tip is shaped by the type of interview you’re having – in-person or virtual. 

if it’s in-person: 

  • plan your journey beforehand – you can’t be late  
  • make sure you’ve got plenty of fuel - well before your interview 
  • factor in time to have something to eat - even if it’s a snack 
  • consider your appearance – wear something that’s suitable and smart 

if it’s online: 

  • prepare your technology – how are you going to log in and is it all set up? 
  • get your links ready – have everything you need to join on time 
  • eat beforehand – it will help boost your sugar levels  
  • make sure you look smart – it’s better to overdress than underdress 
  • consider your environment – being sat at a desk in a neutral, tidy room is the most appropriate setting 

rehearse your answers 

While you may feel you don’t need to or you feel silly doing it, rehearsing your answers in front of a mirror will help you identify any information gaps you may have. This best practice tactic will also make sure you deliver a confident performance on the day. 

during the interview

be switched on from the outset

The first 3 to 7 seconds of your interview are crucial. When the interviewers first come in or appear on the screen make sure you smile, give them eye contact and say, ‘good morning/afternoon’. If you are being interviewed in-person and they haven’t mentioned your name, say it as you shake their hand. This personalises the interaction and immediately builds rapport. 

be honest if you’re unsure

If you’re asked something you aren’t sure about, don’t be afraid to say it’s an interesting question and you need a couple of seconds to think of an answer. Similarly, if you don’t understand the question, ask for it to be re-phrased. And if you genuinely don’t know the answer, be honest and say so. This makes a much better impression than getting flustered or answering incorrectly. 

turn experience gaps into positives

You can turn any potential negatives into positives by focusing on your transferable skills. Turn the question on its head by explaining you’re a fast learner, who can easily apply yourself to gain the necessary skills. 

don’t ask about holiday and salary

You could be perceived as being more focused on your time off and salary than the role itself. While it’s important you establish these details, it’s not best practice to ask about them at the end of your first interview. If you progress to the next phase, then you can ask more detailed questions, including how many days leave you are entitled to and what your wage will be. 

“One career coach really helped me re-frame my job search, define what I can offer and evolve my online presence, while the other helped me with my general self-confidence. As a result, I was able to feel more comfortable about my age, and view myself positively as an older and more experienced employee. "

Tim

caba client

after the interview  

be patient

Don’t pester your interviewer straight away for feedback. You don’t know how many candidates they are interviewing or the period of time the interviews are taking place – they could be spaced out over several weeks due to people’s availability. Typically, candidates are contacted 48 to 72 hours after an interview. If you haven’t heard anything after this time, then politely reach out. 

stay visible

If, after 14 days you still haven’t heard anything, try contacting them again. Sometimes, the first person they offer the job to turns it down. By remaining visible you stand a better chance of being offered the position. If you do hear back and find you were unsuccessful, learn from the experience by asking for feedback on your application and interview performance.  

how caba can help you find work

We are here to help you develop a career plan that helps improve your confidence and networking skills, creates an effective job search strategy, builds a winning CV and transforms your interview skills.

get in touch today

further reading 

Woman writing on paper in her kitchen

14 tips for creating a standout cover letter and CV

A strong cover letter and CV is the key to getting past the initial application phase and one step closer to interview stage. Take a look at these 14 tips for perfecting both of these documents.

View more
Man sat outside of meeting room going over notes

sell yourself with the perfect elevator pitch

Have you got an elevator pitch? Having one makes it easier for you to answer the dreaded ‘tell me about yourself’ question in interviews. This article features best practice advice for perfecting your pitch.

View more
What-is-burout--1220551632-v2-article.jpg

burnout: what it looks like

Burnout is when we feel overwhelmed emotionally and physically, so much so, it becomes almost impossible to function in our work or personal life or both. Burnout affects people in different ways, but there are common signs to look out for. Discover what they are by reading this article.

View more

training and events

14 November 2024

better people management

People management skills can be a powerful way to improve your management style. This webinar shows you how to develop practical skills to …
espresso series
21 November 2024

developing a compassionate mind

Learning to support ourselves with care and kindness will equip us with the internal resources we need to manage stressful times. Join this …
espresso series
27 November 2024

how to give and receive feedback effectively

Giving and receiving feedback is a fundamental part of any team’s development and an essential skill for a successful people manager. Giving and …
espresso series
28 November 2024

how to multitask effectively

Are you good at multitasking? According to research, trying to do two or more activities at the same time reduces your effectiveness. This …
enhanced webinar

view all training and events 

your questions answered 

Who is eligible for support?

We support past and present members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales (ICAEW), ACA students, ICAEW staff members, and the family and carers of members and students. 

  1. No matter where your career takes you, past and present members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England Wales (ICAEW) are eligible for caba’s services for life, even if you change your career and leave accountancy 
  2. ACA students (ICAEW Provisional Members) who are either an active student or have been an active student within the last three years are eligible for caba's services 
  3. Past and present staff members of the ICAEW or caba are eligible for caba's services for life, even if you leave either organisation. Please note, for former employees, our financial support is only available to those who have had five years continuous employment with either organisation 
  4. Family members and carers of either an eligible past or present ICAEW member, ACA student or past or present employee of the ICAEW or caba are eligible for caba's support. We define a family member as a: 
    1. spouse, civil partner or cohabiting partner 
    2. widow, widower or surviving civil partner who has not remarried or cohabiting with a partner 
    3. divorced spouse or civil partner who has not remarried or cohabiting with a partner 
    4. child aged up to 25. Please note, children aged between 16 and 25 are not eligible for individual financial support 
    5. any other person who is dependent on the eligible individual supporting them financially or are reliant on the eligible individual’s care 
    6. any other person on whom the eligible individual is reliant, either financially or for care 

You can find out more about our available support both in the UK and around the world on our support we offer page and by using our interactive eligibility tool

Are your services means-tested?

If you need financial support, we carry out a means test where we consider income, expenditure, capital and assets.  

*Please note none of our other services are means-tested. 

I’m an accountant, but not a member of ICAEW, can you still help?

Unfortunately not. We only support past and present ICAEW members, their carers and their families. If we are unable to support you, where possible we will point you to help elsewhere.

caba has supported me in the past; can I receive support from caba again?

We understand that circumstances change. If we’ve helped you in the past there’s no reason why we can’t help you again. You can contact us at any time. Please call us if you need our help.

view more questions



Not got the answer to your question?