Interviews can feel daunting, especially if it’s your first time or if you’ve not had one for a while. But according to Graham, our Business Development Executive, the key to success is remembering one simple truth:
“An interview is a two-way conversation. If you’ve been invited in, they already like what they’ve seen. You’re halfway there – so drop the nerves and walk in positively.”
To help you feel fully prepared, Graham has shared his step-by-step approach from the moment you receive the interview invite to the follow-up afterwards.
Step 1: do your research (and go beyond the basics)
A couple of days before, investigate:
- What the company does and where they operate
- Any interesting projects they’ve been involved in
- How long they’ve been established
- Look for something unexpected that you can mention in conversation like if they began with just three staff, supported a local charity, or recently won an award
This helps you show genuine interest not just that you skimmed the “About Us” page.
Step 2: plan your outfit and journey in advance
Nothing ramps up stress like last-minute panic. Graham recommends:
- Laying out your clothes and ironing them a day or two before
- Planning your route and even doing a trial run if you’re unsure
- Aiming to arrive 10 minutes early
- Choosing calming music on the way (Graham swears by a bit of Frank Sinatra steady tempo = steady nerves)
Step 3: make a friendly first impression – before you even enter the interview room
If there’s a receptionist or front-of-house team, be friendly. A simple “Hi, how’s your day going?” makes you memorable before you’ve even introduced yourself to the interviewer.
Step 4: the powerful first seven seconds
Psychology tells us that people form a first impression within seven seconds. Graham’s checklist for that moment:
- Walk in with confidence
- Smile and make eye contact
- Offer a firm handshake
These small actions speak louder than anything you’ll say in the first question.
Step 5 & 6: accept the drink – it’s actually a trick!
If they offer water, tea or coffee always accept. That drink serves a purpose:
- It gives you something to do with your hands
- It becomes a natural pause button if you need to think
→ Take a sip = gain 5–10 seconds of thinking time without awkward silence
Step 7: be memorable – ask better questions
When they say, “Do you have any questions?”, this is your moment to stand out.
Instead of the usual “What are the progression opportunities?”, try something unexpected like:
“What are three things you love about working here and three things you’d change if you could?”
This shows curiosity, personality, and confidence.
Step 8: follow up – put the ball back in their court
When you get home, send a short thank-you message:
“Thanks for your time today. I really enjoyed learning more about the role and I’m excited by the opportunity.”
It’s slightly bold and that’s the point. You show enthusiasm and leave them with a positive final impression.
Common mistakes learners make (and how to avoid them)
- Babbling – usually caused by nerves and fast music beforehand. Slow your pace.
- Asking basic questions – be creative, be curious, show personality.
- Using the word “IF” – Graham bans this word. Swap it for WHEN. “When I start” sounds confident. “If I get the role” sounds unsure.
Talking about skills without work experience? use STAR.
Even if you don’t have much job history, you have transferable skills. Use the STAR method:
- Situation – What happened?
- Task – What needed to be done?
- Action – What did you do?
- Result – What changed because of your action?
Your life experiences count. You just need to connect them to the workplace. Back up what you say with real examples that show your impact – it doesn’t have to come from a job. Maybe you’ve supported others, organised something, or solved a problem. Showing what you did and the difference it made helps bring your skills to life.
The five Ps: Graham’s golden rule for interviews
Graham shares a saying that he believes every learner should keep in mind:
Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance.
In interview terms, that means:
- Planning your outfit in advance
- Researching the company early, not on the morning of the interview
- Mapping your journey so you’re not rushing
- Choosing calming music to stay in control of your pace and nerves
- Arriving early and feeling composed, not flustered
All these small actions remove stress triggers so you can walk in feeling calm, collected, and confident.
Final bit of wisdom from Graham
“Be authentic. Interviewers can spot an act a mile off. They want to meet YOU.”
Remember the interviewer is just as keen to find the right person as you are to get the job. Walk in prepared, be yourself, and aim to be memorable.
Ready to feel confident in your next interview?
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