Career Tips

With interviews still being held online, it is beneficial to familiarise yourself with Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Skype so you are not stuck on mute. Even though these interviews may seem informal, it is best to treat them how you would a normal interview: dress smartly, have prepared questions, check your sound (e.g., is there too much noise surrounding the room) and have your CV nearby so you can refer to it when asked. 

Linking back to our previous guide Interviewing the interviewer  it is vital to have questions ready yourself. During the interview you may feel stumped so it is important to prepare yourself beforehand so you are not left thinking about all the questions you could have asked when the interview has concluded, and the opportunity is no longer there. A good question to ask is ‘How can I impress you in the first three months?’ - this shows that you will be a positive contribution and will also highlight areas of the job where you can focus during the beginning of your employment. To get more inspiration about what to ask the interviewer, research the company! Check out their website, maybe look at their social media to see how the business works.

What an interviewer may ask can seem slightly unpredictable however, you can make a rough guess on where the interview may lead based on the position you applied for and the experience you hold. For example, there are some questions the interviewer is always going to ask:

• What are your main achievements?
• Why are you looking to move roles?
• Which software systems are you used to using?
• What relevant qualifications do you hold in relation to this role?

Preparing answers to these questions is a good place to start. When you have done this, you can then start thinking about industry related question that could come up. For example, if you have applied for a role in Civil Engineering, they may also ask?

• Can you tell us how you would logically go about fixing an engineering problem?
• Can you tell us how you would prioritise issues when analysing data?
• Please can you explain what you view the main challenges an engineer may face when working on site?
• Do you prefer being present on site or working within the office setting? 

To answer these questions, you can refer to previous projects to explain what went well and something you may have changed to improve the outcome. Do not be afraid to show off the experience you have gained and the qualifications you have earnt, this is what the employers want to see!

After the interview, send an email to the host thanking them for their time and that you hope to hear from them soon. This will reiterate that you are an enthusiastic candidate and will make a lasting impression after the interview.

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