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Landing a new job isn't just about having the right technical skills – you also need to show you understand the company, how your experience fits, and how you can add value.
Since virtual interviews have become the norm, especially for a first stage, we've seen a noticeable shift in how people show up for them – and not always in a good way.
There is a growing disconnect between what candidates think is expected and what hiring managers are actually looking for. Too often, people are heading into first stage interviews with a "let's just see how it goes" vibe. Maybe it's the comfort of being at home or the casual feel of a video call, but we've seen it lead to a drop in preparation over the last few years.
Here's the thing: clients haven't lowered the bar just because the format's changed. They still want to see that you've done your homework, that you understand the company and the role, and that you're genuinely interested. A quick scan of the job spec right before the call isn't enough!
Preparation still matters. A lot. It shows you care, that you're engaged, and that you're serious about the opportunity. It's about more than just having answers ready - it's knowing who you're talking to, what their challenges might be, and how you could help solve them. It's also about asking good questions - not the generic ones you might get from a search engine.
Just because the interview is happening from your kitchen table doesn't mean it's any less important. If anything, virtual interviews make it harder to build rapport, so the effort you put in beforehand really shows.
So let's not lose sight of the basics. Good prep isn't just a tick-box exercise - it's how you stand out! With that in mind, here are my tips for preparing for an interview – remote or not!
Before your interview, take some time to really understand the company. Here are a few key resources to check out:
Company website: This will give you a good idea of what they do, their structure, and key operations.
Annual accounts: Take a look at how they make money, how they're performing, and any complexities in their accounts.
Recent news: Look into both news about the specific business and industry trends that could impact the company.
Economic factors: Think about what current economic factors might be impacting the business - how are their competitors faring?
Job description: Make sure you understand the role inside out so you can clearly explain how your skills match up.
LinkedIn profiles: Have a look at the profiles of the people you are meeting, look out for any points to break the ice (mutual connections, shared prior companies/universities etc.) and be able to come up with a question(s) for them specifically. i.e. if they've been at the business for a while, what has kept them there?
💡 Tip: As you research, jot down any key insights that come up – this will help you sound informed and engaged in the interview. I'd also recommend writing down the questions you want to ask. It's easy to forget them in the adrenaline of the moment!
Interviewers want to see that you can do the job but also that you understand the challenges the business faces. Think about examples from your past experience that show:
How your skills fit the role: What have you done before that makes you a great candidate?
How you stand out from your peers: What are your key achievements across your career?
How you understand the business: Can you connect your experience and achievements to what the company is currently going through?
By showing both, you're not just proving you can do the job - you're showing how you could be a valuable addition to the team and broader business.
Competency-based questions can feel a bit daunting, but they're really just a way for interviewers to see how you handle different situations.
The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result): This is a great way to structure your answers, but don't overthink it. You want to sound natural, not like you're reading from a script.
Always set the scene: Explain your role, describe what you did, and highlight the outcome.
Don't forget the conclusion: Even if it feels obvious to you. Wrapping up with a strong result helps keep your answer clear and impactful.
💡 Tip: The job description's competency section and the company's values can give you a clue about the types of questions they might ask.
An interview isn't just about them assessing you – it's also a chance for you to decide if the role and company are right for you.
Treat it as a conversation rather than an exam.
Ask smart questions that show you've done your research.
Consider whether the company culture and growth opportunities align with what you want. Don't forget to ask questions about what truly matters to you! Otherwise, how can you decide if it's the right role for you?
Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but preparation will help you feel in control. Focus on having a great conversation, and let your skills and personality shine through.
Jodie Robieson
E : jodie.robieson@goodmanmasson.com
T : 07488887814
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