Categories: Career, Industry 

Having decades of experience coaching people before and after interviews, I have compiled a master list of top tips to help you; including some dos and don’ts from some of the more memorable interviews we've held. However, the main thing to remember is the interview is a two-way street, the interviewer is assessing your skills to see if you fit the role they have and you are assessing the interviewer and company to see if it is the right place for you.

Even though a recent article we posted spoke about how Quantity Surveyors are now in the driving seat, you are still advised to prepare as best as possible.

Before the Interview:

• Research the Company: Take time to understand their work, core values, and current projects I find clients really appreciate when interviewees have good insight into the company and tie this in with why they want the role.

• Brush up on the Job Description: Identify the key skills and experience they're looking for. Tailor your answers to highlight your relevant qualifications and technical skills.

• Prepare Questions: I recommend having a few thoughtful questions prepared for the interviewer about the role, the company culture, and the potential for career progression. i.e Can you describe the company's culture and values? How does the company measure the performance of its quantity surveyors? What are the biggest challenges facing the quantity surveying team currently? How does the quantity surveying team collaborate with other departments within the company?

• Practice Makes Perfect: Rehearse your answers to common interview questions out loud or with a friend. This builds confidence and helps you articulate clearly.

• Plan Your Outfit: Despite the common practice these days of web-based meetings. Dress professionally and appropriately. First impressions matter this includes your bottom half! It wouldn’t be the first time we have been told a pair of pants were accidentally flashed during an interview.

• Can you hear me?: This phrase isn’t something you want to repeat throughout an online interview. I recommend checking your internet connection is strong before the interview so you can be seen and heard clearly.

• Distractions: If you are doing a web-based interview set yourself up in an area where the background is thoroughly uninteresting and you have no chances of disruption from people (or pets!) We all remember “BBC Dad” whose kids crashed his live TV interview!

During the Interview:

• Be on Time: Punctuality demonstrates respect for the interviewer's time.

• Be Confident and Positive: Whether you’re in a face-to-face or web-based interview, body language is important. Smile, make eye contact, sit up straight, and project confidence in your abilities. Don’t slouch or recline yourself to the point you bypass looking relaxed to looking thoroughly uninterested. With web-based interviews remaining popular I stress to candidates to behave as if they are there in person.

‘If you wouldn’t eat or smoke during an in-person interview then don’t do it on a web-based one just because you’re at home.’