Interview Success: Recruiter Tips to Make You Stand Out

You’ve made it through the first stage of the application process, and now it’s time for the interview. This is your opportunity to showcase your skills and show the recruiter why you’re the right fit for the role. No matter how experienced you are, or how many interviews you’ve attended, interviews can still feel nerve-wracking - but good preparation makes all the difference.

Below, we share our advice on how to prepare for and perform well at your next interview.

Be logistically ready

Interviews can take many different formats. Phone and video interviews are now common, particularly in the early stages, while in-person interviews tend to appear later in the process. You may also be asked to complete technical tests, either remotely or on-site. Getting the logistics sorted early allows you to focus fully on the interview itself.

Make sure you’re clear on the interview format and all related details. Don’t leave it until the last minute to work out which video platform you’ll be using, and ensure any required software updates are completed in advance. For video interviews, think carefully about your on-screen environment and make sure your setup is suitable. Consider potential distractions such as background noise or poor lighting ahead of time.

If you’re attending an in-person interview, plan your journey carefully. Public transport can be unpredictable, so allow extra time for delays. If you’re driving, check parking options and factor in the time needed to walk from the car park to the interview location.

Recruiter tip: If you’re attending a phone or video interview, practise with someone you trust beforehand. Many people speak faster on the phone than in person, so a practice run can help ensure you’re clear and easy to understand.

Do your research

Once you’ve been invited to interview, it’s time to do your homework. Make sure you’re clear on which company you’re interviewing with (especially if you’ve submitted multiple applications) and who will be interviewing you. On the day, you’ll be expected to have a basic understanding of the business.

Start with the company website to get a feel for its operations, values, and culture. Read up on a few recent or standout projects - these may be highlighted in the Media or Press sections of the site or covered by industry news outlets. Even a quick online search can provide valuable insights and demonstrate genuine interest in the role.

It’s also worth reviewing the company’s social media presence. LinkedIn is particularly useful for business updates, while platforms like Instagram or Facebook may offer a more informal look at workplace culture and team dynamics.

Recruiter tip: Think about why you’d be a good fit for the company and what you could contribute, both professionally and culturally.

Practise your answers

While you can’t predict every interview question, there are many common questions you can prepare for. Spend time working through these in advance and practising your responses. Being prepared will help calm your nerves and allow you to answer with confidence on the day. Consider which skills, attributes, and keywords are most relevant to the role, and weave these naturally into your answers.

It’s also helpful to prepare a few real-life examples or case studies that demonstrate your skills in action. Coming up with examples under pressure can be difficult, so planning ahead can take the stress out of the situation. If you’re unsure which examples to use, ask colleagues or peers for input on where your skills have made a difference. You can also use AI-powered interview practice tools - such as Google’s Interview Warmup - or create a mock interview prompt in ChatGPT to help refine your responses.

That said, don’t lose sight of your personality. Preparation is important, but your answers should still feel natural and adaptable to the interview style and the people you’re speaking with.

Recruiter tip: Ask someone you trust to run a mock interview with you using common interview questions so you can practise answering out loud.

Showcase your skills

Technical interviews and assessments are designed to confirm you can do what your CV says you can. They’re an opportunity to demonstrate your expertise in practice. Ask the hiring team what the technical stage will involve - this could be a problem-solving exercise, scenario-based questions, or a practical task - and clarify when and where it will take place.

Ahead of this stage, think about which skills you’re most likely to need. If there are areas you haven’t used recently, take time to refresh your knowledge and practise. Revisiting the fundamentals, as well as any weaker areas, can help build confidence.

During technical discussions or tests, demonstrate not only your technical ability but also your problem-solving approach and creativity. Honesty is important too—if you don’t know something, it’s better to say so and explain how you would approach finding a solution.

Recruiter tip: Be honest on your CV and cover letter about your skills, as technical ability is often tested during the interview process.

Stay calm and be clear

Interviews can feel intense, even for seasoned professionals. If you’ve done your research, prepared your logistics, and practised your answers, you’ve already put yourself in a strong position.

During the interview, listen carefully to each question and take a brief pause before responding. This gives you time to gather your thoughts and ensure you understand what’s being asked. Aim to keep your answers clear and concise, using examples from your experience where possible. If you’re unsure about a question or didn’t hear it properly, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification.

Hiring managers understand that interviews can be nerve-wracking. They’re looking to understand your skills, experience, and how you’d fit within the team and company culture. Be yourself, take a deep breath, and trust the preparation you’ve done.

Recruiter tip: Remember, the interview is as much an opportunity for you to assess the company as it is for them to assess you. Ask thoughtful questions to make sure the role is the right fit.

Ready to polish your interview skills and stand out from the crowd?

We’re here to help you at every stage of the recruitment process, from CV writing to interview preparation and beyond. Find out more about how we work with candidates and check out our blog for more practical advice and resources.

Get in touch with our team today