How to Nail Your Job Interview (And Actually Enjoy It)
Let’s be honest, job interviews can feel intimidating. But they don’t have to be. With the right prep, mindset, and a few insider tips, you can walk in feeling ready, calm, and even (dare we say) excited.
At Priority Recruitment, we’ve helped thousands of candidates prepare for interviews across retail, sales, healthcare, and more. Here’s our easy-to-follow guide to nailing your next interview. No fluff, just solid advice.
1. Do Your Research - But Keep It Simple
You don’t need to memorise the company’s founding date or full org chart. What matters is understanding:
- What they do
- What they stand for
- How your values and experience align
Look at their website, recent news, and social media. Jot down a few insights or questions you can bring up.
Top Tip: Employers love candidates who show genuine interest. Use their mission or recent projects to tailor your answers.
2. Prepare Answers for Common Interview Questions
Here are a few you’re almost guaranteed to hear:
- “Tell me about yourself.”
- “Why do you want to work here?”
- “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
Plan out a few responses—but keep them natural. Use real-life examples from past roles or experiences to bring your answers to life.
Example: Instead of saying “I’m a team player,” say “At my last job, I supported a colleague who was off sick by taking on part of their workload, which helped us hit our team goals that month.”
3. Dress Smart, Feel Confident
First impressions count. And what you wear can impact your confidence. Aim for neat, clean, and slightly smarter than the company’s usual dress code. If in doubt, business casual is usually a safe bet.
Top Tip: If you're working with a recruiter (like us!), ask for advice on what to wear. We’ve seen it all and can give you the heads-up on what’s right for each role.
4. Ask Questions That Show You Care
The interview isn’t just about impressing them, it’s also your chance to figure out if the company is right for you.
Great questions to ask:
- “What does a typical day look like in this role?”
- “How do you support team development and progression?”
- “What’s the team culture like here?”
Avoid jumping into pay and benefits too soon. There’ll be time for that later.
5. Watch Your Body Language
It’s not just what you say, it’s how you say it. Positive, open body language helps build trust and shows confidence.
- Sit up straight
- Make eye contact
- Smile naturally
- Avoid fidgeting
Match the energy of your interviewer, without mimicking them. It helps create connection.
6. Follow Up Afterwards (It Matters!)
After your interview, send a short thank-you email. It shows appreciation, professionalism, and keeps you top of mind.
Example thank-you line: “Thanks for your time today. I enjoyed learning more about the role and the company, and I’m excited about the opportunity to be part of your team.”
Bonus Tip: Be Yourself
Seriously. The best interview tip we can give you is to be real. Interviewers want to know the person behind the CV. They’re not expecting perfection. They’re looking for potential, personality, and a good fit for their team.
Ready for Your Next Interview?
If you’re actively job hunting and want personalised support, you’re in the right place. At Priority Recruitment, we don’t just match CVs to jobs, we help real people find roles where they can thrive.
