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How to Succeed in a Job Interview

Make a good impression at interview with essential advice from travel industry experts

Once you’ve polished your CV and submitted an application, it can be a nervous wait to find out if you’ve been selected for interview – and that’s where the hard work begins. This is your opportunity to engage with the hiring manager or team leader to demonstrate why you’re the ideal candidate for the position. What should you focus on during your preparation? What qualities is the company seeking? And how can you present yourself most effectively?

Dress for success

First impressions are crucial. “Dress for the occasion; wear something that will make you look smart but also feel comfortable,” says Owen McKeon, marketing and operations manager at C&M Travel Recruitment.

That applies even if the first interview is via video call rather than in person – dressing professionally will not only create the right impression, but it will also help you sit up straight and get into the right frame of mind.

Be punctual – plan your journey and allow extra time, in case of delays – and remember to stay calm. Take a deep breath when you walk into the room and if they offer you a glass of water, accept it; even if you’re not thirsty, it can be helpful to give yourself an extra moment to consider your answers.

In the interview, body language is key. McKeon says: “Try to project confidence. If you’ve secured an interview, you must be doing something right, so take that confidence in with you.”

Do your homework

Preparation is crucial, so make sure you research the organisation thoroughly. “Most companies have a website, and you can email or call their hiring team to ask if they can direct you to any relevant material that might be useful for you to read in advance,” says Vicki Wolf, head of education and career development at Abta.

Think about questions you might be asked and be ready to discuss your experiences and accomplishments in detail. The hiring manager might ask scenario-based questions, so be prepared with examples that show how you achieved your goals or overcame challenges. And re-read your cover letter beforehand – the interviewer might ask you to expand on some of the things you highlighted in your application.

Give and take

While the company is assessing whether you’re the right fit for them, always remember that it’s equally important for you to gauge if the company is the right fit for you.

Take time to think about what you want to know and prepare two or three questions to ask at the end of the interview.

McKeon suggests asking questions such as: ‘why is this role being made available?’; ‘is it newly created?’; ‘if not, why did the former employee leave?’; and ‘do you feel I am suitable for the role?’.

Don’t hesitate to jot answers down in a notebook, as it shows you’re serious about the opportunity. You can also take notes during the interview to stay engaged.

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