Finding a job in 2024 requires more than a resume and the relevant experience. With the ever-changing job market and the increased reliance on digital tools, it’s vital to find a way to stand out to potential employers. We’ve put together some practical tips to help you ace your job interviews.

Cover the basics

Ensure your CV and portfolio are current, and that they highlight your most recent achievements. Add any new skills, experiences and accomplishments every six months.

Review the job description

Ensure that you thoroughly understand the position you’re applying for. Work through the job description and highlight specific phrases and requirements that match your experience. By doing this, you’ll be able to provide concrete examples from your past that demonstrate your ability, skills and experience. 

Create a 30-second elevator pitch

One of the first questions you’ll be asked will most likely be ‘tell me about yourself’. This is the perfect opportunity to prepare a short pitch that highlights your skills. Practice it until you can present it confidently and naturally. 

Get familiar with digital tools and platforms 

Virtual interviews are the norm today, especially for remote work, or for the first round of interviews for hybrid and on-site roles. If you haven’t had the opportunity to use digital tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet, now is the time! Create a professional username and set yourself up in a quiet, well-lit and uncluttered space. You could also do a mock interview with a friend or mentor using the platform requested for the actual interview to iron out any technical issues.

Get online

Make an effort to understand the company you’re applying to. Take a look at their website, and use social-media platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram to gather insights into their market position, culture and recent successes. This will help you tailor your responses and show a genuine interest in being part of their team.

Prepare STAR stories

Use the STAR method – Situation, Task, Action, Result – to structure how you’d respond to behavioral questions. This helps you provide clear and concise answers that highlight your achievements and problem-solving skills. Prepare at least three STAR stories that are tailored for the specific role and company, and use quantifiable results to showcase your achievements in previous roles. Now practice them out loud! 

Here’s how the STAR method works:

Situation: Describe the context within which you performed a task or faced a challenge at work. Provide enough detail to set the scene. 

Example: At my previous job, our team was behind on a critical project deadline.

Task: Explain the actual task or challenge involved, what you were required to achieve and what your responsibilities were. 

Example: As the project lead, I needed to bring the project back on track.

Action: Describe the specific actions you took. Focus on the what and why.

Example: I reorganised the workflow, delegated tasks based on team strengths, and set up daily progress check-ins.

Result: Share the result of your efforts. Highlight any positives or lessons learned.

Example: We completed the project two days ahead of schedule, resulting in a 15% increase in client satisfaction.

Practice some common interview questions and quantify your achievements

Another great idea is to prepare a list of typical interview questions like ‘Why should we hire you?’, ‘What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?’, and ‘Describe a challenging work situation and how you handled it’. 

Tailor your answers to each role and organisation. Practice them out loud to ensure you can deliver them confidently. Another great tip is to add quantifiable results to your achievements to showcase the impact of your contributions in previous roles. For instance, instead of saying you ‘improved sales’, say ‘I increased sales by 20% over six months.’ 

Towards the end of your interview, you’ll most likely be given an opportunity to ask insightful questions that show your interest in the role and the company. Use this to learn more about the team, the company culture, and specific projects you might be working on.

Send a thank-you email

Send a short thank-you note to express your gratitude for the interview and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. Mention a specific point that you recall, to add a personal touch.

Follow our tips for a competitive edge and to set the stage for a thriving career in an ever-evolving job market. Remember, with preparation you will feel confident and make a great impression. Good luck!