What do employers really look for in a job interview?

Job interviews can be intimidating even if you are prepared. We talk to specialists in recruitment and employers to find out what they look for in interviews.

Sending out a bulk of CVs can be exhausting, but it is worthwhile once you’ve gotten an interview.

While you may have some way to go to securing the job, you can take comfort in that someone has chosen to interview you, as they have seen something they liked on your CV.

So now you’ve got the interview, how do you guarantee it will go well?

There are thousands of tips online about how to prepare for an interview, so we’ve talked to specialists in recruitment and employers about what they look for in a candidate.

If you’re still perfecting your CV, you may find this article helpful.

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It’s not only an interview for you

People tend to be so nervous and worked up for interviews that they forget it’s also their chance to interview those in charge.

It may help to go into an interview with the attitude that you want to learn about the company as much as they want to learn more about you.

Jo Cresswell, corporate communications manager at Glassdoor advises: "Be prepared for the interview and ask pertinent questions.

“Do your research on the company and be prepared to ask relevant questions, when invited to do so.”

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Don’t panic if you face a tricky question

Even if you’ve done lots of research on the business and questions you might be asked, it’s easy to get caught out in an interview.

More often than not, employers are probably trying to test you to see how you react to a difficult question.

Mark Swift, chief executive officer at Wellbeing Enterprises, says you should take a deep breath and pause before answering a question.

“Take a breath before answering a question,” advises Swift.

“Allow yourself to process the question, don’t be afraid to ask them to repeat it or clarify if you’re not sure what the question means.”

Sam Farmer, managing director at reflexcreative says if you really don’t know how to answer a question, honesty is the best way forward.

“If you don’t know the answer, be honest, don’t make something up,” comments Farmer.

“An interviewer will respect you more for it, and will be able to identify key areas on which you might need support should you be successful.”

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Be confident

Employers want to hire people who can do the job.

Yet it’s not just the skills stated on your CV that will prove that, but also yourself.

When you are asked about your experience, be confident the employer is going to like what they hear.

“A good way to think about an interview is that you are going there to sell your skills and experience,” advises Swift.

“Try to enjoy this and feel proud of your achievements.

“If all goes well, then the dynamic will change, and they will be looking to buy into you and your skills.”

David Shimwell, franchise recruitment manager at Rainbow International says: “Something I particularly love to see in an individual is a fire in their belly.

“Whether that’s from having pride in the work they’ve done in the past, or even just from showing a deep and genuine interest in the position.

“That kind of eagerness can’t be taught in my opinion.”

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Think about your outfit

Even if the company seems casual, and all the staff wear jeans, it’s better to be over dressed than not.

Wearing smart clothes shows you are taking the interview seriously enough to pick out an outfit.

Farmer says when interviewing candidates, it’s all about them appearing that they are keen to impress.

“Dress nicely for your interview,” advises Farmer.

“It sounds so obvious but it’s amazing how little effort some people go to.

“First impressions count, so wear clean, ironed and smart clothes.”

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Be yourself

It can be easy to get swept up into trying to be who you think you want potential employers want to see.

But it turns out employers love it when it’s clear you are being yourself.

After all, if you are authentically yourself and aren’t successful, at least you are sure the job isn’t for you.

Edward Coram James, chief executive officer at GoUp said: “One of the most important things I look for when interviewing candidates is that they are showing up as themselves.

“I ask them questions such as what they wanted to be growing up, what they do in their spare time, and their favourite pair of shoes.

“These questions give me a better idea of how they will actually show up at work.”