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A 7-Step Prep Process for Interview Success 

A 7-Step Prep Process for Interview Success

When it comes to interviews, most people start preparing too late. This results in high nerves and lower chances of landing the job. Instead of rushing, follow this structured step-by-step approach to ensure you’re ready to shine in any interview.

This method reduces anxiety and positions you as a well-prepared candidate ready to tackle the role with insight and purpose.

1. Interview success Is built on preparation

It’s often said that “luck favours the prepared,” and nowhere is this truer than in interviews. Career expert Sarah Johnston conducted a poll that revealed most candidates spend less than two hours preparing for interviews. Inadequate preparation leads to heightened anxiety and reduces your odds of success. The solution? Start early and make thorough preparation part of your interview strategy.

Allocating more time to practice helps you anticipate difficult questions and refine your answers. This ultimately increases your chances of landing the role. Setting aside time daily or weekly to review the job description, the company’s recent news, and the role’s expectations builds confidence. This practice also helps you avoid last-minute panic.

2. Know your interviewer – What you say matters as much as how you say it

a. Understand the employer’s pain points

Every job opening represents a problem or set of challenges the employer is looking to address. Maybe they’re expanding and need someone to manage growth, or perhaps they’re looking to improve team efficiency, innovation, or customer satisfaction. By researching the company and reading between the lines of the job description, try to identify these pain points. Think: What are the main issues they need this position to resolve?

b. Map your skills to their needs

Once you have an idea of the challenges the employer faces, connect your skills and experiences to those specific needs. Reflect on past roles where you’ve tackled similar issues or used relevant skills. For example, if the employer wants to improve project turnaround time, emphasise your project management expertise and give examples of how you’ve enhanced efficiency in previous roles. Show them that you’re already equipped to solve their current problems.

c. Emphasise relevant achievements

Share quantifiable achievements that highlight your success in areas similar to the company’s needs. For instance, if you streamlined a process that reduced costs by 15% or led a team to exceed productivity goals, mention it! This shows the employer that you’re not just talking about skills—you’ve already used them to create measurable impact.

3. Recognise the pattern in early interviews

Think back to your first-round interviews. Chances are, many of the questions were similar. Identifying this pattern is a game-changer: if you can anticipate the core questions that get asked in 90% of early interviews, you’ll be better prepared to respond with confidence and precision.

While every role is unique, there are fundamental questions interviewers ask to gauge personality, commitment, and fit. Once you identify these standard questions, you can prepare structured answers that reflect your personality and skills.

4. Build a list of “fundamental questions”

To make this preparation process more effective, start by listing the questions that tend to come up in nearly every interview. Here are five commonly asked ones:

  • Tell me about yourself.
  • Why do you want to work here?
  • What are your strengths & weaknesses?
  • Describe a time you overcame a challenge.
  • Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Use these as a foundation and add any other questions relevant to your industry or position. For instance, if you’re in a technical field, you might add a question about specific technical skills, while creative fields might involve discussing past projects or innovative ideas.

5. Draft your answers

For each question, create a rough answer. Use a structured framework to make your responses strong, engaging, and relevant:

  1. Reference the company’s goals or challenges. Begin by aligning your response with the specific goals or challenges the company is facing.
  2. Establish the stakes of your example. Clarify why your example matters by outlining the importance or impact of the situation.
  3. Describe your problem-solving process. Walk through the steps you took to address the issue, showcasing your approach and critical thinking.
  4. Share real, measurable results. Conclude with the concrete outcomes you achieved, using numbers or specific accomplishments to highlight your impact.

This approach provides a complete response and positions you as someone who can help the organisation achieve its goals. To make your answers even more compelling, go over them a few times and make revisions. A refined answer will convey confidence and knowledge.

6. Commit your answers to memory

Set aside two or three-time blocks throughout the week to practice memorising your responses. Start by reading through your answers, then gradually remove any notes or aids. By internalising your responses, you’ll be able to communicate effectively—even under pressure.

While memorising can improve recall, it’s essential to avoid sounding overly rehearsed or robotic. Keep your answers conversational, and adapt them slightly for each interview to keep them relevant and engaging. Practice rephrasing parts of your response so you can answer in a natural tone without losing focus.

7. Practice your delivery

With your answers memorised, shift your focus to delivery. Record yourself using a tool like Loom to simulate the interview experience. Pay close attention to your pacing, eliminate filler words like “um” or “like,” and check your body language. Practice until you feel confident and polished.

Ready to Impress?

This preparation process gives you several key advantages:

  1. You start early, avoiding last-minute stress.
  2. You craft well-refined stories to handle a variety of questions.
  3. You develop answers you can recall confidently, even in high-pressure situations.
  4. You’re poised to deliver those answers fluently, boosting your impact on interviewers.

Additionally, remember to put yourself in the shoes of the employer. Think about the problems they need to solve, the skills and experiences that would help you succeed in the role, and how this position fits into your career goals. By acting early and thoughtfully, you’re preparing for the interview and setting the foundation for a promising start with the company. And while every interview is unique, the process of preparing yourself in this way will build confidence that extends beyond any one opportunity.

About the Leader

Clara Turner

Global Head of Recruitment

Clara Turner is Staff Domain’s Global Head of Recruitment. With a rich background in end-to-end recruitment and over a decade of experience under her belt, Clara has an excellent track record, specialising in staffing for offshore outsourcing, recruitment process outsourcing (RPO), client, account and team management, and global recruitment across diverse regions including the US, LATAM, Oceania, Asia, and Europe.

Clara has been at the forefront of the recruitment industry, catering to the evolving needs of businesses worldwide. She understands the importance of finding the right talent to drive business success, which is why she leverages a robust network and industry insights to identify top-tier candidates efficiently and effectively.

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Job Search Warning Signs You Can’t Afford to Ignore

Job Search Warning Signs You Can’t Afford to Ignore

Job hunting can feel like a marathon, and there are times when warning signs of a wrong turn might appear. A role may not be all it’s cracked up to can be, and this can be spotted well before you start, giving you a chance to pause and evaluate.

After spending countless hours over the last year applying for positions, attending interviews, and completing tasks, we’ve picked up on some recurring red flags from recruiters and hiring managers that should not be ignored. Here are the warning signs to watch out for:

1. Criticising a Former Colleague or Employee in the Interview

Nothing reflects a company’s culture faster than how current employees talk about former colleagues. If a hiring manager or recruiter takes the opportunity to badmouth someone, it’s a red flag. Not only is it unprofessional, but it also hints at possible internal conflict or a lack of mutual respect in the workplace.

This behavior during an interview likely mirrors how they handle disagreements or underperformance internally—problems that could easily spill into your work life.

2. Sending Emails Outside Regular Business Hours

Companies that send emails at odd hours may be subtly signaling a lack of respect for personal time. A culture that doesn’t honor boundaries can lead to burnout, particularly in workplaces where there’s a clear imbalance between work and personal life. If you notice this early on, ask about work-life balance directly. A well-functioning company should respect its employees’ time and allow space for rest and recharge.

3. A Long and Disorganised Recruitment Process

While thoroughness is important, a drawn-out recruitment process often signals a lack of alignment between hiring managers and recruiters. If you find yourself waiting weeks for feedback or cycling through multiple interviews, it’s a potential sign of poor internal communication or decision-making.

A dysfunctional recruitment process may be an indicator of broader organisational issues, like ineffective management or undefined roles, which could leave you feeling unsupported once hired.

4. Inappropriate Comments During the Interview

Any sexist, ageist, or otherwise inappropriate remark is a red flag that cannot be overlooked. Such comments often reflect a toxic work environment and may hint at a culture that doesn’t value diversity or inclusivity. Inappropriate comments during an interview reveal a deeper problem that’s likely to impact your daily work experience, such as disrespectful communication, microaggressions, or a lack of sensitivity training.

5. The Hiring Manager Appears Disorganised

An interview is an opportunity for the employer to impress you as much as it is for you to showcase your skills. If the manager seems disorganised—scrambling to find your resume, confused about your application status, or unclear about the job role—it could indicate poor management skills. Working under a disorganised manager can make your responsibilities unclear, leading to frustrations over undefined workloads, shifting deadlines, and increased stress.

6. Lowball Salary Offer

A salary offer well below industry standards is more than just disappointing; it can signal a lack of respect for employee wellbeing and growth. Low offers often indicate a company that prioritises cost-cutting over investing in its people.

Beyond the paycheck, this could mean limited resources, minimal support for training, and fewer opportunities for career advancement.

7. Emphasis on Long Hours and Weekend Work

If the recruiter or manager repeatedly mentions long work hours, frequent weekend work, or constantly being “on call,” consider this a significant red flag. Such companies may lack effective workflows or a culture of work-life balance. Long hours can also be an indication of understaffing, where the company relies on a few people to shoulder more than their fair share. Instead, look for companies that value productivity over clocking in extra hours.

8. Vague Answers About Company Culture or Career Growth Opportunities

Watch for evasive or vague responses when you ask about team dynamics, company culture, or growth opportunities. If the interviewer can’t clearly articulate the company’s mission or growth pathways, it might reflect poorly on their internal development and retention efforts.

A healthy organisation should have a clear, transparent culture and a commitment to nurturing its talent.

Do Your Due Diligence

Trust your instincts if you encounter any of these red flags during your job search. Before accepting an offer, make sure to check employee reviews on platforms like Glassdoor, reach out to former employees for honest feedback, and take a close look at the company’s turnover rate.

When it comes to your career, settling for a role that raises doubts can set you back rather than push you forward. Seek out companies that value professionalism, respect boundaries, and genuinely support employee wellbeing—those are the places where you’re most likely to thrive.

About the Leader

Clara Turner

Global Head of Recruitment

Clara Turner is Staff Domain’s Global Head of Recruitment. With a rich background in end-to-end recruitment and over a decade of experience under her belt, Clara has an excellent track record, specialising in staffing for offshore outsourcing, recruitment process outsourcing (RPO), client, account and team management, and global recruitment across diverse regions including the US, LATAM, Oceania, Asia, and Europe.

Clara has been at the forefront of the recruitment industry, catering to the evolving needs of businesses worldwide. She understands the importance of finding the right talent to drive business success, which is why she leverages a robust network and industry insights to identify top-tier candidates efficiently and effectively.

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New Rules: Interviewing Etiquette for Job Hunters in 2024

New Rules: Interviewing Etiquette for Job Hunters in 2024

Over the last year, the Philippines saw a 10% increase in annual hiring activity, while approximately 62% of Filipino professionals engaged in upskilling or reskilling activities in 2023, driven by the need to stay competitive in a rapidly changing job market.

This landscape, paired with a robust and heavily challenging labour market, it now takes a lot for candidates to stand out when job-hunting. While traditional interview etiquette remains important, there are new rules and practices that job hunters must consider.

Here are 5 best practices for interview etiquette, including tips for both in-person and online interviews.

1. Research the Company Thoroughly

Before your interview, dive deep into the company’s mission, values, recent news, and culture, and use it to ask the right questions and give the most appropriate answers to questions.

With the availability of online resources, there’s no excuse for not being well-prepared. Many companies also have digital footprint on platforms like LinkedIn or Glassdoor, where you can gather insights from current and former employees for your own decision making.

“Cultural etiquette is especially important for global teams because various cultural perspectives can shape communication, delivery, and subtleties, influencing the overall hiring process. Be mindful, you can use this to your advantage by adhering to well-known cultural practices and knowing what to avoid, how to frame your answers appropriately, and in initiating casual conversations.”

2. Cover the Classics

Dress appropriately

For in-person interviews, dress according to the company’s culture—whether that’s business casual or more formal attire. For online interviews, remember that your appearance is still important. Choose professional, and ensure your background is neat and free from distractions.

Get there on time

For virtual interviews, log in 5-10 minutes early to troubleshoot any potential technical issues. Being prompt not only shows respect for the interviewer’s time but also demonstrates your commitment to the opportunity.

It’s the same for in-person interviews. There should always be a 20-30 minute grace period between the time you arrive and the time of your interview, in case something unplanned comes up.

Online interview preparation

Ensure your environment is quiet, well-lit, and free from interruptions. Use a neutral background or a professional virtual background if necessary. Check your internet connection, camera, and microphone in advance to avoid any technical glitches during the interview. Have digital documents readily accessible on your computer, and be prepared to share them quickly if requested.

Master Your Body Language

Good body language remains critical, even in virtual interviews. Maintain good posture, make eye contact with the camera (not just the screen), and avoid fidgeting. For in-person interviews, offer a firm handshake, smile, and maintain confident body language throughout the meeting.

3. Communication Is King

Be Specific: Answer clearly and concisely

Whether online or in-person, aim to answer questions clearly and succinctly. Practice articulating your thoughts so you can confidently communicate your experiences and how they relate to the role. Avoid rambling, as it can dilute the impact of your answers.

Be specific with your answers and provide context on the impact your contribution had on the business, no matter how small. You’ll need to articulate what areas.

“Tell a story when talking about your career and how it has progressed throughout the years. It helps the interviewer understand your experiences and makes you memorable as a candidate. It’s all about impact.”

Highlight correctly

A subtle way to talk about your achievements without sounding boastful is through asking where the problem areas in the business are that the open role will have purview over, and highlighting any significant experience you had that relates to solving that, if any.

Honesty is non-negotiable in interviews, while transparency is going to help avoid confusion or doubt and could be beneficial to your application. In 2024, with more advanced background checks and digital footprints, as you highlight your experiences, ensure you are doing it with full honesty and transparency.

Prepare thoughtful questions

Always come prepared with thoughtful questions about the role, team, or company culture.

“Discerning and diligently checking before pursuing a role helps set the expectations on your side both as a candidate with options, as well as a future employee.”

Professional businessman explaining his idea to his team member

4. Show Enthusiasm Without Overdoing It

Employers are looking for candidates who are genuinely excited about the role. Whether you’re in a virtual or in-person interview, express your enthusiasm through your tone, facial expressions, and words.

“Bonus points if you can make the interviewer laugh with your quick-wittedness.”

5. Reflect and Adapt

After each interview, take some time to reflect on your performance. What went well? What could you improve? This self-assessment is crucial, especially in today’s competitive job market. Use these insights to refine your approach for future interviews and to continually improve as a candidate.

Final Thoughts

Interviewing in 2024 requires a blend of traditional etiquette and modern savvy. As a candidate, remember, your goal is to make a positive, lasting impression that shows you’re not only qualified for the job but also a great fit for the company’s culture. With preparation and attention to detail, you’ll be well on your way to landing the job you desire.

About the Leader

Clara Turner

Global Head of Recruitment

Clara Turner is Staff Domain’s Global Head of Recruitment. With a rich background in end-to-end recruitment and over a decade of experience under her belt, Clara has an excellent track record, specialising in staffing for offshore outsourcing, recruitment process outsourcing (RPO), client, account and team management, and global recruitment across diverse regions including the US, LATAM, Oceania, Asia, and Europe.

Clara has been at the forefront of the recruitment industry, catering to the evolving needs of businesses worldwide. She understands the importance of finding the right talent to drive business success, which is why she leverages a robust network and industry insights to identify top-tier candidates efficiently and effectively.

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