Interviews are a vital part of the hiring process and for many, a nerve-wracking one.
Whether you're preparing for your very first interview or have tackled dozens before, even the most
experienced candidates can feel unsure when navigating their next career move.
While each interview process can be different, at Tidal, we’re here to take the guesswork out
of the process. This guide will walk you through each stage of the interview journey, from the
preparation, to what questions to expect, interview etiquette and more so you can put your
best foot forward.
In this guide:
Interview stages
01
Phone screening
The first touchpoint will be with either a recruiter or hiring manager who will get in touch over the phone to assess your suitability to the role. These chats are often casual, brief and include some general questions about your experience, availability and interest in the position. Remember, every conversation you may have with the recruiter or hiring manager will be taken into consideration in the interview process. If the match feels right, the team will then invite you to a formal interview.
02
Primary interview
Your first interview may be in person or online. It's an opportunity to expand in more detail on the topics covered in the screening as well as details of the job role. It's usually conducted by the direct manager, HR team or recruitment agency. Sometimes, other relevant stakeholders may be invited to be part of the interviewing panel.
The typical structure includes:
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An introduction about the organisation and the advertised role
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A brief summary of the candidate's background
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Some behavioural and situational questions
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Opportunity for questions from the candidate
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Discussion about next steps
03
Follow up interviews
Some hiring teams may invite you to further interviews to get a better feel of your cultural fit or technical skills. These may be conducted with other team members or more senior leaders and are often more conversational.
In-person interview tips
1
Be punctual
Familiarise yourself with your route so you have plenty of time and arrive feeling relaxed and not rushed. Aim to check in 5-10 minutes before the interview start time to allow yourself time to settle in.
2
Dress the part
Never underestimate the power of clothing to make you look and feel the part! Look to the company’s website or online presence for hints toward dress code ahead of the interview and choose something that makes you feel confident, comfortable and professional.
Virtual interview tips
1
Ensure a professional setup
In an online interview, you want as few distractions as possible and to present yourself in the best light:
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Sit under natural light where possible - Position your camera at eye level - you may need to use some books to prop up your device
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Use a clean, neutral background
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Ensure you will be undisturbed for the duration of the interview
2
Test your equipment
Test all your equipment ahead of time to prevent any technical difficulties. This includes your microphone, speaker and internet connection. The last thing you want is additional stress from an easily preventable technology issue.
Preparing for the interview
Research the organisation
It’s crucial to research the organisation you are applying to work for, via their website, any social media presence or past campaign activity. Ensure you understand their vision, values and how the role would operate in the business. In education, this may look like researching student demographics, curriculum frameworks or the teaching ethos. Coming to the interview with this knowledge will not only set your mind at ease but also allows you to ask more tailored questions.
Know your interviewers
If you know the names of your interviewer(s), look them up on LinkedIn to understand their roles and backgrounds. This can help you paint a picture of what kind of questions may be asked of you, and vice versa.
Review your experience
It may be an obvious one, but make sure you know your own story. This means reviewing your CV, key achievements and any specific skills or qualifications you have. Make sure you can easily explain these to someone who may be unfamiliar with your previous experience. If you submitted a cover letter for the role, re-read it to familiarise yourself with the examples used (which may have been tailored specifically for the role).
Review the job description
Review the job description in detail to fully understand the tasks required for the role. You should expect behavioural questions around these particular skills and select relevant examples from your experience, accordingly. For any gaps, consider transferable skills or a willingness to upskill, and be prepared to explain both.
Practice answering common questions
This includes:
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What attracted you to our organisation?
Draw from your research about the company to explain why you were attracted to the organisation and role. It pays to be specific here - highlight any values, projects or strategies that resonated with you.
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Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Start with your most recent and relevant experience and work back to the least relevant. Highlight any job specific skills you have.
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Why do you think you would be a good fit for this role?
This is a great opportunity to showcase your strengths in relation to the role. Consider the relevant skills and experiences you have that would allow you to be successful in the role. These should correspond with the skills listed in the job description.
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Tell us about a time when you...
Situational and behavioural questions are a key aspect of any interview. The key to answering well is to illustrate how you solved a business problem while showcasing your skills and abilities. Provide some brief context for the scenario and explain how you approached and resolved the issue, sharing any measurable results or feedback you received as a result. Make sure you answer the question and remain concise without ‘waffling’. Often, the interviewer will ask natural follow up questions if they want you to extrapolate further.
Be ready to ask questions
Prepare a few questions to ask the interviewer during or at the end of the interview. Not only does this showcase your research and interest in the company, it’s also a fantastic opportunity for you to assess whether they meet your requirements as an employee.
Some topics that could be explored:
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Company or team structure
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Business goals and direction
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Further explanation regarding a part of the job description
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Flexible working arrangements
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Training and development opportunities
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Career progression and promotion paths
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Company culture
During the interview
Non-verbal communication
Non-verbal cues account for 55% of communication, making it essential for you to consider the messages your body language may be sending when you’re not speaking.
These include:
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Facial expressions: Try to maintain warm or neutral facial expressions throughout.
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Posture: Sit up straight, face your interviewer, and avoid slouching.
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Eye contact: Maintain easy eye contact with your interviewer to show engagement and genuine interest.
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Hand gestures: Don’t be afraid to use hand gestures as an aid if they come natural to you. Gestures and movement allow you to showcase your passion and personality in an engaging way.
Clarify when needed
If a question isn’t clear, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. Asking relevant, thoughtful questions shows that you’re considering your response carefully instead of just saying the first thing that comes to mind. It also gives you the opportunity to probe deeper and learn more about the organisation and their priorities.
Post-interview etiquette
Send a thank you note
Often it’s the small gestures that make the biggest difference. Sending a short, personal thank you email keeps you top of mind and shows you appreciate the interviewer’s time.You can also take this opportunity to reaffirm your interest in the role.
Follow up with requested materials
If you were asked to provide additional information after the interview, be sure to share it promptly (ideally within 24 hours) and in one message for ease of access. This may include proof of qualifications, references or other sample work and can be combined with the thank you message.
Tidal’s tips for interview success
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Use your nerves to your advantage.
Nerves are completely normal and in fact shows that you care, so channel that nervous energy into showing your enthusiasm and focus.
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Every interaction counts.
Treat every email, conversation or greeting as part of the interview. Be polite, professional and thoughtful even outside the interview room as every positive interaction can work in your favour.
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Remember: they want you to succeed.
If you’ve reached the interview stage, then they see potential in you. Despite what your negative self-talk may be telling you, everyone in that room is looking for a reason to hire you so it’s your job to prove them right.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to nailing the perfect interview, but preparation and genuine interest can go a long way. If you’ve made it to the interview, you likely already have the experience it takes for the job - it’s just about showcasing that experience (and your personality!) in the best light.
Take each interview opportunity as a chance to grow and with the right preparation, outlook and timing, your next interview could be the one that opens the right door for your career.
