Welcome to Consortia's latest insights on face-to-face interviews in 2024. With over a decade of experience recruiting top talent within the data, engineering, UX, and product sectors, we've witnessed and adapted to significant changes in the job market. From evolving dress codes to the widespread adoption of work-from-home (WFH) and hybrid models post-pandemic, the interim and permanent markets have transformed dramatically. Even industries previously resistant to remote work have embraced these changes, altering client and candidate expectations.
As 2024 starts with a noticeable surge in recruiting activities within our core markets, bouncing back from a challenging 2023, we decided to share what we've learned over the years.
In this blog, we look at in-person interviews, combining knowledge from the Consortia team with practical tips to navigate this critical phase of the job application process. Whether this is your first time interviewing within a data team or you are a seasoned UX leader, these insights will equip you with the tools needed to excel at the face-to-face interview stage.
Dress Code and Company Culture: Navigating Varied Expectations
Getting the dress code right is essential at the face-to-face interview, and norms vary significantly. If using a recruiter, consult them about appropriate attire, or if applying directly, ask the company beforehand to avoid turning up overdressed or underdressed and affecting your confidence. While casual dress is typical in many product, data and design environments, some workplaces may adhere to a more formal code, especially mixed ones with multiple teams working in one office space. This variance underscores the importance of aligning your choice of clothes with the specific company culture you're engaging with. Dressing appropriately not only shows that you fit the part but also that you respect and understand the company's ethos. In a job market with diverse expectations, aligning with the company's dress code will put both you and your interviewer at ease, ensuring your interview flows more naturally for both of you.
Deep Research and Preparedness for Company Knowledge
Begin your preparation for the face-to-face interview with an in-depth study of the company's background by going beyond just surface-level online research. Use your recruiter to gain insights into the company's plans and business trajectory. This will help you massively in the interview, showing you to be far more knowledgeable than your competitors. Additionally, having a concise, well-formulated summary of the company's core operations and offerings ready for the interview is a big win, as an interviewer will usually quiz you on this. Nathan Connolly, CEO of Consortia, gives his tip on how to find a perfect summary: "Scour the company's LinkedIn bio or Google's search results for a concise description. Articulating this effectively when asked shows deep understanding and thorough preparation."
Further, keep abreast of the company's latest news and product releases, which can help differentiate you from other candidates. Jonathan Paisley, an experienced account manager at Consortia, recommends having 2-3 key company insights ready to demonstrate your comprehensive knowledge.
Understanding Interview Dynamics and Tailoring Your Approach
Prior research into the interviewers' profiles can provide valuable insights into the company's dynamics and help identify commonalities and potential talking points. However, it's vital to maintain professional boundaries and avoid connecting or messaging them beforehand. Remember, while your research might make you more familiar with one interviewer, the final decision is usually a collective one made by the entire interviewing panel. Engaging with all panel members shows respect for the collaborative decision-making process and your ability to interact with diverse personalities. Additionally, gaining clarity on the interview format and focus areas can boost your confidence and allow you to tailor your responses effectively. Josh Hares, a Contracts Specialist at Consortia, suggests discussing these areas with your recruiter to prepare for questions and topics that are likely to be covered.
Mastering Interview Etiquette and Presentation: Essential Tips for Success
You'll want to demonstrate your professionalism and preparedness in various ways during the interview. If your interview involves a presentation, ensure you have a copy in the cloud for easy access via another device to handle any technical issues that crop up smoothly. Remember, attention to detail like this can set a positive tone for your interview and avoid any flustering that will knock your confidence.
Professionalism also extends to basic etiquette: turn your phone off or on silent mode to avoid interruptions, and while it should go without saying, taking calls during an interview will indicate a lack of respect or seriousness about the opportunity.
For those applying for UX roles, a crucial element of your interview should be demonstrating your user-centric approach. Ryan Ollerenshaw, MD and UX recruitment specialist stresses the importance of emphasising empathy towards users in an interview. He observes that while many candidates focus on their achievements and completed tasks, it's equally important to articulate how you've addressed user needs and solved specific problems face-to-face with interviewers. Ryan says, "For UX professionals, your portfolio can be extremely effective in demonstrating this, especially when it's complemented with relevant data. Highlighting these aspects within a portfolio showcases your technical skills and ability to understand and prioritise the user experience, a key component in these roles."
Tom Pollock, Consortia Director, emphasises the importance of viewing an interview as a performance, where the focus is on selling your individual contributions. He advises, 'Don't forget, in an interview, you're showcasing yourself, not others. Highlight what you personally accomplished by saying things like, 'I specifically developed x...' It's common for individuals to default to 'we did' stories due to the team-oriented nature of the work. However, really, you need to articulate what you were personally responsible for and the specific achievements that you can directly associate with your efforts.
Post-Interview: The Critical Follow-Up
As a closing note, finally, after all the effort of preparing and making the best impression, remember the significance of a post-interview debrief with your recruiter before setting off on your homeward journey. Employers often request immediate feedback to gauge a candidate's reactions and thoughts post-interview, which can significantly influence the outcome. A swift and detailed debrief demonstrates your enthusiasm and keen interest in the role and allows your recruiter to provide the employer with an insightful reflection of your experience and suitability. Delaying or neglecting this feedback could inadvertently convey disinterest or lack of commitment. Therefore, make it a priority and allow time to share your thoughts, responses to questions, and overall feelings about the interview with your recruiter as soon as possible.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, while our 2024 guide provides a firm overview of key strategies for face-to-face interviews, it's important to remember that this is just the tip of the iceberg. Numerous other aspects, like timekeeping and body language, play substantial parts in the interview process. By focusing on the basics and incorporating our additional market-specific tips, you're setting yourself up to stand out in a competitive industry. Always remember, the interview is your stage to showcase not just your skills and experience, but also your personality and fit for the company culture. So, prepare diligently, engage authentically, and use these insights to navigate the nuances of face-to-face interviews in 2024. With these tools at your disposal, you're well on your way to making a lasting impression and securing your desired role, whether in UX, product, data or engineering.
Need More Guidance?
If you're looking for more help in preparing for your next role, please contact us at info@consortia.co.uk or call 0203 397 4565. We're here to help you navigate through the process.
