Preparing for an in-office interview

Preparing for an in-office interview

In today’s competitive job market, effective interview preparation is essential to standing out as a strong candidate. Thorough preparation allows you to communicate your value with confidence, demonstrate genuine interest in the role, and handle challenging questions with ease. In this article, we’ll explore key strategies to help you prepare for an in-person interview and make a lasting impression to help increase your chances of securing your desired role.

Pre-Interview preparation strategies

Research the Company and Role

Prior to your interview, take time to understand the company. You want to turn up to the interview confident that you know the specifics of the role, are up to date with the latest company news and are aligned with the companies’ values.

Some steps to take, include:

• Explore the Company’s website to understand its mission, values, and the product or service it offers and look out for any news articles / industry updates to be informed on any changes such as mergers/acquisitions or news about the private equity or group company that owns them.
• Familiarise yourself with the company/team structure and leadership group.
• Revisit the job description. Understand how your skills and experience align with the requirements of the role.
• For any job interviewers looking for a newly qualified accountant or above visit the Companies House website and download the latest financial statements from that company.

Prepare for different types of questions

In-person interviews are likely to be more hands on, asking different types of questions to get you thinking. You’ll be asked three types of questions, these include: behavioural, situational and technical questions. It is important to prepare thoughtful and structured responses.

• Behavioural questions: – Explores how you can handle challenges or successes in the past. E.g. “Tell me about a time when you had to overcome a significant challenge at work.”
• Situational questions: – Assesses how you would approach a hypothetical scenario e.g. “How would you handle a project with a tight deadline and multiple competing priorities?”
• Technical or role-specific questions: – Evaluates your knowledge and experience relevant to the position. You will need to revise all your skills that you have that match the job spec and be prepared to answer in depth questions relating to each technical skill needed for the role and give specific examples of how you have used those skills in a previous role.

In addition to these, make sure to practice common interview questions e.g. “Tell me about yourself” or “What are your strengths and weaknesses”

Know the Interviewers

• Find out who will be interviewing you. Check their LinkedIn profiles or any other relevant information on the company website to understand them as individuals and their roles within the company. This will help you build rapport with them early in the interview. It will also help you tailor your responses to questions and give you the ability to ask insightful questions. This level of preparation demonstrates genuine interest and can help you connect on a more personal and professional level.

Arriving (Punctuality)

Arrive 5 minutes early. This gives you time to check in (often with the security), be handed a pass, get up to reception level, to settle in and to mentally prepare for the interview. It also shows punctuality and respect for the interviewers.

Try to avoid:

• Arriving too early (over 10 minutes before).
• Arriving late.

If you’re unfamiliar with the location, plan your route, give yourself extra time to account for traffic or any unexpected delays. If you’re running late, make sure to call and let the interviewer know. If you’re extremely early, walk around the local area before entering the building no sooner than 10 minutes before.

During the interview

This is your opportunity to showcase not only your skills but your personality. Be positive, be confident, and show genuine enthusiasm for the role. Smile, make eye contact, and offer a firm handshake at the beginning of the interview.

You want to come across as approachable but always maintain professionalism. Listen attentively, respond thoughtfully, and engage positively with the interviewers.

Demonstrate your ability to think on your feet. Take your time to consider your answers and always explain your reasoning clearly.

Non-verbal cues are just as important as your words. Maintain good posture, avoid fidgeting, and keep your hands visible and relaxed.

What to expect

Meeting others

When you’re meeting someone in-person, they’re not just looking to see if you’re a good technical fit but also a cultural fit. You might be asked to meet with more senior leaders and/or potential team members.

Skills and Competency Testing

Expect a deeper dive into your technical abilities. This could involve problem-solving exercises, assessments and/or case studies for you to complete.

Behavioural and Cultural Fit Evaluation

Businesses want to know that you’ll integrate well within the team and align with the company’s value and culture. They might ask situational questions, assess how you handle stress, and ask how you’ve previously worked in teams in the past.

Prepare intelligent questions to ask

It is crucial to arrive at an interview with three to four meaningful questions to ask. It is a powerful way to leave a lasting impression. Focus on questions that demonstrate you interest in the role, the team and the company’s growth rather than logistical ones such as how many days holiday do I get. These can be addressed later, usually once an offer is on the table.

Some examples of strong questions to ask include:

• How does this role contribute to the company’s long-term goals?
• What’s the team dynamic like?
• How does the company support professional growth and development?
• What was the reason why you joined the Company?
• How are this year’s financial results looking compared to last year?

Final thoughts

In-person interviews are a crucial stage of the recruitment process, and your opportunity to solidify your application, demonstrating that you’re the best person for the role.

Preparation, presentation and punctuality all play key roles in shaping that impression. These details convey professionalism, enthusiasm, and genuine interest.

Keep in mind that the interview isn’t only about impressing them; it is also a chance for you to evaluate the organisation — its culture, leadership style, and values — to ensure it’s the right fit for your ambitions and professional growth.

If you would like any more advice on this topic, please contact us on 020 7096 8200 or email us at [email protected].

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