Nailing the Modern Interview
Landing a scholarship, getting into your dream university, or securing that first job can all come down to the interview. But the interview of today is a different beast from the past. It doesn't start with a handshake; it starts with a Google search, is often judged by an algorithm, and tests who you are far more than what's on your resume.
π The Interview Landscape
The ground has shifted. To succeed, you first need to understand the new terrain. Three significant changes define the modern interview process.
From Resume to Digital Footprint
Your first impression happens long before you walk into a room. Recruiters, admissions officers, and scholarship committees will search your name online. What will they find? A curated, professional presence on LinkedIn and a clean social media profile are no longer optionalβthey're essential.
Action Step: Audit your online presence. Google yourself and clean up anything unprofessional. Build out your LinkedIn profile to reflect your skills and experiences.
From Human to Human + AI
Technology is now a key gatekeeper. Before a human ever sees your application, it's likely been scanned by an Applicant Tracking System (ATS), which looks for specific keywords. Furthermore, many organisations now use AI-powered video analysis for pre-recorded interviews, assessing everything from your word choice to your tone.
Action Step: Tailor your resume for every application, using keywords directly from the job or program description.
π€ From Hard Skills to Power Skills
Your technical knowledge and qualifications get you in the door, but your "power skills" (the modern term for soft skills) are what set you apart. These are the human-centric abilities that AI can't replicate. The Top 5 Power Skills to Cultivate:
- Adaptability & Learning Agility: Can you learn on the fly and pivot when things change?
- Emotional Intelligence (EQ): Are you self-aware, and can you effectively read the room?
- Creative Problem-Solving: How do you react when faced with a challenge you didn't anticipate?
- Communication & Storytelling: Can you articulate your value and experiences in a clear, compelling way?
- Growth Mindset: Do you view challenges as opportunities to learn and improve?
π Pre-Interview Playbook
Confidence doesn't come from winging it; it comes from preparation. Follow these steps to walk into any interview feeling ready and capable.
Step 1: Become an Expert
Go beyond a glance at the "About Us" page. Show you've done your homework.
- The Organisation: What are their core values? What's a recent project or news story you find interesting?
- The Opportunity: Analyse the description. What are the key responsibilities or selection criteria? Match your own experiences to each point.
- The Interviewer: Look them up on LinkedIn. Understanding their role will help you tailor your answers.
Step 2: Craft Your Stories with the STAR Method
Behavioural questions ("Tell me about a time when...") are designed to see how you act in real-world situations. The STAR method is your most effective tool for answering them.
S - Situation: Briefly set the context (e.g., "During a final-year group project...").
T - Task: What was your goal? (e.g., "...my task was to resolve a conflict between two team members.").
A - Action: What specific steps did you take? Use "I" statements to show ownership (e.g., "I scheduled a meeting to listen to both perspectives...").
R - Result: What was the outcome? Quantify it if you can (e.g., "As a result, we completed the project and earned a High Distinction.").
Step 3: Prepare Your "Killer Questions"
An interview is a two-way street. Asking thoughtful questions demonstrates genuine interest and intelligence. Prepare 3-5 questions.
π Great questions to ask:
"What would a successful first six months look like in this role/program?"
"What is the biggest challenge this team is facing that I could help solve?"
"Beyond the skills listed, what is the single most important quality you're looking for?"
π§ Mastering Modern Interview Formats
The Video Interview (Live or Pre-recorded)
Your on-screen setup is the new interview suit.
- Lighting: Make sure your face is well-lit from the front.
- Background: Keep it tidy and non-distracting. A blurred background is a safe bet.
- Camera Angle: Position your camera at eye level.
- Pro Tip: Look directly at the camera lens when you speak, not at the screen. This creates the feeling of direct eye contact.
The In-Person Interview
The classics still matter.
- Arrival: Arrive 10-15 minutes early. Be polite to everyone you meet.
- Body Language: Offer a firm handshake, maintain good posture, and lean in slightly to show you're engaged.
- Voice & Tone: Ensure you tone and voice are clear and you actively listen.
π Final thoughts
Your Path to Success
- Preparation is Power: Confidence comes from knowing you've done the work.
- Authenticity is Magnetic: They want to get to know the real you.
- Every Interview is Practice: Whether you get the offer or not, you are building a crucial life skill. Learn from every experience.
Remember at Intuition we can help, we often conduct mock interviews with students to help them prepare for interviews (including panel interviews).
Every interview, regardless of the outcome, is a valuable learning experience. The goal is not perfection, but progress. By focusing on preparation, showing up authentically, and treating every conversation as practice, you are building a crucial skill that will serve you throughout your entire career. You've got this!