How to prepare for interview

November is Career Development Month and so all month we’ll be giving you the opportunity to explore career options, set goals and make decisions about your future.  

One of the most common questions the learning team get asked is how to approach an interview. If you’re interested in applying for a new role whether that be now or in the future, here are our top tips to help you set yourself up for success.

Preparing for the interview 

Prepare ahead of time. We recommend prepping for the interview as soon as you submit the application. Remember, you may only be given a few days’ notice prior to interview. So how do you do that? Well that leads us nicely to tip 2.

Review the job description. This can help you to better understand the required skills for the role and allow you to reflect on how your past experiences might demonstrate these. It’s always good to to have a couple of different examples you can talk through.

Refresh your knowledge of our brand values and Culture Essentials. When applying for an internal role you will be asked questions about our Brand Values – SHINE and White Star Service –  and our Culture Essentials. Being an existing colleague is going to really help you out with this one but it’s still always good to have a few real examples that you can share during the interview to show how you apply these in your current role.

Practice answering questions. Practicing answers to interview style questions with a colleague or even just by yourself can really help build confidence and make us feel prepared. 

Talk to several people already in the position. Being curious and asking questions to those already doing the role will help you have a better understanding of what the role involves. 

During the interview 

Arrive on time. When it comes to interviews first impressions count and arriving on time, or even a few minutes before, demonstrates you have great time management skills.

Let your personality shine through. Skills are important but interviewers are also looking for someone who has passion for the role and will be great fit for the team.

Use the STAR technique to help you to answer scenario-based questions. 

Try and calm any nerves. It’s ok to be nervous but make sure you take a breath to help get into a calm mindset. If you’ve done your prep and been practicing your interview questions this should also help to calm any nerves. You’ve got this!

Close the interview by reconfirming your interest in the role. Be sure to thank the interviewer for their time and express your interest for the role by asking about next steps in the process.

Remember, if you’re not successful at interview stage it can be valuable to ask for feedback. Anything provided to you should help you prepare for your next interview and may give you an insight into the skills, knowledge or behavioural areas that you need to develop to secure that next role.

If you have any questions about interview approach or what’s happening onboard your ship this Career Development Month, speak with your Learning and Development Officer. 

Colleagues ashore should contact the Learning team.