Why choose us?
Our fixed price sales recruitment service ensures that you remain in control of your recruitment budget.
Seven Brilliant Interview Tips
Page Overview:
At Aaron Wallis Sales Recruitment, we help you shine in interviews by offering seven practical, confidence-boosting techniques. This page advises planning positive "small talk" to break the ice, bringing a notepad to appear professional and take helpful notes, subtly mirroring the interviewer's style to build rapport, listening attentively (and asking "Did that answer your question?" to stay connected), weaving thoughtful questions throughout, not just at the end, demonstrating your preparation, knowing your CV and achievements inside out, and pacing your responses thoughtfully by pausing to compose before answering. Use these strategies to walk into every interview with poise, presence, and preparation.
1. Plan Your 'Small Talk' for an interview
Prepare beforehand the small talk that you will use to get through that initial 'sounding each other out' stage. Talk about (non-contentious) current affairs, how nice the offices are, how friendly the receptionist is, how easy it was to find the offices, how good the tea is. If all else fails, talk about the weather – but whatever small talk you make, ensure that it's positive – they want to hire a winner, not a whiner! Maintain solid, but natural eye contact, nod in agreement, and use open-handed hand gestures.
2. Take a notepad to every interview and use it!
Taking a notepad will make you come across as more professional and interested in the role (and help you remember what was discussed to prepare for the second interview!). Ask to take notes – you'll earn a 'brownie point' for being polite, and let them see the research you've prepared for the meeting. Invest in a document case that allows you to place your pad on the right side and your interview questions and a list of your strengths and aspirations on the left side. When you get that tough question, a quick dart down to your left and you'll be back on track.
3. Build Rapport and Mirror the Interviewer
Mirror the style of the interviewer. Subtly mirror their body language – if they lean back, lean back yourself, if they use expressive hand movements, do so yourself, try to talk at the same pace in the same range of tones. If you breathe at the same pace as the interviewer, you will find yourself communicating at a similar pace. But be natural; don't try to be someone you are not, and use natural body language. Over-emphasised body language is very easy to spot, making you come across as staged and contrived. I have even had interviewees come across as 'weird' or 'intense' because they took this mirroring advice far too literally, so beware!
4. Listen!
We've all heard the cliché "two ears and one mouth" – but it's especially important at an interview. Listen to what's not being said as much as what is! Observe body language and eye movement, and ensure the interviewer is engaged by what you have to say. Don't monopolise the conversation; be succinct in your answers and avoid waffling. Ask acknowledgement questions, i.e. 'Did that answer your question?' to ensure that the interviewer is engaged. Don't tell anecdotes unless they are highly relevant to the question and are backing up your case. If asked questions such as 'give an example of a risk that you have taken', 'what's the biggest regret of your life', always answer them in a way that will show you in the best positive light. Skilled interviewers will lull you into a 'false sense of security' and before you know it, you're telling them that your idea of a perfect holiday is drinking twenty pints of lager a night!
First interviews tend to be a test of personality, character, and basic fit, i.e., could they see you working with the existing team, fitting in with the corporate culture, team dynamics, etc.
5. Ask Questions throughout the interview
The best interviews are a two-way process - where the balance of conversation is equal. In fact, top books for interviewers say that the perfect balance should be 60/40 (60% Interviewee and 40% interviewer). Prepare questions beforehand and ask them at natural points throughout the meeting.
There is nothing worse for an interviewer who asks 'Any questions?' (as an invitation to close) and in reply gets a list of questions at the end – what are the hours, why do you work here, etc. - it's very unnatural!
6. Know your facts in an interview
Know your CV inside out. Ensure that you are able to back up, substantiate and elaborate on any claim that you have made on your CV. Know your clients, your targets, your processes. Take along testimonials, sales league tables, certificates of achievement/training, etc.
7. Take your time
If you are unsure of the question or its relevance, ask for clarification. Don't be afraid to take a few seconds to compose your succinct answer to the question (3-4 seconds go unnoticed, shows you're composed and gives you the thinking time to construct that killer answer!)
Date published: 6th August 2025
Search jobs
With hundreds of jobs available, now is the time to look for your perfect position
by Rob Scott
Managing Director
About the author
Rob Scott
Please call us to discuss your next move
From our blog
Our employers say...
Our candidates say...