What to Do (and what not to do) in Your Job Interview: Advice from Clean Energy & E-mobility Hiring Managers

Clean Energy & E-mobility job interviews can be a nerve-wracking experience. While you may have already captured the attention of a hiring manager and recruiter with an amazing CV/Resume and cover letter, your interview is what really seals the deal.

Most hiring managers in the [Clean Energy & E-mobility industry expect to see a few jitters and signs of nerves from their candidates. However, they’re also watching carefully for signs you are the best fit for their available role. Fail to prepare and present yourself correctly, and you could miss the opportunity to take the next step in your career.

To help ensure you can make the best impression at your next interview, we’ve gathered a collection of the top “do’s” and “don’ts” from Clean Energy & E-mobility hiring managers.

Here’s what you need to know. 

What to Do in Your SECTOR Interview

The best way to generate the right results from an [Clean Energy & E-mobility interview is to go in with the right information, preparation, and attitude. Here are the key things you should always do to boost your chances of interview success.

1.     Do Your Homework

Every interview is different. Your hiring manager will want to see evidence that you understand the role you’re being interviewed for, the company you want to work with, and that you’re ready to answer any questions they might have.

Take some time to research the company you will be meeting with in advance so that you can tailor your answers to any questions about the business. For instance, if your hiring manager asks, “Why do you want to work for [company X]” you should be able to communicate a relevant response based on what you know about the organisation’s values, vision, and mission.

2.     Do Prioritise Presentation

While many hiring managers and employers strive to avoid showing any bias towards candidates based on their appearance, how you present yourself does make a difference. Even if you’re going to an “informal interview”, you should still dress professionally and pay attention to your grooming. Check with your recruitment consultant about the dress code and style of the company you are interviewing with.

If your interview occurs online, don’t use this as an excuse to overlook your presentation. You should still dress well and ensure you’re sitting in an environment free from distractions or clutter.

3.     Do Be Prepared

Preparation is key to a great Clean Energy & E-mobility interview. Researching the company you’re applying to work with is just the beginning. You’ll also need to make sure you’re equipped to answer any questions they might have about your time away from work or your accomplishments in the industry. It’s worth bringing your CV/Resume and any other relevant documents with you too.

If you’re taking part in an online interview, make sure all of your equipment works before you’re due to start your conversation. If you’re attending an in-person interview, plan your route in advance to ensure you arrive either early.

4.     Do Remember Your Body Language

What you say is important in an Clean Energy & E-mobility interview, but how you say it is crucial too. With this in mind, think about your body language. Communication is up to 55% non-verbal, and your hiring manager will look for insights into your confidence, attitude, and characteristics in presenting yourself. Make eye contact regularly, smile, and avoid fidgeting in your seat.

If you’re unsure what your body language might say about you in an interview, practising some questions with a friend, colleague, or family member could be helpful before the big day.

What Not to Do in Your Job Interview

Just as it’s important to know what you should be doing in an Clean Energy & E-mobility interview, it’s also crucial to know what behaviours and actions you should avoid.

1.     Don’t Talk About the Wrong Things

If you feel comfortable with your interviewer, it’s easy for a conversation to go off on a tangent. However, staying focused on showing your potential employer why you’re a good fit for their team is important. Don’t ramble on about your successes in a previous role for too long, or this could derail the interview. Show you’re respectful of the hiring manager’s time.

Most importantly, never talk negatively about your former employers or colleagues. If a hiring manager asks you to discuss a time you didn’t work well with a manager, highlight how you responded to the issue in the best way possible and adapted to the situation.

2.     Don’t lose Focus

One of the most important things you can do in an Clean Energy & E-mobility interview is listen. Employers want their candidates to be engaged and attentive, so make sure you’re paying attention to your hiring manager's questions and responding correctly. If you don’t understand a question, ask them to explain the part you didn’t understand or repeat the question for clarification.

If your attention starts to slip during an interview, lean forward, make eye contact, and try to process the words being said more carefully.

3.     Don’t Falsify Information

Speaking at a job interview is like advertising yourself to a potential employer. You want to make yourself appear as wonderful as possible while drawing attention away from your weaknesses or faults. However, this doesn’t mean you should hide the truth or falsify information.

Be authentic about your strengths and weaknesses. Explain how you’re working on developing yourself and show how committed you are to be your best version. If your employer asks about career gaps, answer authentically and honestly, and you’ll be more likely to get a good response.

4.     Don’t Forget to Ask Your Questions

Remember, a Clean Energy & E-mobility job interview is also an excellent chance for you to ask your own questions of the hiring manager. You might ask questions about the company culture you can expect or what kind of people you’ll work with. Just make sure your questions are relevant and appropriate.

For instance, asking about when you can expect your first promotion or pay-rise during an interview might not be a good idea. You also shouldn’t ask questions when you know the answer has already been made available. For example, if you’ve read the job description, you shouldn’t need to ask about your responsibilities in the role.

Finally

The dos and don’ts above will help you navigate some of the more complex parts of a Clean Energy & E-mobility job interview. However, working with a Clean Energy & E-mobility recruitment company will further boost your chances of success in finding and interviewing for the right role.

If you would like to find out how we have helped other Clean Energy & E-mobility candidates develop their careers, read our testimonials and case studies here.

Sharn Lalkiya

Founder/Managing Director - TechWaves Recruitment Clean Energy & Emobility

At TechWaves Recruitment - Clean Energy & E-mobility, we have been helping start ups and those going through growth to acquire talent and job seekers find their ideal roles in the Clean Energy and E-mobility sector. Call us at 0247 5099567 or email us on help@techwavesrecruitment.co.uk.