The demand for talent across the energy sector is continuing to grow, which makes the current climate ideal to launch your career. But that doesn’t mean it will be a walk in the park.
There’s some stiff competition out there, and if you’re new to the industry, getting your foot in the door takes strategic thinking and planning.
But you’ve made it to the interview stage, and preparation is key for success here. That’s why we’re taking a look at how you can nail your interview answers to land your first energy role.
Make it personal
As well as finding out how suited you are to the job role, interviewers also want to know more about you, and whether you’ll be a good cultural fit. This is your chance to share what sets you apart from other candidates, and show off your passion and personality.
Whatever question you’re asked, try to make your answer personal so the interviewer can get to know the real you. For instance, if you’re asked, “what’s your greatest weakness?” and you answered, “being a perfectionist”, go a little further and use an example of this to show more detail and personalise your response.
Focus on your accomplishments
You may have already listed your accomplishments on your CV or application, but you should be ready and prepared to provide clear examples and explanations of these in the interview. This will help you demonstrate why you’re a suitable candidate for the role.
Better yet, try linking those accomplishments to the responsibilities you’ll have if successful in the hiring process. It shows the interviewer that you already have some of the desired skills.
If you don’t yet have relevant experience for your preferred role, look at how the skills you’ve acquired from previous roles may apply. And remember, there’s plenty of graduate schemes out there, alongside self-development opportunities and internships.
Practice, practice, practice
Everyone gets a few pre-interview nerves, especially if you’re new to the industry. Practising your answers to potential interview questions not only helps you feel more confident, it also puts you in a better position, as you have an idea of what to expect.
This should make it much easier to deliver your answers too, as you’ll be less likely to stutter or hesitate. You may still need to take a few seconds before you respond, but the interviewer will appreciate a well-thought-out reply over a garbled one.
Prepare your own questions
When the interview comes to an end, it’s your turn to ask the questions. You’ve probably thought of some things you’d like to ask throughout the interview, but make sure you’ve prepared a couple, just in case.
Here are a few examples:
How do you see this company evolving over the next 5-10 years?
Is there a typical career path for someone in this position?
What values are at the heart of your company cultures?
How have people previously succeeded in this role?
What is your interview timeline and what are the next steps from here?
Ultimately, asking questions demonstrates that you’re engaged in the process, and that you genuinely want to know more about the role and your potential new employer.
Enlist WRS to land your energy role
Ready to kick-start your career in energy? WRS helps candidates just like you prepare for interviews. So take a look at our latest job vacancies.
We have strong relationships with companies around the globe, and our valuable insights can help you better understand what will be expected of you throughout the process.
Start your journey by submitting your CV today, or for more information speak to the team.
