Face to Face Interview Advice
Face to Face Interview Advice
Face to face interview, what’s that? It's hard to remember a time before virtual meetings became the new normal. But if we have learnt anything in recent years, it’s that pretty much everything can change overnight.
As we’ve seen a growing number of our luxury travel clients lean back into in-person interviews, now is the perfect time to brush up on the do’s and don'ts, whether you’re the one doing the interviewing or the one hoping to land the job.
Tips for Hiring Managers
Face-to-face interviews are your moment to not only assess a candidate but to sell your business. In today’s job market, top talent expects more than a job description, they want to feel excited about your company.
Here’s how to make the most of your in-person meetings:
- Be Prepared: It sounds basic, but it’s often missed. Take time to properly review the candidate’s CV well in advance and not five minutes before they arrive.
- Structure Your Questions: Have a clear plan. A consistent approach across all interviews ensures a fair and thorough process.
- Sell the Opportunity: Candidates are assessing you just as much as you’re assessing them. Be ready to talk about company culture, benefits, progression opportunities, and what makes your team worth joining.
- Create a Positive Experience: Even if you’re not extending an offer, you want every applicant to walk away with a great impression of your business.
Think of it as matchmaking, people want to feel a connection. Show candidates why your company is the right match.
Tips for Candidates
The return to in-person interviews might feel daunting but it’s also your chance to shine beyond the screen. Here’s how to make a strong impression:
- Plan Your Journey: Arriving late due to train delays or traffic won’t set the right tone. Aim to be early, not just on time.
- Dress the Part: First impressions count and that includes how you present yourself. Smart, professional, and polished always wins over quirky or casual.
- Do Your Homework: Google the company, read recent news, check out their LinkedIn. There’s no excuse for being unprepared. Show that you’ve done more than just skim the job ad.
- Keep It Professional: No matter your past experience, now’s not the time to bad-mouth previous employers. Stay positive and forward-looking.
- Ask Smart Questions: Don’t default to “Have I answered everything?” Instead, show interest in the company’s direction, the team, or why your interviewer enjoys working there.
Avoid asking about sick days, holiday allowances, or flexible hours too early. There's a time and place for that, and it’s usually not in round one.
Face-to-Face Interview Pros & Cons
Benefits:
- Stronger personal connection: Body language and facial cues help build rapport and are easier to read.
- Deeper insights: It’s easier to read between the lines and ask follow-ups.
- Environment check: Candidates can get a feel for the workplace and team culture.
- Longer, more meaningful conversations: In-person interviews often allow for more in-depth discussions.
Challenges:
- More time-consuming: Coordinating schedules and travel takes more effort.
- Cost to candidates: Travel can be expensive, especially if they’re unemployed or relocating.
Hybrid Interviewing: The Best of Both Worlds?
If you're hiring, consider a hybrid approach:
- Start with virtual interviews to screen candidates quickly.
- Then, invite top contenders for an in-person round to dive deeper.
This method saves time, reduces scheduling bottlenecks, and ensures you're only meeting the best-matched applicants in person.
Ready for Your Next Step?
Looking for your next role in travel? Browse our latest luxury jobs in travel and see if your next opportunity is just a click away.
Hiring for your team? We’d love to support you in finding the right match.
Call us on: 01732 808313
Or email: executive@jaynepeirce.co.uk