Interview with Confidence - Practical Tips from Cammach
Our experience shows that preparation is the difference between good and great interviews. Here’s how to get it right.
We have helped people at every stage of their career, from first jobs to senior leadership moves, and we know the small details that make a big difference. These tips bring together what we have seen work best across all sectors and levels, practical, easy to follow, and designed to help you feel confident, focused, and ready to impress.
Pro tip before you apply:
Before you press “submit,” think about the bigger picture. Where is the role based? Could hybrid or flexible working work for you? What do you know about the company culture and values? Is it a real step forward or a sideways move? Having these answers will give you clarity for your application and a strong foundation for interview success.
Job Application Checklist
Your CV is often the first impression an employer will have, so make it count. Shape it to match the job description and person specification, emphasising the parts of your experience that best fit the role. Include valuable soft skills such as communication, adaptability, and leadership that do not always appear in a simple list of job titles. Proofread carefully to avoid typos, use a clear and professional layout with sensible fonts, and save the file with your name and CV in the title so it is instantly identifiable.
Doing your homework helps you walk into the interview feeling prepared and confident. Spend time on the company’s website to learn about its mission, values, and leadership, and get a sense of the culture. Understand how the role connects to the wider team and the organisation’s goals. Look for recent news, success stories, and market updates that paint a positive picture. Use what you find to show genuine enthusiasm for joining the business, keeping the focus on what excites you about the opportunity rather than on comparisons with competitors. Demonstrating an informed, positive perspective on the company and its place in the market will always leave a strong impression on your interviewers.
Your body language matters just as much as your answers. It helps the interviewer see you as engaged, professional, and genuinely interested. Sitting up straight with your shoulders relaxed shows you are alert and attentive. Looking at the person speaking to you and smiling naturally creates a friendly connection. Starting with a comfortable handshake, steady eye contact, and a warm expression sets a positive tone for the rest of the interview.
Many so-called “difficult” interview questions are not there to trip you up. They are designed to reveal how you think, how you work with others, and how you respond when things do not go as planned. Use the role profile as a guide to the skills you should showcase, and select examples where you faced a challenge and responded in a way that delivered a positive outcome whether by developing your own skills, improving a process, or finding a smarter solution.
The way you close an interview can be just as important as the way you start it. Always thank the panel for their time and consideration, and express enthusiasm for the role and the company. A warm, confident farewell leaves a lasting impression, reinforcing the professionalism and positivity you have shown throughout the meeting.
Once the interview is over, take a moment to be proud of the preparation and effort you put in. Keep a positive outlook every interview is a step forward in building your skills and confidence. If you have more questions about the role, ask them through your agency or directly if you applied yourself. And if things don’t go your way this time, request constructive feedback so you can take something useful from the experience and feel even more prepared for the next opportunity.
How to Write a Standout CV
Focus on the most relevant parts of your experience. You do not need to include every role you have ever had if it does not add value to the job you are applying for. Keep it clear and focused so your key skills and achievements are easy to see at a glance.
“The idea that a CV should be limited to two pages is indeed a misconception. While two pages can be a reasonable guideline for many situations, it's important to understand that the ideal length of a CV can vary depending on the individual's career stage, industry, and specific circumstances.” - Andrew Martin, Senior Recruitment Consultant
Choose a simple design that is easy for both people and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to read. Use clear section headings, consistent fonts, and plenty of white space. Avoid photos, graphics, or layouts with multiple columns, as these can confuse screening software. While many people aim for two pages, do not cut out valuable content just to meet a set length. The right CV length depends on your experience, industry, and the role you are applying for. Clarity and relevance matter most.
“A simple, consistent layout makes your CV easy to read and professional. Use clear headings for each section, keep fonts and sizes consistent, and stick to one font colour throughout. Avoid photos, tables, and charts, as they can make the document harder to follow. If you have a long career history, focus on the past 10 to 15 years in detail and summarise earlier roles with just the company, job title, and dates.” - Nicola Allan, Senior Recruitment Specialist
Adapt your CV for each role by matching it to the job description. Bring forward the skills, experience, and achievements that are most relevant to the position. This not only shows the employer you understand the role but also helps your CV match more closely in any automated screening process.
“You will probably find that you end up saving multiple copies of your CV and tweaking it to each specific role you are applying for, recruiters and HR can spot generic CV’s a mile off and your CV will really stand out if you have taken the time to tailor it to really highlight your relevant experience in line with the role.” - Shannon Stewart, Senior Recruitment Specialist
Begin with a short summary that highlights your most important skills, experience, and career goals. Make it engaging, positive, and clearly linked to the role you are applying for. Including relevant keywords here can help your CV show up in searches.
“A short, sharp, and effective personal profile is paramount when writing your CV. This is the first thing that will catch the potential employer’s eye, therefore you want to ensure that it concisely showcases your key experience and skills relevant to the role you are applying for.” - Nicola Allan, Senior Recruitment Specialist
Do not just list what you were responsible for in previous roles. Show what you achieved and the positive results you delivered. Wherever possible, use numbers or specific examples, such as “increased sales by 15%” or “completed a project three weeks ahead of schedule.” The goal is to make it clear how your work made a difference to the business or employer and to show the value you can bring to your next role.
“Your CV should tell the story of what you have achieved, not just list the jobs you have done. Focus on the results you delivered and the difference you made. Use real examples and, where possible, numbers to show your impact. This is what helps employers see the value you can bring to their business.” – Iona Currie, Group Recruitment Director
Make sure the skills the employer is looking for are easy to find. Include both technical skills, such as specific systems or software, and transferable skills like teamwork, leadership, or problem solving. Give examples of how you have used these skills in your work.
Think of your CV as a snapshot of the difference you have made throughout your career. Go beyond listing job titles and responsibilities and focus on the successes you are most proud of. Use clear examples and, when you can, measurable results to help an employer see the value you will bring to their team.” – Eilidh Taylor, Operations Director
Many employers use applicant tracking systems to search CVs for specific words and phrases. Read the job description carefully and include the skills, systems, and qualifications that are genuinely relevant to you. Think of it as speaking the same language as the employer so your CV is picked up in searches. This is not about forcing in buzzwords, but about clearly showing you have what they are looking for.
“In our Commercial roles, clients often look for experience with specific systems such as Power BI or SharePoint, and these can be essential for the job. If you have worked with a system or tool the employer has highlighted, make sure it is easy to find in your CV. This makes it far more likely your application will be picked up in searches.” - Shannon Stewart, Senior Recruitment Specialist
It helps employers when your career history is presented in a simple, clear order. Start with your most recent role and work backwards. Include your job title, the company name, the dates you worked there, and a short overview of your responsibilities and achievements. If there are any gaps in your work history, a brief and honest explanation will keep the focus on your skills and experience.
“Honesty during a hiring process is essential in every job search, and this starts with your CV. Don’t ignore gaps in your career on your CV with the hope that employers won’t notice them. Simply state the dates and provide a brief explanation.” - Rania Wanis, Senior Recruitment Consultant
Your qualifications, training, and certifications can help you stand out, especially if they match what is asked for in the job description. Start with your most recent achievements and include anything relevant, such as specialist courses or professional licences.
“From an engineering perspective, education and training can be extensive. It’s also important to include project experience (a lot of companies are now moving into Carbon Capture, Hydrogen, and Wind Power, and are keen on individuals with this highlighted).”- Andrew Martin, Senior Recruitment Consultant
Before sending your CV, take a little extra time to read it over carefully. Look for spelling or grammar mistakes, and make sure the layout is easy to read. It can be helpful to ask someone you trust to check it too, as they might spot small details you have missed.
“When you look at your CV, keep it simple and straight to the point. Make sure your duties sound like you and not like they were copied from a job spec, this helps employers see what you brought to the role. If you’ve had similar jobs, mix up how you talk about them, no one wants to read the same thing twice. Be yourself and you will be great.” - Louise Burton, Recruitment Manager
Drilling & Wells
Engineering
