How to Ace Your Energy & Infrastructure Interview

Landing an interview is a big achievement, but now it’s time to stand out and secure the role. Success in interviews requires more than just technical expertise; hiring managers are also looking for candidates who demonstrate industry knowledge, problem-solving skills, and a strong cultural fit. To help you navigate the process, we’ve outlined key strategies for every stage of your interview:

Pre-interview

During your interview, employers want to see that you’ve done your homework, understand their business, and can bring strategic value from day one. Set yourself apart with thorough interview preparation:

• Research the prospective company thoroughly, including recent projects, investment strategies, and leadership team. Understand their market positioning, key challenges, and long-term objectives to demonstrate strategic insight. 
• Bring your portfolio and any work samples if applicable that showcase your leadership in complex projects, regulatory expertise, or commercial impact. Be ready to discuss key takeaways and challenges overcome.
• Be proactive and prepare questions to ask the hiring manager in advance that reflect your long-term vision and ability to add value. Use the Q&A session to discuss growth opportunities, market trends, and how your experience aligns with the company's strategic direction.

During the interview

Explaining gaps in a CV

It’s important to be transparent. According to a survey from LinkedIn, 96% of hiring managers will still hire someone who has been made redundant due to Covid-19, so don’t be afraid to share this information. 

An interview is the opportunity to tell your story and get to know the hiring manager. Be prepared to share what you have achieved during time off – that can be independent consulting work, enhancing your skillsets (technical/software skills) or advancing your learning.  

Salary - avoiding overselling or underselling

Identify what is important to you before heading into the interview, whether that is a higher salary, better benefits or flexibility at work. That will impact your salary expectation.

Whenever possible, try to avoid giving a direct answer to salary questions upfront. Instead, consider responding with:

• "I have a full understanding of your company and the role. I would like to think/speak to my family before I come back to you by tomorrow."
• If you have never received a job description, “Can you please share the job description with me so that I can better gauge the salary expectation for a role like this?”
• “I am looking for a salary that is reflective of my skillset. What would someone with a similar background in your company receive?”

Do not give a salary range – the last thing you want is to be on the bottom rank. Give a number that you feel is feasible and competitive in the market.

Opening a discussion about hybrid work

We highly advise to not discuss working from home or flexible working arrangements in the first interview. With interview processes usually around 2-3 rounds, the second or final interview will be the best time to ask about flexible work arrangements.

​Rather than asking directly, you could reframe a question to “What are the current working arrangements for the team?” or “Is the current team mostly working from the office?”. By rephrasing the questions, this can come across as an expression of interest for the working style and how the team operates instead of demanding the right to work from home.

​Working from home or flexible work is a fairly new concept. If the arrangements have been agreed, it’s important to get this included in the contract or have written confirmation in an email when the offer letter is sent.  

The must-ask question: why are you leaving your current company? 

It’s essential to frame your response positively and avoid speaking negatively about your current or past employer. Instead, focus on your career growth and enthusiasm for the new opportunity. Here are some sample responses:

• “I’ve had a great experience at my current company, but I’m looking for a new challenge where I can continue to grow and contribute in a meaningful way. Your company’s reputation as a market leader, especially in [specific area], makes this an exciting opportunity for me.”
• “I want to expand my skills and take on new challenges. I was particularly drawn to your company because of [mention a recent project, innovation, or growth area], and I believe my expertise could bring value to your team.”
• “I’m looking for an environment that aligns with my long-term career aspirations. From my research, I see that your company prioritises [mention leadership, innovation, culture, etc.], and I’d love to be part of that journey.”

By answering smartly, it shows:

• You are really interested in the company.
• You are passionate about what they do.
• You are knowledgeable about the market.
• You have done the research.

Post-interview

Your performance in the interview doesn’t end when you leave the room. How you follow up can reinforce your interest, professionalism, and long-term value to the company. 

Within 24 hours, follow up with a concise and thoughtful email to each interviewer. Express appreciation for their time, reference key discussion points, and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. If possible, highlight how your skills align with their specific challenges or goals.

Regardless of the outcome, connect with the hiring manager and key individuals you met throughout the process on LinkedIn. This could open doors for future opportunities or referrals.