How to prepare for an interview
Going for an interview can be daunting……but it doesn’t have to be if you prepare beforehand. Good preparation is the key to success; so follow our checklist below to make sure you are well equipped for the big day!
- Do your research
Make sure you research the company before your interview. Look at their website and read their social media posts. Find out what they are working on, who their clients are and a bit of background about the business. You could even research the interviewer and find about what their role is in the company.
- Prepare your answers
Think about the typical questions you might be asked and prepare your responses accordingly – why do you want the job, what are your strengths and weaknesses, what can you contribute to the role? Think about how your experiences and skills match the role….make it clear to the interviewer why they should hire you.
- Share your experiences
Prepare examples of when you’ve used skills relevant to the job. Show examples of work you have done that fit the role. Share positive feedback you have received in your current or previous employment.
- Ask the right questions
Chances are the interviewer will ask you if you have any questions at the end of the interview. Make sure you have a list of anything you need to know – what training and support do they offer their staff, what are the chances of promotion in their company?
- What do you need to take?
If the company has asked you to prepare a presentation or bring some paperwork, make sure you have it with you. If you need to do a presentation find out what facilities will be available on the day. Take a copy of your CV and application so you can refer to it in the interview. You could also take a copy of the job role or background of the post.
- Plan your outfit
Make sure you dress in a professional manner. Always look neat, clean and tidy. Make sure your hair is brushed and ladies make sure your nails aren’t half polished!
- Plan your journey
You might want to do a trial run a few days before the interview. Time your journey and take traffic into consideration if you are travelling during peak times. Get there 10 minutes early. Work out where you will park and exactly which building/floor the interview will be in so you don’t have any last minute panics.
- Getting it right on the day
Interviewers will most probably decide in the first few minutes of the interview if you are right for their job, so make sure first impressions count! Give a firm handshake when you meet the interviewer. Remain professional at all times and remember to smile. Be polite, look directly into their eyes when answering their questions and don’t slouch! Speak clearly and be honest. But most of all, relax. Be yourself and make sure you are so good they can’t turn you away!
For more advice, or any further questions, call our team today!