Interviews

Planning for the interview

• Plan your journey - do a practice run to see how long it takes
• Find out about the employer.  Visit their website and read all the information they send you.  Jot down any questions you have
• Re-read your application form or CV and think about why you want the job and what would make you the right person for it
• Plan what you’re going to wear- make sure your clothes are appropriate and clean
• Find out if you’ll be expected to do a presentation, assessment or selection test as part of the interview process. Do your research and make sure that you’re well prepared

Before the interview

• Tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back
• Check that you have everything you need – invitation to interview letter,  exam certificates, questions you’ve prepared
• Check your appearance and personal hygiene.  Bad breath or dirty finger nails won’t impress
• Arrive at least 10 minutes before the interview and make sure you sign in at reception
• Turn off your mobile phone

During the interview

• Wait to be asked to sit down. Sit straight and make eye contact with the people doing the interviewing
• Speak clearly – don’t mumble, swear or speak in slang
• Listen carefully to the questions and think before you answer.  If you don’t understand a question ask for it to be repeated
• Answer the questions as fully as possible.  Keep it relevant but make sure the interviewer is aware of your enthusiasm
• Ask the questions you’ve prepared if they haven’t already been covered in the interview.
• At the end of the interview thank the interviewers for seeing you

After the interview

The employer will let you know the outcome. If you don’t get the job try to look at the interview as a learning opportunity. Think about how it went and how it could be improved next time.  Employers will usually be happy for you to ask for feedback.

Find out more by visitng the websites tab above.