Be Prepared!

For many of us, interviews are a daunting prospect and it makes good sense to be as prepared as we can. The techniques and processes that follow will help you to make the most of your interview and get that vital job.

Before the Interview

Before you go to an interview you need to prepare. Do as much research on the Company as you can to find out about the business they are in, their culture and values. Many companies today will have a website containing lots of information. But don't worry if they don't, because you can always use the more traditional techniques such as the local library or simply call and ask them to send you some information.

Make sure you understand the role you have applied for and familiarise yourself with the duties and skills required for the role. Check that you understand and can recall important elements of your CV and be prepared to describe previous roles and responsibilities. A key question will always arise, such as “Why should we choose you for the role”?. Be prepared to describe how you meet the requirements of the position you will be interviewed for, adding any relevant achievements or successes.

If your interview is being held at a location that you are unfamiliar with, do as much homework as you need to ensure you find the right place and that you are on time. Allow for any potential delays.

Ensure you know the name(s) of the person or people interviewing you. Check beforehand if you need to take anything with you or if any assessments will be taking place.

Dress for the part

First impressions do count! Recruitment decisions are based on several different factors, and how you look is important. You should dress appropriately for the position you are applying for. Listed below are some tips on how to dress for an interview

During the interview

The people who are conducting the interview will be looking to see what makes you special. Always be polite and friendly to everyone that you meet and if appropriate, make conversation with the reception staff.

No one will mind if you ask for a question to be repeated; it is better for you to have understood the question and give a sensible reply, that for you to try and waffle your way through. If you can't answer a question because you don't have the relevant experience, be honest with the interviewer(s) and offer to give an answer based on your experience.

It is important that you don't stray from the point of the question. Be concise and answer the question that has been asked.

At the end of the interview it is common practice to be asked if you have any questions for them; be ready to ask relevant and related questions such as: how many other people are being interviewed for the position, what the next stage will be, is there anything that can be done between now and the next interview, when can you expect to hear from them, etc. Don't go overboard however.

Finally, thank your interviewer for their time, smile and give them a firm handshake.

Post interview

It is always good practice to write to the person who interviewed you, thanking them for their time and the interest they showed in you. It will make them think about you again and just may provide you a lead on the rest of the interviewees.

Interview Do's and Don'ts

•  Do prepare fully for your interview.

•  Do smile and be polite

•  Do be honest and sincere

•  Do make sure you get there on time, if you are late make sure you call to let them know.

•  Do think positive

•  Do remember to have a sense of humour when appropriate

•  Don't be rude or offhand to anyone

•  Don't make critical comments about former employers.

•  Don't tell lies as you'll nearly always be found out.

•  Don't underplay your achievements, sell yourself.

•  Don't panic.

FAQ's

It isn't difficult to imagine that the interviewer is going to ask you some standard, but often neglected questions. Listed below are some we have thought of:

• Tell me about yourself.
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• What are the main responsibilities in your current role?
• What do you most enjoy about your current role?
• Do you enjoy working as an individual or part of a team?
• Can you describe a time when you've faced a difficult challenge and how you overcame it?
• What interested you in this position?
• What skills could you bring to this position?
• Why do you want to change your current company and role?