So, your application has been successful and you have been invited for an interview. Now the important part comes; preparing for your interview!
It is important that you dress to impress, do your research and arrive on time!
We’ve put together a few interview do’s and don’ts to help you prepare for that upcoming interview.
First Impressions- First impressions do count so make sure you dress appropriately!
Tip: It’s better to look too formal rather than too casual.
Do: Iron your clothes, wash and dry your hair, ensure you are clean shaven and switch off your phone!
Don’t: Wear too much jewellery or make-up or chew gum.
Background research
It is vital that you do your research and understand as much as possible about the company and the job role.
Tip: Take time familiarising yourself with the job description and read over your original application.
You can research the company by looking online, using library resources or even by visiting the company itself.
Don’t forget that as much as they are interviewing you, they will also be assessing whether this is the right opportunity for you.
Interview questions
One of the most nerve racking elements is not knowing what questions you will be asked.
Tip: Preparing beforehand will enable you to be more confident and able to deal with unexpected questions.
Try to think about it from the employer’s perspective and draft up a list of questions that you think will be asked.
Potential questions: Why did you apply for this job? When have you worked as part of a team? Why should we employ you?
Where do you see yourself in five years’ time? What do you like to do in your spare time?
Communication skills
Creating the right impression is not just delivered through your ability to answer questions correctly but through how you present yourself through your body language.
Do: Have a firm handshake, smile, maintain eye contact and be aware of personal space (Don’t overcrowd the employer).
Don’t: Fidget, over share (Remain neutral) or give too many hand gestures
Most importantly just try to be yourself, you need to show the employer your personality as well as elaborating on your skills.
Journey
It is always good to arrive at the location of the interview nice and early, even if this means sitting in the café across the road for half an hour. Make sure you plan for the journey, look up the best route and consider what traffic might be like.
Do: Plan ahead, look into how long it will take you to get there and where possible do a test run.
Don’t: Leave it till the last minute, leave it to the day of the interview to look up bus times and most importantly, DON’T be late!
Once in the interview
Do: Make sure you have relevant questions to ask at the end of the interview, make sure you have a copy of your CV or application form to refer back to, make sure you have done your research.
Don’t: Give one word answers and don’t assume you have the job before you’ve even been interviewed.
Good luck with your interviews! If you need any assistance in preparing for your interview please make an appointment with an adviser at starting point on 01744 698800.
