Interview Tips
If you are invited to an interview, then this is a good indication that the company
is interested in you and thinks that you match the role they are looking to fill.
The interview gives you the opportunity to prove that this is true, and show why
your skills and experiences make you the perfect candidate for the job.
Preparation
In order to successfully show an interviewer you are the right person for the job
preparation is vital as, if done properly, this will allow you to be more confident
and therefore more likely to give a positive impression.
It is vital that you research into the company prior to interview, including
its objectives and background, as well as any recent press releases they have had.
You should also try to research the market sector the company operates in, and know
who its main competitors are.
Read through the CV you sent to the company. Make sure
you have good examples for all the skills and experiences you have listed, and also
have examples ready of other experiences that are relevant but you have not touched
on in your CV. The more examples you have ready in your head the more fluently and
confidently you will be able to talk about yourself. Make sure your examples show
you in a positive light, where you learned from an experience or a time when you
succeeded at something. If you have any qualifications, such as a degree, which
are relevant to the position applied for then be prepared to give in depth details
of what you studied if they ask.
Read the job description for the position applied for again. Try to think of a few
questions you could ask the interviewer, for example, what career opportunities
would be available to me? Remember the interview is just as much about you finding
out about the company as it is about them finding out about you.
Interview Day Preparation
When attending the interview dress smartly and ensure that your shoes, hair and
nails are clean. It is important not to neglect small details such as these as they
project a bad image. Make sure you leave plenty of time to get to the interview
in case you are delayed, for example in traffic. Also plan to arrive early
to the interview as this shows that you have good time keeping skills and are reliable.
Ensure that you take all relevant documentation which the company have asked you
to provide in your interview, for example proof of your right to work in the UK,
education certificates, or a copy of your CV. Make sure these are presentable, for
example take them in a folder to stop them from getting crumpled.
The Interview
During the interview try to relax; if you are too nervous you will not be able to
give your best. Remember that if you were not capable of doing the job then you
would not have got this far in the recruitment process. Make sure you greet the
interviewer with a smile, and wait until they invite you to sit down before doing
so. When asked a question listen carefully to what is being asked, and think about
your answer. If you are not sure of what you are being asked do not be afraid to
ask for clarification from the interviewer.
During the interview maintain good eye contact with the interviewer as this makes
you appear confident and relaxed. However, be careful not to stare at the interviewer.
Sit comfortably and upright in your chair; do not slouch or fidget. Be careful not
to cross your arms as this is a defensive body position. When not using your hands
to illustrate a point, place them in your lap.
At the end of an interview you are usually asked if you have any questions. If you
have done sufficient research prior to the interview then this will help you ask
some informed questions, which may help make you a more memorable candidate. You
could ask questions to do with, for example, career progression or training, but
do not ask about salary at this stage.
When the interview is over thank the interviewer for their time, ensuring that you
leave on a positive note.