Preparing for interview

For any job you will have to go through some form of interview. An interview is basically a meeting to exchange information and have a two-way discussion. It enables the employer to find out more about you, the applicant. It also gives you the chance to find out more about the job and to ask questions.

Face to Face interviews

There are several types of face to face interviews, for example:

• a one-to-one interview – being interviewed by one or more people one at a time.
• a panel interview – several people on an interview panel asking you questions.
• a technical interview - to see if you can do the job. This may involve some form of test.
• a group interview – an assessment exercise with several applicants together.

Tips for preparing for interview

Before your interview it is important to prepare thoroughly. This will involve researching the organisation, the post and your skills. To make a start on this try the following:

• re-read your CV and/or application form
• re-read the job advert and job specification
• know what your main strengths are in relation to the job
• write down the main points that you would like to get across in the interview
• make sure that you find out as much as you can about the organisation – try the internet for information
• prepare answers to likely questions
• prepare some questions to take with you to ask the interviewer. Some will be answered during the course of the interview but you will usually have a chance to ask questions at the end of the interview. Writing questions down beforehand should help you remember things you want to know that haven't been covered.

Possible interview questions

Some possible interview questions which you might be asked:

• Describe yourself using three words?
• How do you react under pressure?
• What did you like/dislike about your previous job/work experience?
• What interests you most about this job?
• What have you been doing since you left school/last employment?
• Describe a difficult problem you have had to deal with?
• What skills would you like to develop and why?
• Do you prefer working with others or alone?
• Tell me about an achievement that you are proud of?
• Can you describe an occasion when you have worked as part of a team?
• What qualities can you bring to this company?
• Is there anything that you would like to add?

At the interview

• Arrive early – 15 minutes before your appointment is sensible
• Dress smartly – first impressions are crucial. It has been estimated that first impressions can be formed in as little as 3 seconds!
• Always try to keep your answers positive – do not volunteer negative information about yourself. Try to turn any potential negatives into positives
• Keep your answers relevant to the job and answer the question asked
• Make sure you get across your key selling points
• Pause a little and give yourself some time to think before answering each question
• Try to have three main points to get across in each of your answers
• If you are being interviewed by a panel, try to keep all members involved e.g. try to make some eye contact with each of them
• Most importantly, be yourself!

After the interview

If you are not sure what happens next it would be good to ask when the interviewer will be making a decision and how they will be contacting interviewees. Include this in your written list of questions to ask so you don't forget.