Preparing for an Interview
Preparing for an Interview
| Interviews are difficult enough to get, so it is vital to be at your best. |
| Careers Springboard hold frequent meetings and discussions on interview techniques to help you make the most of every opportunity by being very well prepared and well organised. |
| General guidance |
| Find out as much as you can about the job advertised and the company. Thoroughly brief yourself on the company’s activities, ownership, structure, financial status and products, well ahead of the interview. Check its website and annual reports. |
| Try to identify the type of interview to which you are invited; whether it is with a consultant or the personnel department, a selection panel, a line manager or with the senior executive who can make the final decision. |
| Prepare your own agenda of questions that you would like to ask. Anticipate and rehearse answers to the most likely questions they will ask you - e.g. personal motivations and ambitions, work experience, reasons for leaving your last job, etc. |
| Pay particular attention to your appearance and conform to the company’s dress code. |
| Plan your journey in advance, check parking availability near to the interview location, to ensure that you are on time and you can present yourself in a fully composed and confident manner. |
| Be pleasant to the receptionist or secretary you meet first. They will also observe you whilst you are waiting and are often asked for their opinion of you. |
| Have all the papers in a single folder. No brief case to fumble with. |
| The first few minutes are crucial to the success of the interview.Start with a firm (but not aggressive) handshake and a smile. Wait until you are invited to sit down. Sit upright in the chair, well back into the seat. Do not cross your arms or legs. The interviewer will be watching your body language! |
| Assess the personality of the interviewer and try to establish an early rapport. |
| If you face a panel, address yourself to the questioner but keep eye contact with all the other members by looking at them from time to time. Try to determine who is the decision maker. |
| Display enthusiasm and interest in the company right from the start. Listen carefully to the questions and reply clearly and confidently, grasping any opportunities to make your own case. |
| Your final comments should aim to conclude the interview on a high note. "What happens next", "I am really interested in the job". |
| As soon as possible
after the interview complete a "Post
Interview Analysis Form"
If you don't get an offer, ring back and ask why. It may help you at your next interview. |
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