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Preparation is key for an Interview. Here’s our handy guide to getting the most from your Interview.

An interview is the one opportunity to sell yourself and prove you are the best person for the job. Preparation is the key with this one. Nervousness is expected but if you’re equipped beforehand, it’ll help you to come across more confidently. Use that adrenaline to enhance your performance rather than negate it!

Before the Interview

ENSURE you have all of the information required for your interview including the Office location, the time and the process of the interview itself.

PLAN your route to ensure you arrive at least ten minutes early, accounting for traffic and travel delays.

RESEARCH the company you are interviewing at – there is nothing worse than coming across someone who hasn’t taken the time to look into where they might be working. Look at the company’s services, their history, their latest news and social media updates. Usually a company will have an ‘About Us’ page which will specify the kind of values they stand for – this information is all very useful for your interview.

CHECK you have adequate interview clothes – we always advise a dark suit and shoes. While there is the temptation to stand out, its important to stand out in the right way. Being professional, clean and well presented goes a long way. Make sure all your interview clothes are clean and ironed.

PREPARE for what may be asked of you, using the job description to ensure that your answers relate directly to the role you are applying for.

Here are some examples:

• Tell me about yourself
• Talk me through your CV
• What are your daily duties?
• What are your strengths? (At least three with supporting examples)
• What are your weaknesses? (Ensure these are realistic but keep your tone positive. Making a comment such as ‘I work too hard’ is entirely see through. Use something that can be both positive and negative. Examples include ‘I tend to ask a lot of questions but its only when I’m unclear of something as I don’t like making any mistakes’.)
• Give me an example of when you have exceeded expectations
• What do you like and dislike about your present and previous roles?
• Why are you looking for a new job?
• Do you feel you work better in a small or large team and why?
• When have you had to handle a demanding workload?
• How do you organise and prioritise your workload?
• Would you describe yourself as ambitious and why?
• Where do you see yourself in five years time?
• What do you know about our company?
• Why should I offer you the position?

Prepare a couple of questions to demonstrate your interest in the company. Try to make these unique for you in relation to your own goals.

• What part do you play within the team?
• How have other people progressed in this role?
• How do you see the company changing in the next 3-5 years?
• How many people are within the team and what are they like?
• When are you looking to appoint someone?

During the Interview

• Make sure you are polite – Being rude to a receptionist will make its way to the top – you can be sure of it!
• Smile confidently.
• Dress professionally.
• Make eye contact throughout.
• Give a firm hand shake.
• Be aware of your body language and the tone and content of what you say.
• Listen to the questions properly and give concise and logical answers.
• Use similar wording to the job description.
• Use positive rather than limiting language. E.g. I only lead a team of five people – (limiting). I lead a great team of five people – (positive).
• Try not to repeat yourself. Reinforce your professionalism and ability to communicate effectively by speaking clearly and not using phrases such as ‘you know…’ or ‘like…’.
• At the end, thank the interviewer for their time and express your interest in the position.

And lastly

Good luck and have faith in your abilities! If you believe in yourself, there’s no reason for your interviewer not to.