Interview tips...

So you got the Interview!!!

Don't Worry be Happy!!!  Well done - you have got this far which means something about you is interesting to the employer you have applied to.

Statistically only 10% of job applicants get through to the interview stage so you must prepare well to ensure you maximise your opportunity...

What's the Reason for an Interview...

Interviews are designed to match previously screened applicants to the requirements of the job they have applied for. Every role in every company typically has a set of skills and behaviours matched to it. It's an interviewers job to find out what personal qualities you have that compliment these. Qualities looked for are likely to include:

• Your personality and attitude
• Your motivation and enthusiasm for the job
• How well you express yourself

Interviewers will know something about you already from your CV. This is now your chance to expand on you skills & qualities and really "Sell" yourself.

Remember though - interviews are a two way street! This is also your chance to meet people from the organisation and assess them. Is the company and role you applied for exactly what you thought it was?

Interview Preparation...

Interviews can be a daunting experience but with good preparation you should arrive on the day cool, calm and collected. The best way to prepare is to draw up a checklist of what you need to do before the big day.

There are normally no right or wrong answers in an interview - its how you come across and respond to questions that will impress most.
Be positive, Be honest, Be yourself and most of all Be ready...

• Your invitation will detail the date and time of your interview - ensure you contact the company to confirm your attendance and that all the details are correct
• During this confirmation call make sure you clarify as much as you can about the day
  • Where will you be interviewed and by who?
  • Is there a panel or individual interviewer
  • Are there any tests or activities to prepare for
• Research the company to and the sector it operates in - Showing enthusiasm for the companies business is essential to succeed
• Remind yourself why you applied for the role - re-read you application letter as if you were the interviewer and think of the questions he/she may ask you and think about your responses
• Prepare some questions about the company and job you have applied for - check out our example interview questions here
• Plan how you will get to the interview on the day - Plan your route if driving or check the bus and train timetables. Ensure you leave yourself plenty of time to in case of delays
• Plan what you are going to wear on the day and try your outfit out a few days before - you don't want to be rushing around on the day because something is missing. Be clean, smart and comfortable!
• Remember to take a note pad and pen so you can note down any important details offered about the role

• Prepare any evidence, certificates or records you wish to take with you to support the CV you submitted

Arriving at the Interview...

First impressions count! They set the tone for the rest of the interview and make an impact on everyone you meet. Research shows that snap decisions are made in the first few minutes of meeting someone - ensure decisions made about you are positive:

• Arrive 10 - 15 minutes early - This gives you an opportunity to settle, nip to the loo and take a drink to refresh.
• Use this waiting time to also browse any "In-Company" magazines or newsletters to find out up to date information about the employer
• Be polite to everyone you meet - The carpark attendant, the receptionist, security and your contact
• Shake hands firmly and warmly with the interviewer - 25% of interviewers are put off by a weak handshake
• Wait to be offered a seat then try to relax - Don't perch on the edge of your chair but don't slouch back either

The Interview Itself...

A good interviewer will try to put you at ease by asking some "Ice Breaker" questions. These will normally be easy questions about yourself, how you got there today and where you have come from. These are designed to help you relax.

You should know in advance if the interview is one-to-one or with a panel. If you are being interviewed by a panel the interviewer will introduce everyone involved - remember to smile and make eye contact with everyone as you talk to them.

If you are attending a larger recruitment day you may be asked to work in a group with other candidates - this type of activity is designed to see how you work in a team or lead a group. Be positive and get involved!

You could also be asked to take some form of test or assessment - Personality, aptitude or IT / Software application tests. These are designed to assess you abilities on particular activities involved with the job you are applying for.

Don't Worry Be Happy!!! - Remember that none of the above will be a surprise because you will have prepared well before the interview in the first place.