Preparing for a job interview

While no two interviews are the same, every employer will want to find out whether:

• you have the knowledge and skills necessary to do the job
• your experience indicates that you can use these skills in your new role
• what you are like as a person and if your values meet the employer

It’s important to keep these points in mind when you’re preparing for the interview, and during the interview itself. If all your answers to their questions focus on these three things.

• Do your research. Search online for information about the company.
• Re read the Job Description and Person Specification and think how your answers relate to the duties of the job.
• Plan your travel. Look up the exact location of your interview and decide what route to take to make sure you arrive in plenty of time. It’s better to get there 15 minutes early, and have time to calm your nerves and prepare, than it is to rush in at the last minute feeling flustered. You may want a to arrange a practice run before the interview.
• Prepare some answers to common interview questions, such as “Tell me about yourself and why you’re right for this role” and “Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?” if you are unsure on the types of questions look at the job description to see what skills you need to demonstrate, you can also look online to see what types of questions get asked in interviews in the job you are applying for.
• Practise your entrance. First impressions count. So smile, maintain good eye contact and don’t use slang so “Hello” instead of “Hi”.
• Prepare one or two questions to ask at the end of the interview.
• Decide what you’re going to wear in advance. Where something that looks smart, rather than casual, and make sure it’s clean and ironed. How you dress shows how much importance you place on the interview and how much you want the job