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Preparing for an interview

Being invited to an interview means you’ve passed the first hurdle: your application must have made a good impression. Now you need to prepare yourself for the interview to make sure you are successful at this next stage.

Before your interview

Research the company  

If you are invited to an interview you should spend some time researching the company as this will give you confidence should you be asked any question on what the company does. It will also allow you to ask questions to the employer.

You could contact the company to ask for an information pack or you could look at their website. In addition why not look at similar companies to glean additional technical information that could be useful at the interview. 

It’s helpful to find out the following things about the employer:

what they do, make or sell?

who are their customers?

what sort of organisation are they?

what is the job likely to involve?

Plan for the interview  

Find out what the interview will involve to make sure you’re prepared.

If you have a disability, all employers must make reasonable adjustments for you to have an interview. If you need the employer to make particular arrangements (for example, to help you get into the building), contact them before your interview to make sure they can make these arrangements.

You should think about who will be interviewing you. If it is the person who would be your manager if you got the job, the interview may be more detailed. If it’s the personnel manager, the interview may be less detailed but could still be as testing. Find out how many people will be interviewing you and their positions in the company. This will help you prepare for the kinds of questions they may ask.

Finding out how long the interview is likely to last will give you an idea of how detailed the interview will be. You should also find out if you will have to take a test or make a presentation.

Plan your journey  

Consider traveling to the company the day before the interview to check how long the journey will take. If necessary, ask the employer for directions, bus routes or details of where you can park your car. You should plan another way of getting there in case something unexpected happens (such as an accident blocking the road, or if your train is cancelled). If you have a disability, let the employer know so they can make any special arrangements. Ensure you arrive 5 to 10 minutes early

Creating the right image  

Deciding what to wear for the interview will depend on what sort of work you will be doing. Decide what to wear and get your clothes ready the day before. You don’t have to buy a new outfit. Aim for a neat, clean and tidy appearance, if you look good it will help you feel good. If in doubt wear dark sensible conservative clothing ladies should avoid wearing  excessive jewellery, or perfume.  

Gather together the information you’ll need at the interview  

Remember to take a copy of your CV or application form to refer to and prepare notes or cue cards, to help if think you might need a prompt during the interview. Take items the employer has asked you to bring along - for example: references, certificates or your driving licence.

Reread the job advert to refresh your memory and to make sure you haven’t missed anything.

Creating a lasting impression

When you enter the interview room you have literally 5 seconds to set the tone and impress

So when you enter greet the interviewer with a confident Good Morning/ afternoon as you offer your hand to shake hands making sure you make good eye contact

Shake hands gently but firmly to demonstrate confidence, gentleman please don’t crush ladies hands as you will be remembered for all the wrong reasons !

At the interview  

Whether the interview is informal or structured its important to remember that what you say and how you react to the interviewer’s questions will ultimately affect the decision of the employer to offer you the job or put you forward for second interview.  

So always bear that in mind when you are answering  questions, be positive and try to look at the question from the interviewers point of view and what’s behind it.

Panel interviews  

Some people can find Panel interviews very daunting, often you may be facing 3 or more people. Prior to interview the panel will have decided on the questions which will be the same for each applicant and will be scoring you on a number of things For example your ability to answer the question Content of response, reasoning, technical ability, your appearance etc However you can turn this to your advantage by understanding that everyone will be asked the same question. Remember its important to address the person answering the Question so that you build a relationship and keep good eye contact when talking to that person treat each individual the same when answering their question. don't be tempted to treat other members of the panel is if they have less authority

Prepare for the questions you might be asked  

Here is a list of popular questions that you might be asked at interview along with some suggested answers.

Why do you want to work here?

Mention the following:

• the good reputation of the firm

• any other positive information you have about them - for example: their training record or their

• equal opportunities policy

• the job will give you the opportunity to do work that interests you

Why did you leave your last job?

Be positive. For example: if you left for health reasons, point out that you are now able to carry out all the duties for the job you are applying for. Don’t use this as an opportunity to criticise  your previous company. If you were dismissed, say that you take responsibility for your actions and have learnt from the experience.

Have you done this kind of work before?

If you have, tell them the skills and experience you have and how you can use them in this job. If you haven’t, describe other work experience that is relevant to this job or which will help you learn this job quickly. Emphasize your interest and your enthusiasm to learn.

What did you do in your last job?

Describe the following things:

• skills and duties relevant to the new job

• your responsibilities

• how you worked with others

• if you worked with customers - say how you worked with them

• how long you were there

• whether you were promoted

• responsibilities you volunteered to take on

What kinds of equipment or machinery can you use?

 This is an opportunity to show an employer how you can fit into their company, remember to:

• name the types of equipment you can use that are relevant to the new job

• mention any relevant qualifications or training you have had

• tell them the length of time you have used this equipment

How long have you been out of work and how do you spend your time?

Describe the following:

• what you have done to look for a job

• any voluntary work you have done

• any further education, study or training you have taken part in

• your hobbies and leisure activities – if appropriate

Try to link what you did to the skills and experience the employer is looking for.

What makes you think you are the right person for this job?

Tell the interviewer about the following:

• the skills and experience you have which are relevant to the job

• the personal qualities that you bring to the job

Why have you had so many jobs?

You could say the following things:

• you wanted to widen your experience in different types of work or in different companies

• many of the jobs were temporary

• you would rather be in work than out of work

Why have you only had one job?

You could say the following things:

• you had several jobs within your last company

• the job offered you the opportunity to develop

• you enjoyed the work

Why should the employer take you on?  

Be ready for this question and answer confidently and positively:

• describe your skills and experience and how relevant they are to this job

• tell them you are enthusiastic and willing to learn

• tell them you are hardworking, reliable and capable

Aren’t you overqualified?

Emphasize the following:

• you are looking for something different

• you can take as well as give instructions

How do you get on with people?

Tell the interviewer:

• how you have worked as a team in the past

• how you get on with people at all levels - give examples

• how you have provided good customer service, if this is relevant - give examples

What makes a good team member?

Describe the skills needed, for example:

• good communication skills

• flexibility

• the ability to adapt to change

• the ability to cooperate with other people

• having a good sense of humour

Give examples of how you showed these in previous work situations or leisure activities.

How do you cope with pressure?

Describe pressures in previous jobs using a recent example - such as: how you coped with a deadline that had been brought forward or how you completed a rush order or dealt with staff shortages.

What are your strengths and weaknesses?  

It is a good idea to have one or two examples of each ready for this question. Employers value people who can admit their mistakes rather than blaming their failings on others.

strengths: the employer should already know your strengths from your application but you may want to emphasize particular skills relevant to the job by giving examples

weaknesses: start by describing parts of your last job which you found difficult and then explain how you overcame these difficulties or be brief but honest - for example: ‘I can sometimes be a little too enthusiastic’

What would you like to be doing in five years’ time?  

Explain that you would ideally like to be working for the same company but to have developed within it.

What wage do you expect to earn?  

If the wage level is negotiable, be prepared to negotiate. The difficult thing to decide is where to start. If you tell them a wage that is too high, you could price yourself out of the job, but if you give an amount that is too low you could lose out. Before going to the interview, try to find out about wage levels in your area (for example, look at similar jobs advertised with your Jobcentre, in newspapers or on the internet). You might be able to use this information in your negotiations. If you are really not sure, then say you would expect to receive the going rate for the job.

How often were you absent from your last job?  

If you were hardly ever off work, say so. However, if sick leave has been a problem explain why and reassure the employer that you have sorted out the problem. If you have had time off because of a disability discuss this openly, including the possible solutions – be positive.

When would you be available to start?

As soon as possible. Do not put any barriers in the way.

Do you have any questions?

You may like to prepare for this, as it is almost always asked at an interview. Asking some questions (but not too many) can show you are interested. One or two of these may be appropriate.

• do you offer ongoing training and development?

• what will my first job be?

• how soon will I hear the result of my application?

• does the company carry out performance reviews and how often?

Finally

Try to get a good night’s sleep.

On the day  

Before you leave  

Give yourself plenty of time to get ready and make sure you’ve got all the relevant paperwork with you. If you are delayed, contact the employer as soon as possible to explain, apologise and arrange another appointment.

When you arrive  

You should aim to arrive about ten minutes before the interview time. When you arrive give your name to the receptionist or whoever is there to greet you.

Try to relax and keep calm, chat to the receptionist, or whoever greets you before going into the interview; this will help calm you and remember that the interviewer can be just as nervous as you.

At the interview  

Accept that it is natural to be nervous and that you may have a fast heartbeat, clammy hands and ‘butterflies’ in your stomach. These are your body’s natural way of meeting a challenge, and in small doses it can help you.  

You will make an impression in the first few minutes. It takes this time for people to assess you and store this information. Once you have made a first impression, it’s hardly ever changed. It’s important to make a good first impression.  

If you're nervous your voice may sound shaky and squeaky. Practise deep, slow breathing before you get to the interview. This will slowdown your heart rate and help you avoid taking quick shallow breaths.

For some general tips which may help you follow the link below. Not all of these will be appropriate to you, use the ones that are suitable to your situation or style.

Do's and Don'ts at an interview

Once you're at the interview you need to make a good impression with the employer to impress them and let them know that you are the best person for the job. To do this there are things you should and shouldn't do at an interview.

Things you should do

Here are some helpful hints and tips to help you during your interview:

• enter the room confidently

• shake hands firmly and introduce yourself

• smile

• be polite, friendly and look the interviewer in the eye as soon as you enter the room

• check that it’s OK to use cue cards or notes during the interview

• try to maintain eye contact with the person or people you are talking to

• look interested and ask questions as well as answering

• answer questions as fully as you can, avoid just saying ‘yes’ or ‘no’

• provide examples to prove your skills and achievements

• tell the truth

• ask if you don’t understand a question

• speak clearly

• sell yourself - get your good points across and be positive

Things you shouldn’t do

• sit down until the interviewer asks you to

• fidget or slouch in the chair or fold your arms

• swear - even mildly

• criticize your past employers

• interrupt

• draw attention to your weaknesses

• lie or be too enthusiastic - stay calm and stick to the facts

Remember , most employers like people who

• listen

• answer questions with examples

• are brief and keep to the point

• come prepared

• appear confident

Other types of interview

There are other ways in which an employer can assess you for a job, follow the this link 

(psychometric testing) to find out more.

An employer may use various ways to assess you for a job; it is important to be aware of how you can be assessed so that you can prepare fully for each type of interview and have the best chance of success.

Competency based interviews  

Competency based interviews are designed to allow you to show your skills and experience in the main areas of the job. You may be asked to discuss examples of your previous work and achievements. The examples you give should expand on, or be different from, those on your original application form. Before the interview, you will need to list the skills and experience needed for the job, and think about what you have done that you could use as an example for each one.

Group interviews  

You may be invited to be assessed as part of a group. This is to test how you might work as part of a team. Be prepared to take an active part in the discussion or task and put forward your ideas. Be confident but not aggressive.

Telephone interviews  

Some employers may carry out a first interview over the phone. Be prepared for this when phoning employers by having your CV handy and reading through some sample questions - you can find an example of some questions you might be asked by following the link below.

Skills tests or work sample tests  

These tests are designed to measure the level of your knowledge or understanding of the job, for example: a typing test for office an assistant or code review for web developers. Find out what the test will involve and try to practice before the interview.

Personality tests  

You could be asked questions about your thoughts, feelings and behaviour in certain situations. There is no such thing as a right or wrong answer, as the overall picture is what is important. The end result is a personality rating used to see if the person fits the job advertised. Analysing these tests is a highly skilled process and larger organizations may use these tests along with other methods.

Follow the this link ( psychometric testing)

Aptitude tests  

Aptitude tests are designed to predict how well you might do certain tasks. They test abilities such as:

• reasoning with words, numbers or diagrams

• problem solving

• following instructions

These are usually set as a test paper that you have to finish within a set time. You can take practice tests to try to improve your ability - search for them online.

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