Interview Preparation
Most people are nervous about attending job interviews - but nerves can be a useful tool for sharpening up your performance. Your GAAPS consultant will give you individualized advice and assistance in preparing for your interview. Below is a list of more general tips to help you to give your best
Be Prepared
You will usually be notified that you have got through to the interview stage a few days in advance, use this time to prepare.
Try to find out as much as you can about the employer. The internet and especially the company's own website are excellent sources of information.
Read up on the type of work you are applying for. Go over the job description thoroughly and make a note of any questions you would like to ask at the interview.
Make sure that you know the name of your contact and who will be interviewing you.
If you can, find out how the interview will be structured. Will it be one on one or with a panel? Formal or informal? Will there be an assessment center? Whilst you should always expect the unexpected, forewarned is forearmed.
Travel Arrangements
Plan your route before you go, find out where the employer is based, what transport connections are nearby and how long you expect the journey to take.
Allow plenty of time for your journey.
Double check when the interview is to be held.
Find out precisely where the interview is taking place - if the employer occupies a number of rooms in separate buildings, it is easy to end up in the wrong place.
Be Confident
Confident people inspire confidence in others.
If you appear confident that you are able to do the job, the employer is likely to believe that you can.
Be aware of not going to the other extreme and appearing over-confident, arrogant or pushy.
Look Good, Feel Good
First impressions count, make sure that you have an outfit that is smart and presentable.
Also, if you feel that you have made an effort and look good, you will appear to be more confident and relaxed.
It’s a good idea to try your ‘interview outfit’ on the day before to check that there are no drooping hems or buttons missing. It is also worthwhile polishing your shoes - details like this can make all the difference.
Interview Questions
Obviously, no one can know exactly what questions they will be asked at interview but there are certain topics that will almost certainly come up. Think through your answers to the following questions beforehand:
- Tell me about your work experience - what did you do, what did you enjoy, what were you good at, why did you leave each job.
- Why have you applied for this job?
- Why do you want to work for this company?
- What can you, above all the other applicants, bring to this job?
- Can you explain any gaps in your CV?
The Day of the Interview
Allow yourself enough time to get ready.
Make sure that you have not forgotten any documents that you need to take with you to the interview – exam certificates, records of achievement, testimonials, a copy of your CV and anything else relvant to the job.
Take the letter inviting you to the interview and any maps that you might need.
Leave in time to arrive about 10 minutes early for the interview - this will allow you to gather your thoughts, use the facilities, check your appearance, etc.
When you arrive, give your name to the receptionist if there is one.
Before the interview, reread your CV and the job description so that everything is fresh in your mind.
Try to relax - everyone gets nervous before interviews. The chances are that you will feel more nervous than you look and anyway, most interviewers are trained to make allowances for the fact that you are likely to be on edge.
First Impressions
The following tips will help you make a positive impression:
Shake hands firmly (but not to they extent that they require first aid) with all the interviewers when you first enter the room - and smile
Maintain eye contact whilst answering all questions - and remember to speak up
Don’t smoke unless you are offered a cigarette
Try to avoid ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ answers to questions even if they seem appropriate - they tend to be conversation stoppers. Make sure that you answer questions fully without chattering on unnecessarily.
Never lie at interview or say something that you cannot substantiate, but make sure that you present yourself in the best possible light
When you are asked if you have any questions, use this as an opportunity to demonstrate your interest and enthusiasm. Begin with questions about training, other people you will be working with, and the job specification. Save questions about pay and holidays until last.
If you are not asked about something which you feel illustrates an important aspect of your ability to do the job, don’t be afraid to bring it up yourself at the end of the interview
Make sure that you find out when you can expect to hear whether you have been successful - it could be anything from the same day (in which case, you may be asked to wait around for a decision) to a few days.
Remember to thank the interviewers for their time before you leave.
Safety
The majority of job interviews are straightforward in terms of personal safety but there are a few simple rules which should always be adhered to:
Always tell a friend or relative where you are going and what time they can expect you back.
Never agree to be interviewed in a car park or over a meal. The interview should be held at the organisation’s premises or in some other public or official place.
Always arrange to have someone pick you up if the interview is taking place outside normal office hours. Never let the interviewer drive you home.