Top Tips and Help With Interview Preparation
Do Your Research
- What service or product does the company provide?
- How big is the company, what other locations do they have?
- Who are their competitors?
- What position does the person who will be interviewing you hold in the company, check LinkedIn?
- When was the company established?
- Check out their website for recent news and articles recently published!
- Prepare answers to a number of interview style questions and PRACTICE them!
- You will always be asked if you have any questions, be prepared and have a few on the ready.
Preparation
- It is vital that you know your own CV, print it out the night before and be able to talk the interviewer through each aspect of your employment history if asked.
- Be prepared to talk about your key strengths e.g. communication skills, customer service focused, timekeeping, planning, and being a team player.
- Night before – Get to bed early the night before your interview, you will not be able to think straight if you are tired!
- What to wear – You should always dress smart in business attire for an interview, making sure everything is cleaned and ironed and laid out ready for the day of the interview.
- Time Keeping – Leave the house early, arrive at least 20 mins before the interview is scheduled to start, this will allow you time to relax and if necessary go to the little boys or girls room!
Presentation
- You should always dress smart in business attire for an interview, making sure everything is cleaned and ironed and laid out ready for the day of the interview.
- From the minute you walk in the door greet everyone with a smile and be polite. Remember they are employees of the company and may be asked how you presented yourself.
The Interview
- Give a firm strong handshake
- Be polite
- Sit up straight and confident, look the interviewer in the eye. Try not to fidget
- If you are being interviewed by more than one don’t just look at the one person bring them all into the conversation.
- When answering a question don’t just answer with a Yes or No, answer in detail providing examples of the same situations you encountered in previous roles and how and why you were successful.
- Be ready to ask the questions you have prepared when asked if you have any questions. Asking about the culture of the company is always a good question!
- Thank all the interviewers individually as you leave.
After The Interview
- Take note of the questions you were asked, this will help you better prepare for the next interview.
- Ask the recruiter for feedback on how the interview went. If you were unsuccessful it is important you know why so you can bridge any gaps in time for your next interview.