Interview Preparation

Interview Preparation

 17 Jul 2018

Tags:
    Career Advice,
    Interview Advice

“Failure to plan is planning to Fail!”

The quote above is definitely true in the case of an interview, not only will planning and preparing properly for an interview give you a better performance it will also give you more confidence and help should you suffer with interview nerves.

Have in your mindset that not only do you want to have a good interview you want to do what ever you can to stand out from other potential candidates they are also interviewing.

Below are a number steps recommended taking in preparation for an interview:

Dress for Success

Dressing appropriately for an interview is vital. The first impression you make with an employer will last in the memory and it has been known for interviewers to reject people on this basis, however you will not get rejected for looking to smart.

Even if your job does not entail you wearing formal clothes an interview is a different environment and it is usually expected so a suit and tie should be a must, why take the chance?

Arrive Early

Plan the route a few days before the interview and maybe even do a trial run to ensure you know the way, whilst also leaving plenty of time to get to the interview taking into account unexpected traffic etc. Arriving late will look very badly so this is important, it is usually advisable to arrive at the interview 10 -15 Minutes early, however any earlier than this may be disruptive to the interviewer and therefore is not recommended.

Take Copies of Your CV

Print out and take at least two copies of your CV with you to the interview. (It is more professional to take this with you than assume the interviewer will print out copies, showing you’re an organised individual).

Work /Project Portfolio

Take with you any examples of work / project portfolio you feel relevant and can help back up your discussion. Whilst the interviewers might not have time to go through it is does show initiative and may be something they remember about you.

Testimonial References

 Take with you any positive testimonial references from previous employers or clients as further evidence of your ability. (By testimonial reference we mean a written reference summarising your capability or input on a job that would look favourable)

Research the Company

Quite often interviewers will ask questions to find out what you know about their business and moreover determine how interested you actually are in the opportunity and why you are looking to move jobs.

So be sure to find some key selling points of the company for you should they ask why you are interested.

Being able to expand on what you know about their company is a key way to get your enthusiasm across in an interview.

Question Time

Document any questions to aim at the interviewers. Interviewers generally prefer a two way conversation which will build up a rapport but also give you a better insight into the company and the role.

It is best to bullet point your questions on a notepad to take with you to the interview, not only will this stop you forgetting in the heat of an interview important questions you wanted to ask but also it portrays a good image to the employer that you have took time out to prepare questions and more importantly are taking the opportunity seriously.

If you are struggling to think of questions a good brainstorming activity is to imagine you have been offered the job and are happy with the salary; what questions come to mind that you would need answers for before you would have confidence in handing in your resignation with your current employer.