Getting invited to an interview means you’ve passed the first test: your application must have made a good impression. Here is our guide to ensuring you keep impressing your prospective employer and secure the job.
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Before the interview it’s important that you spend some time researching the company as this will give you the confidence to answer questions about what the company does, its products and services and markets. It will also allow you to ask the employer questions that are relevant.
Looking at the company’s website is always a good place to start. Another option is to get in touch and ask if they have an information pack they could send you, by post or electronically. Then of course look at their social media platforms as most companies have a presence on at least two or three.
Here are some hints to guide your research on the employer:
Find out what the interview will involve, to make sure that you’re prepared.
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.
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 beforehand to make sure they can make these arrangements.
Make a note of the date, time and location of the interview, plan how you will get there and consider travelling 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), and ensure you have a contact number so you can let them know if you are unexpectedly held up.
Deciding what to wear for the interview will depend on what sort of work you will be doing, but usually, it’s a good idea to dress smartly.
Once you decide what to wear, get your clothes ready the day before. You don’t have to buy a new outfit, just aim for a neat, clean and tidy appearance – if you look good it will help you feel confident.
Next, you should aim to make sure you’ve got the information you need to take with you to the interview including:
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, list the skills and experience needed for the job and think what you have done that you could use as an example for each one.
Sometimes a telephone interview is required before attending a face to face interview. The benefit of this is that you can have your personal information and advert ready in front of you to make it easy for yourself.
To get the feel of being interviewed over the phone, compile a list of probable questions and ask a friend to use them in a practice phone interview. Prepare your answers carefully (write them up in note form) using key words and phrases from your personal statement. Even though it may seem easier, do not attempt to write out your answers in full or they will sound scripted.
The telephone call
Responding to questions