Help with Interviews
An employer might choose only half a dozen people from hundreds of applications, so if you're asked to attend an interview, you've already proven that your skills and qualities are something they might be looking for. But you need to make sure you make the best impression you can by being well prepared.
Your interview could be with one person or you could be interviewed by a panel of several people.
Whether you're interview is for a job or for a place on a course, you will need to follow the same steps.
Preparing for the interview
Find out as much as you can about the company you want to work for or the course you want to study. Look at any brochures or prospectuses you can find, look on the internet and in business directories which you can find in your local library. Ask for help in your local Connexions Centre.
Plan your route to the interview and do a practice run - you need to work out which buses, trains or Metros you have to catch. Plan to arrive at least 10 minutes before your interview, so that you have time to report to reception and find out where you need to go.
You can ask your Personal Adviser to help you with a practice interview.
On the day of the interview
You don’t need to wear designer clothes but you should look clean, neat and tidy. Don’t wear jeans or trainers and be careful not to wear too much jewellery or make-up.
Make sure that other people know where you are going, and what time you expect to return.
Remember to take everything you might need - ID, exam certificates, Record of Achievement, references, etc. Take the invitation letter and any maps of the area that you've been sent, the employer's telephone number, who to ask for, etc. Have sufficient credit on your mobile or take some coins with you - if you get lost or are going to be late, you can phone to explain.
Introduce yourself to the receptionist. You might need to tell the receptionist the time of your interview and the name of the person who will be doing your interview. Make sure you properly follow any directions you're given - in a large complex, it's easy to get lost and go to the wrong department.
Make sure your mobile is switched off before you go in to the interview!
During the interview
Most candidates are nervous, but take a few deep breaths before you go in and try to stay calm and look confident. If you feel confident about yourself and your abilities, the interviewer will be as well, but try not to appear pushy and over-confident!
Try and answer the questions as fully as you can so that the interviewer can see that you are the best person for the job or for the course. Give some examples or evidence to show your skills and experience.
Think about your body language. You need to make sure you look at the interviewer, not the floor, even if you are nervous. Smile!
Things you could be asked
It is difficult to know exactly what you'll be asked on the day, but it's useful to prepare answers to some of the most common questions:
- Why you would like the job or a place on the course
- Why are you suitable for the job or the course?
- What relevant training or experience do you have?
- What do you think of the job or the course?
- What do you like to do in your spare time?
- How do you see yourself in five years time?
- Why did you leave your last job or school or college?
Avoid giving 'yes' or 'no' answers - give as much relevant information as you can in each of your answers.
Questions you should ask
Think about the questions you may want to ask at the interview. You can find out more about the organisation and the job. You can always ask them to clarify or expand on something that was said earlier in the interview, or use this opportunity to give them supporting information about yourself that hasn’t come up in the interview already.
Don't just ask about holidays and pay - asking the right questions is an opportunity to demonstrate your enthusiasm and interest:
- What training would be offered to help with your new job?
- What are the best things about working for this employer?
- When will you be told of the outcome of the interview, and how?
It may be useful to write any questions down beforehand so you don’t forget them!
Handy hints for interviews
- Don’t panic - everyone is nervous - but be positive and focus on what you can do.
- Don’t smoke or drink before your interview.
- When sorting out your outfit, think 'office smart', whatever you have applied for.
- Don’t use too much perfume or aftershave.
- Look at the interviewer when you are talking to them. Say as much as you can to answer a question but don’t make anything up - you could end up tied up in knots!