Well done! You've got over the first hurdle and been shortlisted for the job. Now you need to prepare for your interview.
Before the day
- Prepare - find out as much as you can about the company, what it does and the type of people they employ. The internet is a good source of information, also your local library may have some information too.
- Check out where you're going, how you're going to get there and how long it will take you.
- See if you can find out what sort of interview you'll be having. Will it be a friendly chat? Or more formal? Will one person be interviewing or will it be more people?
- Think about what sort of questions they may ask you. Why do you want the job? What skills do you have? Why should they employ you?
- And also think about some questions you could ask. For example you could ask about training or qualifications you can take.
On the day
- Give yourself plenty of time to get ready.
- Dress to kill - first impressions count - make sure you look the part.
- Make sure you have everything you need - your letter asking you to the interview, exam certificates and anything else you may need.
- Tell them at the reception desk you've arrived.
- Don't worry if you're feeling nervous - that's normal. Just try and keep calm - don't let your nerves get the better of you.
At the interview
- Smile as you go in and say good morning / afternoon.
- Be polite - try and make a good impression.
- Don't smoke.
- Answer questions with more than 'yes' or 'no' - the interviewer is trying to find out more about you and the more you can sell yourself the better.
- Try to ask relevant questions - don't make "how much will I be paid?" your first one.
- At the end thank the interviewer and ask when they will let you know if you have got the job.
After an interview
- Wait for the interviewer to let you know if you were successful.
- If you are successful - well done!
- If you did not get offered the job don't take it too personally, interviewers often have to use minor differences to decide between strong candidates.
- Ask for feedback on how you did.
- Use each interview to improve your technique.
