Interviews

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.