Interview Preparation

Although it mightn’t happen right away, you are bound to be called for an interview at some point. This doesn’t mean the job is in the bag. Employers generally interview a handful of people for each vacancy. However, by doing a bit of research and preparing properly you can give yourself every chance of making a good impression.

It is useful to know a bit about the company before you go in the door. Find out what products or services the company is involved in, how big the company is, and whether they have other premises or offices. If you know of somebody who works there already, or knows about the business or organisation, try to talk to them in advance. Check to see if there is a company website, and stick their name into Google to see what comes up.

Research the job itself too. Have a clear idea of the duties and responsibilities of the position that you’ve applied for and what people in similar positions do on a day-to-day basis. Analyse the job ad closely to find out what kind of person the company are looking for. Remind yourself of the skills and qualifications you listed on your CV that you want to bring up again during the interview, to show that you are perfect for the job.

There are a number of questions that tend to crop up in most interviews. It is a good idea to think in advance about what you will say if they are asked. There is no need to learn answers off by heart, but you can impress an interviewer by showing enthusiasm and desire to get the job. Prepare a list of seven or eight things that you want the interviewer to remember about you after you leave the room. Pick things relevant to the job available – examples can include school subjects you have studied, other work experience, personal qualities, related hobbies and interests, and obstacles you have overcome in the past.

Interviewers will usually ask if you have any questions of your own, so it is a good idea to have a few prepared. Ask about future career and promotion prospects and how the company or organisation is likely to develop in the future. This is a good chance to show your enthusiasm for the job and the company you want to work for.

Job interviews can be a little stressful for most people, but if you prepare properly you can banish the nerves as much as possible, and put yourself in the best position to secure the job which you are looking for.

Ten typical interview questions:
1) Tell me about yourself. What is your background?
2) Why are you interested in our company?
3) What skills do you think you could bring to the role? Tell me how you have displayed these skills in a practical situation.
4) What aspects of your previous experience do you think will be most helpful to you in this role?
5) What areas do you think you need to improve on?
6) Are you a team player? Describe a time when you worked on a team project.
7) Where do you see yourself in five years time?
8) What has been your biggest achievement to date?
9) What salary are you expecting?
And finally…
10) Have you any questions for us?