Interview Tips

Interview Tips

November 2, 2017 6:18 pm

Any interview can be daunting but there are steps you can take to ensure the best possible outcome. You will find a selection of basic hints and tips below to help you through your interview day – good luck!

Where will the interview be held

Make sure you have researched the location of the interview and you take a note of the full address, postcode and contact telephone numbers with you on the day.

How long will it take you to get to the interview

Turning up late to interview is generally frowned upon so make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get to the interview location. Do a route planner and make sure you allow for extra time in case of heavy traffic or public transport delays.

How long will the interview last

Allow yourself at least an hour for your interview but make sure you have more time if required. Don’t book anything into your diary immediately after the interview just in case it runs over.

What should you take to interview

A notepad and a couple of pens is a good starting point in case you need to make notes during the interview. Take a copy of the CV that was sent to the interviewer so you can refer to it during the interview. If you completed an application for the position then take a copy of that along too. Make sure you have some money in your wallet or purse just in case you have to jump in a taxi at the last minute to get there on time!

What should you wear to an interview

Remember that you only get one chance to make a first impression. Wear a smart suit / dress and shine your shoes. Gentleman should always wear a tie and button your top button! First impressions really do matter so make sure you make the right one even before you say your first hello!

Research the company

It’s essential you know about the company you are meeting with even if that’s just the basics so consider this:

• What size is the company, is it local, regional, national, global?
• How many offices does it have? In how many cities?
• How many staff does it currently employ?
• What products does the company sell?
• What advice does the company offer?
• What’s current about the company?
• Is there anything topical at the moment in the press?
• Have they merged recently, have they announced anything recently?

Knowing the basics will go a long way to show that you have taken an interest in the company you are being interviewed by!

Knowledge about the job you are being interviewed for

You should have read a job description and person specification by now and know everything there is to know about the job you have applied to. Why not go the extra mile and have a look at profiles of other employees who carry out the same or similar job function. Use the company’s website and LinkedIn to do this.

It’s important to ask questions

An interview is a two-way process, yes you are being interviewed but it’s a great opportunity to find out everything you need to about the company and the job to make sure it’s right for you too so be prepared with a list of relevant questions.

After the interview

When the interview draws to a close you should have an idea of how things have gone. Ask what the next stage in the process will be and how you should expect feedback from the interview. Often feedback will be passed through the agency that sent you for the interview but sometimes the interviewer will offer constructive feedback directly.

Remember to thank the interviewer for their time, a firm handshake and you’re done!

General hints and tips

• Always try and get a good night’s sleep the night before interview
• Think positive
• Use the toilet before the interview
• Keep hydrated, drink plenty of water and eat some food
• Keep the aftershave/perfume to a minimum; you may love your favourite smell but the interviewer may not!
• Always switch your phones on silent or off before the interview
• Always remember that nerves are perfectly normal and will often keep you sharp during your interview