So, you’ve got an interview! Well done! Now you feel all nervous? Well look, the interviewer is only going to invite people who can do the job. The other candidates will all be well qualified and skilled just like you and the problem the interviewer has is he is spoilt for choice. You have to make sure you are the one they chose and by following these simple rules you will go far!

The first thing you must do is remind yourself of all the reasons why you have been selected for the job.

You have been selected based on the skills and expertise contained within your CV/application form.
You will only be invited to interview if the employer thinks you can do the job – you just need to show them you agree.
It is likely that there will be 5 – 8 other candidates being interviewed and so prior preparation can help produce an outstanding performance and proceed you to the next stage.

All interviews are a 2-way thing. Attend the interview feeling confident and realising that it is an opportunity for you to show the employer what a great contribution you can be to their organisation, but also for you to see whether it is the kind of organisation you want to work for.

Ever been to a interview and thought – “I really couldn’t see myself working here!” It is a major decision that you must make at interview.

Preparation

Employers go to a great deal of effort to find the right candidate. They would have identified the roles and responsibilities of the job, written the job description and put together a person spec – which is basically a wish list of the type of person they would like in that role. You ticked the boxes on their wish list already if you have an interview!

But seeing as the Employer goes to all this trouble – it is only right that you also do a level of preparation.

Prepare your mind – read your CV. Remind yourself about what has been said about you. Your CV has acted as a good friend who has spoken highly of you and gained you access to the employer. You need to be 100% clued up on what that friend has said.

Reminding yourself of your strengths will help you with the first question: “tell me about yourself?” or “tell me about your strengths?”

Make sure you have read the job description and person specification for the job. Employers will use the person specification as their tick box in the interview and you will need to make sure you know what they will be looking for – imagine going into an exam – only you know what the questions will be!

Prepare your knowledge of the organisation – make sure you have done some research about the organisation. Their website will be a good start – look at their mission statements, their business plans and their business development. Familiarise yourself with names, offices, dates, clients and anything that is relevant to the job you are applying for.

Be prepared.

Prepare your answers

What are your strengths?
What are your weaknesses? Any weaknesses you have would have been spotted in your application and considered unimportant enough not to rule you out. Make your negatives positives.
Tell me why this job appealed to you?
What could you bring to this position?
You might be asked to reflect on previous experience where you have learned something or overcome a challenge – have 5-6 in your mind to use as examples.
Why should you be considered for this position – because you have the skills, experience and drive to make the position successful.

Dress for success – All of us form opinions of others by the way they are dressed. This is your non-verbal communication.

Recommended ideas:

Two-piece outfit in a traditional colour. Avoid pinstripes and if you wear a skirt make sure it sits just over the knee.
Plain top – avoid bright patterns – but use colours.
Black, brown or navy leather shoes – clean and polished.
Well-groomed hair.
Subtle jewellery.
Subtle make up.

Make sure you arrive 10 minutes early. This gives you time to use the toilet, suss out the building and the receptionist – I always think the receptionist is a great indication to what the company is all about. If you are offered a drink always have a glass of water, this will help keep your throat lubricated when you are talking.

In the interview:

Handshake – make sure its firm and confident – there is nothing worse than a limp cold hand to shake

Be confident – they asked you to be there so relax.

Eye contact is also a nightmare as at time you may feel like your eyes are crossed. A little trick is to look at the persons left eye. You will appear to be looking directly at them, but by just focusing on their left eye you will be able to focus better. Try this with a friend before the interview and ask them how it looks.
 
In the interview sit straight with your hands in your lap. This will indicate you are relaxed, try not to fidget.

Smile – people like people who like them so make sure you come across friendly and approachable. Don’t be frightened to enter into conversation about the weather – the tube strike etc – it helps relax

When you are asked if you have any questions, consider asking the following:

How well has the company performed in relation to its major competitors over the past two years?
To whom would the position report directly?
What are the key challenges facing the department I would be part of?
How many people work in the same department?
What are the key skills and attributes needed to progress within the organisation?
What would be the immediate challenges faced in the position I am applying for?
What is the company growth plan over the next 5 years?
How many staff does the company currently employ? Have they any plans for expansion?
Why is the current position open?
Ask the interviewer if they enjoy working for the organisation?

DON’T ASK:

How much holiday would I be entitled to?
Does the company pay sick pay?
What is the pay?
What is the boss like?

During the interview – DON’T

Use first names or become over familiar.
Smoke, even if invited to do so.
Show anxiety.
Share your opinion on topical issues such as race relations, age discrimination, smoking and trade unions.

Preparation checklist

Prepare what you are going to wear, check it is presentable, clean and appropriate.
Review the job advert, description and person specification against your CV and have clear ideas of your strengths and weaknesses, achievements and successes.
Think about the achievements you have made where they have made a contribution to your previous employer.
Make sure you can speak about your experience and skills with ease and fluency.

Prepare the questions you would like to ask at the end of the interview.
Make sure you have researched the company and its background.
Make sure you have prepared your journey and aim to get there 10 minutes early.
Take 2 copies of your CV with you together with interview confirmation details.
Make sure you know who to ask for on arrival.
YOU ARE CONFIDENT ABOUT YOUR ABILITIES, YOU ARE RELAXED AND YOU WILL DO WELL.

GOOD LUCK