This may be the first interview you’ve been to for years or it might be the third this week. Whatever it is it’s important that you prepare for your interview and then present yourself properly. These are some basic guidelines to help you.
before the interview
1. Plan your journey. Know where, when and who you are going to see. Plan to arrive at least 10-20 minutes beforehand so you can relax and not arrive in a sweat! If travelling by train catch the earlier one, but know when the next one goes as well. If going by car think where you are going to park and have change for the ticket machine.
2. Have your mobile fully charged with all the contact numbers you need (company, b3 jobs etc) in case of problems or delays.
3. Find out as much as you can about the company and role. Call the company if necessary and request information to be sent to you, though we will endeavour to provide you with everything we can. If they have a company website then make sure you have a good look at it.
4. Make sure you look the part. Wear suitable smart clothes whilst having tidy hair and appearance. Ladies (and gents!) should not wear too much jewellery nor make up. Avoid fashion extremes.
5. Take a copy of your CV with you and read through it thoroughly since it may be a while since you wrote it! Also take along any job brief that you may have.
6. Prepare positive answers for questions that you may be asked and prepare questions that you want to ask. Click here for loads of examples.
7. Always remember if you are unsure about anything then contact us immediately.
before the interview
1. Plan your journey. Know where, when and who you are going to see. Plan to arrive at least 10-20 minutes beforehand so you can relax and not arrive in a sweat! If travelling by train catch the earlier one, but know when the next one goes as well. If going by car think where you are going to park and have change for the ticket machine.
2. Have your mobile fully charged with all the contact numbers you need (company, b3 jobs etc) in case of problems or delays.
3. Find out as much as you can about the company and role. Call the company if necessary and request information to be sent to you, though we will endeavour to provide you with everything we can. If they have a company website then make sure you have a good look at it.
4. Make sure you look the part. Wear suitable smart clothes whilst having tidy hair and appearance. Ladies (and gents!) should not wear too much jewellery nor make up. Avoid fashion extremes.
5. Take a copy of your CV with you and read through it thoroughly since it may be a while since you wrote it! Also take along any job brief that you may have.
6. Prepare positive answers for questions that you may be asked and prepare questions that you want to ask. Click here for loads of examples.
7. Always remember if you are unsure about anything then contact us immediately.
the interview itself
1. Relax.
2. Give a nice, firm handshake and use the interviewer's name e.g. 'Pleased to meet you Mr/Mrs Smith or Mike/Linda.'
3. Make sure that your body language gives out positive signals. Smile, keep eye-to-eye contact. Try not to cross you legs or arms. Relax in the chair but don't be too laid back!
4. If offered tea, coffee or water, accept at least the water - don't turn down their hospitality! Besides, it suggests confidence and if you have a difficult question, and need time to think, having a sip is a good delay tactic!
5. Answer questions clearly, precisely and as honestly as you can. Don't waffle. If you don't understand something ask the interviewer what they mean. If you can't give a direct answer try to delay it and come back to it later.
6. Be enthusiastic! No one likes a ‘moaning minnie’ and this could after all be a life-changing move for you! Avoid spending the whole interview moaning about previous employers.
7. Enjoy the interview. It's a two-way process they are on trial as well as you!
8. At the end of the interview it’s always great to ask if there are any concerns that they have which you could clear up for them now. You can also ask them about what the next stage is and when is it likely to happen.
9. Finally shake their hand firmly again and thank Mr/Mrs Smith for their time.
1. Relax.
2. Give a nice, firm handshake and use the interviewer's name e.g. 'Pleased to meet you Mr/Mrs Smith or Mike/Linda.'
3. Make sure that your body language gives out positive signals. Smile, keep eye-to-eye contact. Try not to cross you legs or arms. Relax in the chair but don't be too laid back!
4. If offered tea, coffee or water, accept at least the water - don't turn down their hospitality! Besides, it suggests confidence and if you have a difficult question, and need time to think, having a sip is a good delay tactic!
5. Answer questions clearly, precisely and as honestly as you can. Don't waffle. If you don't understand something ask the interviewer what they mean. If you can't give a direct answer try to delay it and come back to it later.
6. Be enthusiastic! No one likes a ‘moaning minnie’ and this could after all be a life-changing move for you! Avoid spending the whole interview moaning about previous employers.
7. Enjoy the interview. It's a two-way process they are on trial as well as you!
8. At the end of the interview it’s always great to ask if there are any concerns that they have which you could clear up for them now. You can also ask them about what the next stage is and when is it likely to happen.
9. Finally shake their hand firmly again and thank Mr/Mrs Smith for their time.
after the interview
After the interview let us know how you got on, what you thought etc as soon as you can. Tell us about any concerns or any other questions you might have forgotten or thought of after leaving. We will be in touch with the company and pass these on for you as well as get some feedback - that’s what we're here for so use us!
Good Luck!
After the interview let us know how you got on, what you thought etc as soon as you can. Tell us about any concerns or any other questions you might have forgotten or thought of after leaving. We will be in touch with the company and pass these on for you as well as get some feedback - that’s what we're here for so use us!
Good Luck!
