The interview is your chance to shine and above all convince them that you are the right person for the job.
Prepare to succeed
Tell me about yourself
Why do you want to work here?
Where do you see yourself in five years time?
What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
Before the interview
The interview
Body language
Finding out for yourself
And finally...
Preparation is the key to a successful interview. By preparing properly, you can be more confident and able to impress.
This is a typical opening question - it is asking you to explain your background, highlighting your qualities that are relevant to the job. Keep your answer brief and to the point though.
This is a good chance to show off your knowledge of the company. You can use this to explain how the company can provide the best environment to fulfil your potential.
It’s best to play safe with this question and say that you would be happy to contribute to the company’s goals in the years ahead and hope to be making a difference to the business.
This is a chance to let your carefully selected examples do the talking. You’ll want to show that you are flexible, willing to learn and take pride in your work.
Put a positive spin on your weaknesses. Present them as minor flaws that you can learn or have learnt from. Remember if you are unsuccessful you can always ask politely for feedback at a later date.
Dress smartly - wear a suit if you have one. Ensure that your shoes, hair and nails are clean. Neglecting small details like these can project a negative image.
Work out your travel details well in advance. Leave some extra time just in case you are delayed for any reason. Plan to arrive at the interview early.
Take three or four clean copies of your CV with you along with education certificates, if you have them.
Relax – if you are too nervous you won’t be able to do your best. Remember that interviewers get nervous too. You wouldn’t have got this far if you weren’t capable of getting the job.
Greet your interviewer with a smile and a handshake. It’s good etiquette to wait until he or she invites you to sit down before you do so.
Listen carefully to the questions you are asked and think before you answer. If you aren’t sure what the interviewer wants to know ask them to repeat the question or ask for further information.
Make sure you have answered the question fully and provided examples whenever possible.
Your body language reveals a lot about you and how you feel.
Traditionally, you are invited to ask questions at the end of your interview. This is where all your research and preparation pays off. Two or three informed questions can make you a memorable interviewee.
The areas you may want to cover include: career progression, training, responsibilities, company pension and benefits.
When your interview is over, thank your interviewer for his/her time and say that you are looking forward to hearing from them soon. Leave on a positive note.
