Five top tips on how to prepare for an interview
An interview can be a daunting experience, but a little preparation not only calms your nerves it also gives you the edge when you’re actually in the hot seat. Here are our top tips on how to prepare for an interview so you can keep your cool on the big day.
How to prepare for an interview
Do your research: It’s really important when you are going to an interview that you’re aware of what role you are interviewing for and what the company does. Set some time in advance to research the company, look on their website – the History and About us pages are a great place to start. Get a feel for what values matter to the company and if there is a mission statement then make a note of it. Look at blogs written by the company and social media profiles to find out what they have been doing recently. Have a look at their competitors’ websites too to give you a really good overview of the industry. Never underestimate the pride that people take in their businesses, doing research not only demonstrates your pro-activity it also shows a future employer that you really do want to work for them.
Failing to prepare is preparing to fail: Practicing possible interview questions can be invaluable. This will really help you focus on your skills and experience prior to the interview, and if you do get asked one of these questions during the real thing then you’ll have a great advantage. To start it’s best to research the sector and what types of interview questions you’re most likely to be asked. Think about how you would answer them and how long it would take you without rambling. You don’t need to memorise full scripted answers, just think of key points to include which will make you stand out from other candidates.
Get your map out: The morning of your interview is not the time to be flapping around with the bus timetable. A few days before find out where your interview will be, get the postcode and give it a search on Google maps. It’s best to familiarise yourself with the area, check what parking is available or find the best route by train or bus. If the area is totally unknown to you it’s best to do a trial journey. It’s tremendously important that you are not late for the interview, blaming traffic and poor transport links is not a valid excuse and at this stage could even cost you the job. If necessary see if there is a local coffee shop, get there in plenty of time and read through your interview notes. Arrive at the actual interview venue 10-15 minutes prior to your appointment and make reception staff aware that you are there.
Your turn! There’s a high chance during the interview you will be asked if you have any questions for the interviewer either about themselves or the company. At this point don’t answer with a “no”. This is your opportunity to show your interest for the company. You can prepare for this answer in advance by looking at their social media pages to see what the company has been up to recently, search online for possible articles and blogs and base your questions around the information you’ve found. Questions to steer clear from include asking how long you get for lunch, how many days holiday you’ll get, or asking the interviewer how much they earn!
Look sharp: You should prepare your interview outfit the day before. There’s nothing worse than deciding what you’re going to wear and then discovering 10 minutes before you leave the house that your smart black pants are at the bottom of the washing basket! Make sure that your outfit is hanging up, freshly washed and ironed with clean shoes. Dress appropriately for the job you are applying for. If you know what the company’s company culture is like then try to dress in a similar manner, but don’t go over the top trying to fit in. As a general rule conservative and smart clothes are the safest option.
By following these top tips hopefully you’ll be raring to go and smash the interview, if all else fails just keep a smile on your face and imagine them naked!
