Preparing for a job interview

Interviews can be nerve-wracking, and each one is unique. Formats vary, and you may need to complete a short test. However, preparation is key, and most interviewers will let you know what to expect.

Know what employers are looking for

While no two interviews are the same, every employer will want to find out whether:

• you have the skills and knowledge necessary to do the job
• your experience indicates that you can use these skills successfully
• you have the right personality to do the job and would fit into their organisation

It’s important to keep these points in mind when you’re preparing for the interview and during the interview itself. If all your answers to their questions focus on these three things, you’ll do just fine!

7 ways to prepare for an interview

• Do your research. If you Google the company name, you’ll usually find information about them online.
• If you don’t have access to the internet, or your computer skills aren’t great, why not go to the library with a friend or family member who may be able to help?
• You can call the company directly to ask them for more information about who they are and what they do.
• Make sure you’ve identified the key skills needed for the job. It’s always useful to read the job description, person specification and your application a few times. This should help you to identify what skills and attributes the employer is looking for. If you know someone who works for the same company, or even someone who works in a similar role, you could ask them, too. Then think about how you meet those requirements, and how you’re going to express this at the interview.
• Plan your travel carefully. Look up the location of your interview and decide what route to take to make sure you arrive in plenty of time. It’s better to get there 10 minutes early and have time to calm your nerves and prepare than it is to rush in at the last minute feeling flustered. You could even do a practice run.
• Prepare some answers to common interview questions, such as “Tell me about yourself and why you’re right for this role” and “Where do you see yourself in five years?” That said, it’s not a good idea to prepare word-for-word responses, as it can sound unnatural. The interviewer may also word the question differently, which could unsettle you if you’re over-prepared. It’s better to have an overall strategy for how you’ll approach certain kinds of questions.
• Practise your entrance. First impressions count, so your posture, greeting, smile and general demeanour can have a huge impact on your interviewers. 
  If possible, ask a friend, your employment adviser or a member of your family to stage a mock interview and give you feedback on your performance.
• Prepare some questions to ask at the end of the interview.
• Decide what you’re going to wear in advance. Choose something that looks smart, rather than casual, and make sure it’s clean and ironed.