Advice for job interviews

It is really important to organise and prepare yourself before attending an interview in order to give yourself the best possible chance of being offered the job.

Before the interview

• Confirm that you will be attending
• Double check the time and date and make reliable travel arrangements
• Research the company – for example: What type of business are they? How long have they been established? What are their key achievements? Who are their customers?
• Plan your dress and appearance
• Rehearse questions and answers
• Think positive – remember that you will have been offered an interview because the employer feels there is a strong chance that you may be suitable for the job

At the interview

Do

• Remember that employers will be able to observe you as soon as you are within sight of the company premises
• Greet everyone with a smile, and shake hands confidently
• Engage and maintain good eye contact
• Wait to be invited to sit down
• Adopt a relaxed but formal posture
• Answer questions confidently, clearly and honestly
• Give relevant examples of your experience
• Ask for clarification if you don’t understand a question
• Be enthusiastic about the job and the company
• Maintain a professional image throughout

Do not

• Arrive late
• Have a cigarette before you enter the building
• Ask about pay, holidays and perks - these can be discussed later if you are offered the job
• Apologise for your age, health, lack of experience etc
• Interrupt the interviewer
• Criticise your last employer
• Be over familiar or over confident
• Joke or swear

If you have not heard from the employer after a week, telephone and ask if they are able to provide feedback on the interview. Use any feedback constructively, recognise what went well and work on any areas for development that the employer highlights.