Successful interview techniques

handshake cc_Richard.Asia@flickrTop tips for interview techniques.  

Your job application must have made a good impression if you are asked to attend an interview.  

There are many simple steps you can take to help prepare you for an interview.  

Research the company

Spend some time before you go researching the company and job. As it will give you confidence should you be asked any question on what the company does.  

If possible, contact the company to ask for an information pack or you could look at their website.  It’s helpful to find out the following things about the employer:

Plan for the Interview

Find out what the interview will involve to make sure you’re prepared.  If you have a disability, all employers must make reasonable adjustments for you to have an interview. Gather together the information you’ll need at the interview. And remember to take a copy of your CV or application form to refer to.

Prepare notes or cue cards to help if think you might need a prompt during the interview. Take items the employer has asked you to bring along - for example: references, certificates or your driving licence.

Re-read the job advert and your application form to refresh your memory

Prepare some answers for some of these likely questions:

  1. Why do you want to work here and what skills do you have?
  2. What makes you think you are the right person for this job?
  3. What did you do in your last job?
  4. Why have you had so many jobs or only one job?
  5. What makes a good team member?
  6. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
  7. How often were you absent from your last job?
  8. Do you have any questions for us?

Plan your journey

Make sure you know how to travel to the interview and how long it will take.  If you are not sent details, phone the employer and ask for directions, bus routes or details of where you can park your car. You should plan another way of getting there in case something unexpected happens (such as your car breaking down, or your train being cancelled).  

Make sure you take a contact number so you can call them if you are likely to be delayed.  You should aim to arrive about ten minutes before the interview time.  When you arrive give your name to the receptionist or whoever is there to greet you. 

Plan your look

Deciding what to wear for the interview will depend on what sort of work you will be doing. Prepare your clothes ready the day before, you don’t need to be spending last minutes fixing seams or ironing.  Aim for a neat, clean and tidy appearance, if you look good it will help you feel good.  

Accept that it is natural to be nervous and that you may have a fast heartbeat, clammy hands and ‘butterflies’ in your stomach. You will make an impression in the first few minutes and it takes this time for people to assess you. If you're nervous your voice may sound shaky and squeaky so practice deep, slow breathing before you get to the interview.  

Always think before you speak and do not rush into answering straight away and if you don’t understand a question, ask for more detail.