Before the Interview

Be prepared: Interview preparation is critical to success. Find out about the company before you attend an interview. Research trade press, company literature, company website and ask questions of colleagues and past and present employees. Use this information to prepare/ask questions about the company

Write down all the questions you think an interviewer might ask you. Use your experience and that of friends. Then prepare sample answers and write these down as well. Writing down the questions and answers will ensure you remember them.

Make a list of points you want to make that will sell you to the company. Make sure you make the points and that he/she understands them. Be prepared to talk about specific achievements rather than your job description.

Practise interviews with a friend and ask them to use some of the questions you have written down. If you are happy with these types of questions, you will be much more relaxed at an interview.

Think about your weaknesses. What would you be prepared to disclose as an area of your experience/skill that is currently lacking? Think of a way of describing this as a positive e.g. an opportunity to develop.

Plan your journey, check routes, parking, train times etc. Make sure you arrive on time unhurried and relaxed. Regardless of how genuine the reason, a late arrival is usually viewed as a negative. On the day make sure you have a contact number for the interviewer – so that if a delay is unavoidable at least you can forewarn of your late arrival.

At the Interview