Below we can put to together a few tips to help you prepare for an interview. All the tips provided are standard things everyone should be doing to prepare well for an interview. REMEMBER, preparing well will help you in your interview!
Research Company & Job Role
Once you have confirmed your attendance at interview, first thing is to start your homework and do some research. You should research the company you have interview for and the job role. An interviewer will expect you to know about the company e.g. values, ethos, projects etc and the job your applying for. You will be tested over these aspects during your interview.
Research Type of Interview & Interviewer
There are different types of interviews that you can face so it is important you research and understand the type you will be facing. Is it a video, phone, one to one, panel, group etc. Knowing what you will face will help you be prepared and be more confident. If you also know who is going to interview you, then research who they are & what they do in more detail. It will help you know a bit about them helping you feel more at eased.
Questions & Answers
As you know in an interview, you will be asked questions to assess if you are the right person for the job. It is important that you practice answers for potential questions you will be asked not only based on the job role but also your skills & experiences. You also need to draw up a list of questions to ask in your interview to help show the interviewer how interested & how much you want the job.
Practice Journey
It is important that on the day of the interview that you don't get lost or are late. To help avoid this, you should do a practice run to your interview at the same time you would on the day. This also helps you be aware of potential delays like traffic, road works etc meaning you leave a bit earlier to avoid it. Hint, If you're too early due to other factors, go for a coffee to kill so time.
Outfit & Appearance
Impressions count in interviews. Sometimes the first impression you give can either make or break your interview even before your bum has touched the seat. Make sure that you have the right attire. You need to dress to impress but also to fit in with the company image. Your personal appearance also needs to be right so make sure you are good to go. Get hair cut, shave, right make up, no or very limited jewellery, right amount of body spray etc.
Interview Kit Ready
You need to have everything you need for the interview ready to take with you. You'll need copies of your CV, your presentation if you have to do one, certificates, I.D, evidence of your skills & achievements, notepad & pen and anything else e.g umbrella, coat etc depending on weather.