Interview preparation is key to making sure you're ready to have a good interview. You can not assume that turning up on the day and everything will just workout. A number of things may happen that could have a negative impact on your interview. Preparation is key in helping anyone having an interview feel more relaxed, focused & positive about an interview.
What Preparation Is Needed?
To help you have a good interview it is suggested that you do some preparation to help your chances of success. In case your in need of what type of preparation is needed, here is some things to help you prepare.
(1) RESEARCH COMPANY & JOB ROLE - During your interview you will be asked questions about the company and the job you have applied for. To answer these well, make sure you do your homework on both or be left red faced at the interview. The interviewer is testing you have done your preparation.
(2) KNOW WHERE YOU GOING & DO TRIAL RUN - When you receive your interview details, it's important to know where exactly your interview is so your not lost or late for the interview. Once you know where it is, do a trail run reaching your interview location so you know how long it takes, what transport (bus, train, taxi) to use and costs. It helps you plan your journey on the day so you won't be late.
(3) CLOTHES - Make sure you have got your interview clothes cleaned, ironed and shoes polished and everything still fits. No point leaving everything to last minute and finding out your clothes don't fit or need cleaning. If you need anything new you got time to get it.
(4) QUESTIONS - To prepare for answering and asking questions at your interview, it's best to do your homework and list some questions you could be asked and how you'll answer them. Also, list down questions you want to ask at the interview. Practice them so your ready to respond to certain questions and what to ask. If you not sure what you'll be asked or what to ask then have a look at our INTERVIEW QUESTION SECTION.
(5) PRACTICE INTERVIEW - If interview make you nervous or not had much experience with them, then practising with someone you trust. If your on the the work programme, ask your advisor who should be able to help!
(1) RESEARCH COMPANY & JOB ROLE - During your interview you will be asked questions about the company and the job you have applied for. To answer these well, make sure you do your homework on both or be left red faced at the interview. The interviewer is testing you have done your preparation.
(2) KNOW WHERE YOU GOING & DO TRIAL RUN - When you receive your interview details, it's important to know where exactly your interview is so your not lost or late for the interview. Once you know where it is, do a trail run reaching your interview location so you know how long it takes, what transport (bus, train, taxi) to use and costs. It helps you plan your journey on the day so you won't be late.
(3) CLOTHES - Make sure you have got your interview clothes cleaned, ironed and shoes polished and everything still fits. No point leaving everything to last minute and finding out your clothes don't fit or need cleaning. If you need anything new you got time to get it.
(4) QUESTIONS - To prepare for answering and asking questions at your interview, it's best to do your homework and list some questions you could be asked and how you'll answer them. Also, list down questions you want to ask at the interview. Practice them so your ready to respond to certain questions and what to ask. If you not sure what you'll be asked or what to ask then have a look at our INTERVIEW QUESTION SECTION.
(5) PRACTICE INTERVIEW - If interview make you nervous or not had much experience with them, then practising with someone you trust. If your on the the work programme, ask your advisor who should be able to help!
Appearance
An interview is about making a good impression. One way to do this is through your appearance. It's important to attend your interview in a professional smart manner. Below is an guide for how you should appear for an interview.
Male
Suit
Long sleeve shirt
Tie
Dark socks
Leather shoes
Little or no jewellery
Neat, professional hairstyle
Limit the aftershave
Neatly trimmed nails
Portfolio or briefcase
Smart tidied facial hair (if you have it)
Female
Suit
Suit skirt (not too short - Long enough so you can sit down comfortably)
Coordinated blouse
Conservative shoes (Remember, you're not on a nigh out)
Limited Jewellery (No dangling earnings or too many bracelets)
Professional hairstyle
Light make-up & perfume
Neatly manicured clean nails
Portfolio or Professional handbag
Turning up for your interview showing no pride for your appearance will go against you!!! If you not took the time to dress well or to make an effort (shaving, hair, clothes) it reflects bad on your attitude and before your interview has started you'll be off to a negative which will be very hard to overcome. If your on a work programme and need some new clothes for an interview, ask you advisor if they can help.
Male
Suit
Long sleeve shirt
Tie
Dark socks
Leather shoes
Little or no jewellery
Neat, professional hairstyle
Limit the aftershave
Neatly trimmed nails
Portfolio or briefcase
Smart tidied facial hair (if you have it)
Female
Suit
Suit skirt (not too short - Long enough so you can sit down comfortably)
Coordinated blouse
Conservative shoes (Remember, you're not on a nigh out)
Limited Jewellery (No dangling earnings or too many bracelets)
Professional hairstyle
Light make-up & perfume
Neatly manicured clean nails
Portfolio or Professional handbag
Turning up for your interview showing no pride for your appearance will go against you!!! If you not took the time to dress well or to make an effort (shaving, hair, clothes) it reflects bad on your attitude and before your interview has started you'll be off to a negative which will be very hard to overcome. If your on a work programme and need some new clothes for an interview, ask you advisor if they can help.
Body Language
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Body language is a method employers/interviewers use to observe your attitude or state of mind which gives them an idea if your bored, nervous, relaxed, aggressive etc. Your body language is judged by your body posture (way you stand stand/sit), gestures, facial expressions and eye movements.
Most of us do not realise that we give people impressions of ourselves through our body language while others find it hard to control it. During an interview you want to avoid the following body language:-
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Feedback
Any feedback from an interview is good even if there is some things that are negative. It allows you to see the areas you need to work at to improve for next time. No feedback is bad as you can not assess how you did and work on potential areas. Even if feedback is a few words.....it's still something. Always try and get feedback.
Some people are scared of feedback as it can knock your confidence and belief in yourself/abilities. You shouldn't see it like that, more like 'at that interview, I needed to......' . One bad interview or one where there a lot of strong competition is not something you should allow to knock you down. Everyone has one bad interview so shrug it off and get back on the horse!!!!!
Some people are scared of feedback as it can knock your confidence and belief in yourself/abilities. You shouldn't see it like that, more like 'at that interview, I needed to......' . One bad interview or one where there a lot of strong competition is not something you should allow to knock you down. Everyone has one bad interview so shrug it off and get back on the horse!!!!!
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