How to prepare for an interview

You have secured an interview - congratulations! When it comes to an interview, you can never be too prepared. It is natural to feel apprehensive but remember once you have secured an interview, you have conquered the competition so far. While that confidence boost sinks in, let us get to work!

Step 1 – Research the organization

You know the basics but now is the time to really do your research. Consider such aspects as the size of the company? What are their current and future projects? What is their ethos?

Looking at the company’s mission statement will give you a good summary of their mission, values, and culture. Review their website and social media platforms as they are full of helpful information. Bringing this knowledge with you to the interview can really add value to the conversation and help differentiate yourself from other candidates.

Step 2 – Research the role

The job description is your best friend. Not only will it give you a thorough overview of the duties and personal qualities required but it will help you recognise exactly what the employer is looking for. Use this to tailor your answers accordingly and prove why you would be a great fit for the role.

Step 3 – Prepare your answers

Interview questions can be unpredictable, but you can prepare answers for these commonly asked questions:

“Tell me about yourself” Remember your employer does not care about your favourite sandwich – keep it professional. Instead tell them about things that will emphasise your personality and capability for the job. This is your opportunity to sell yourself in less than one minute. Sum up any relevant education, work experience or passions to express how you are suited for the role. Express why you want to infuse these skills into the role and apply it to the business setting.

“Why do you want to work for us?” Highlight why the job interests you, combining this with information on your CV. Show your enthusiasm and determination for the role. The employer will want to see that they are investing in someone who really cares about the opportunity.

“What are your weaknesses” The employer is looking for authenticity and honesty is key. Show how you recognised a personal weakness through reflection on a negative event, and focused on improving your self-awareness, turned the experience into a positive outcome.

When answering any question, use the STAR method. Situation – set the scene, Task – explain the task, Action – what you did, Result – the outcome.

Step 4 – Think of your questions for the interviewer

At the end of every interview, the interviewer will ask if you have any questions. Asking thoughtful questions about the role and the company is a fantastic way to make an impression. Prepare multiple questions to show engagement and interest in learning more about the company and its culture and write them down! Great questions to ask your interviewer include “What’s your favourite thing about working for this company?” or “If I was successful, what would my first 12 months in the role look like?”

Step 5 – Prepare travel arrangements

Know where the interview is taking place and how you will get there. Is there accessible parking onsite? What are the transport links? Once you know how long your planned route will take, leave early to account for any traffic or delays. Make sure you have the interviewer’s phone information so in the event of an unexpected travel issue, you can notify them accordingly. Ensure you fill your car with fuel the night before – you do not want to be doing this in your interview outfit!

Step 6 – Pack and dress accordingly

Plan your interview outfit – first impressions count. Ensure your outfit is clean and crease-free (and it fits!) Do not overlook the minute details, as they are something people notice, for example – clean fingernails, simple jewellery, and shined shoes. Prepare your bag or briefcase – bring print outs of your CV for everyone on the panel with some spares, a notepad, a pen, umbrella, mints etc. Knowing you look the part will lift your confidence and help you give your best performance.

Step 7 – Get some sleep!

You have practiced countless times with friends and family, tried on your outfit on and packed your bag. Now is time to get some rest ahead of the big day. We wish you good luck in your interview.

Not at the first stage yet? Do not worry, you soon will be. Search for your dream job in our current vacancies and take the first step.