Prepare for an interview
Before the interview
- Read the job description
- Research the company you are applying to
- Have examples from previous roles or during your studies
Interview Do’s - Presentation - look your smartest and be professional
- Punctuality - be on time and make sure you have the correct address
- Do your research and make sure you are prepared!
- Know what is going on in the industry - Commercial awareness
- In the interview - be clear, courteous, confident and communicate effectively
- Ask questions about the company/position you are applying for
- Show willingness
- Smile
- Remember to shake the interviewers hand
Interview Don’ts
- Be late! Give yourself plenty of time to travel to the interview
- Be unprepared
- Wear inappropriate clothing and jewellery
- Be vague
- Show any reservations about developing within the company or lack of career planning
- Say negative things about other people
- Chew gum!
- Forget to turn your mobile off
- Be too confident (you will seem arrogant)
- Forget to shake hands with the interviewer before you leave – and thank them!
Questions to prepare for
- Why have you applied for this role?
- What are your achievements to date?
- Why did you choose your degree subject?
- Where do you see yourself in 3 years time?
- What are your strengths?
- What are your weaknesses?
- Tell me about yourself
- Give an example of a time when you worked in a group
- Give an example of a time when you had to work under pressure
Questions you could ask (2 approx)
- What will my responsibilities be?
- How does this role fit into the department structure
- What encouragement or opportunities are there for further development?
- How soon will you decide on the appointment?