Interview Preparation

 

Interview Prep

Research, plan and prepare

 The days before the interview:

Know the company & understand the job brief

Spend time in the days before your interview researching the company you are meeting. Look at their website, social media, blogs or industry news. It is often useful to look at the LinkedIn profile of the interviewer(s). Read the job description in detail to ensure you understand what the job is, what experience and skills they are looking for and where the position fits in within the whole business – Get the highlighter pens out!

Questions

Prepare solid & intelligent questions before the interview, have 2 or 3 specific questions about his job and this company ready. Try not to use standard questions, such as; hours of work, benefits, holidays etc, choose standout questions.

Know your CV

Highlight and think about your transferable in relevance to the job brief. Practice how you will answer questions. Have a checklist of key points you want to share.

Plan your journey

Work out your journey to the interview, check timings and access to public transport, parking etc. Do a practice run to the office/venue if it’s possible. It’s acceptable to arrive 5-10 minutes early, any earlier than that and we would suggest holding back – find a coffee shop!

Adaptations or Assistance

If you require adaptations or assistance for your interview let the company know asap.

 

The night/morning before interview

Sleep & Eat well

Get a good night sleep before your interview.

Try to eat slow-releasing carbohydrates prior to your interview.

Avoid alcohol and try to steer clear of energy drinks or too much caffeine.

Keep hydrated.

Keep calm

Its natural to be nervous before an interview. Nerves can be used positively and calmed with relaxation techniques (controlled breathing, positive thinking, yoga!).

Refresh your knowledge

Have a final glance over your interview notes, think about why you should be offered this role, what can will you bring to the role and what elements will challenge & drive you.

Interview attire

Plan what you are going to wear before the day! It is perfectly acceptable to ask your recruiter or the hiring company what the expectations are.

Notebook

It is acceptable to take notes during your interview, you may want to take a notebook & pen along with you.

Music

Try to select some super music to listen to as you travel to your interview. Music can motivate and power your confidence whilst you are travelling to the interview.

 

The interview

Before you arrive

Turn your phone to silent, pack away your earphones, check your appearance, be 100% ready to interview the moment you arrive in the building.

First impression

When you arrive at your interview smile, be positive and use confident body language.

Be friendly & professional to everyone you meet (you may bump into your interviewer!).

At reception Introduce yourself, explain why you are there and who you are meeting.

Whilst waiting for your interview try not to look at your phone, notes or book.

The interview

Answer the questions to the best of your ability. If you don’t understand a question, ask for it to be repeated. If you can’t answer a question, ask to move on and keep positive. Be yourself, be professional and use all the information you have prepared. Ask those great questions you have though about and remember to leave the interview as positively as you can!

Feel free to contact us for more information about how to prepare for your interview 0203 488 2620