Interview Preparation

An invitation for an interview shows that, on paper, you are the right person required by the organisation for the vacant position. In fact, it is estimated that 80% of candidates are rejected at the application stage so you are really more than three quarters of the way towards getting the job!

Larger organisations will have interviewers who are often personnel professionals, or who are trained and experienced interviewers, so expect the interview to be very structured to obtain the maximum from you. In smaller firms you are more likely to be interviewed by a partner who may not be a trained interviewer. If you are confronted by a ‘bad’ interviewer you will have to work hard to use the questions as a means of conveying the points you wish to make. It can be a good idea to try to steer the conversation towards the topics you have particular strengths in, highlighting your good points.


There are several different types of interview/questioning techniques: -

The straightforward chronological interview, where you are asked questions around your CV / Application form

Criterion referenced interviews, where you will be asked to give examples of how you meet their criteria e.g., examples of teamwork, negotiating, leadership

The off-the-wall questions where you might be asked some bizarre questions. This is to see if you can think on the spot and how creative/logical you are.

The pressurised interview where your views will be challenged (or even ridiculed) and you might feel like you are being goaded into an argument. If this happens to you do not lose your cool, it is to test how you react under extreme pressure and to see if you can hold your own without starting a fight or being reduced to tears.

Preparation is essential if you want to do well. Have a look at the checklist:

Stage 1 - Preparation
Re-read your resume.
Prepare questions to ask and to be asked
Work out clothes to wear
Rehearse interview
Anticipate the obvious questions during the interview
Work out a strategy for dealing with stress
Read vacancy details, employer’s literature - what they are and what they want
Know where the interview will take place

Stage 2 - First Impressions Count
Arrive in good time
Make a good entrance
Body language - handshake, posture, eye contact
Smile

Stage 3 - The Interview
Be yourself
Be honest
Be prepared to talk - but not too much
Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification
Illustrate your answers with examples
Be ready to sell yourself
Be interesting

Stage 4 - The Final Stage
Know when the interview is over - read employer’s body language
Thank him/her for his/her time
Learn from the experience - ask for feedback if necessary

Questions You May Wish To Ask

The Organisation
Major current projects
Future developments

Work
What you would be doing
How long for
Typical projects/timescales
Variety of work

Training
Training offered/possible
Help with professional qualifications

Colleagues
Who would you work with?

Location
Where would you be based?
How much travel/mobility

Prospects/Salary
Likely progression
Where are previous graduates

General Way of Life
Accommodation, amenities, limits on free time etc

Questions You Can Prepare For

Tell us about yourself
Why did you choose your degree and what have you gained from it?
What has been your most important achievement in life so far? Why?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Why have you applied for this job?
What do you have to offer us?
What are the current issues in this sector of work?
What experience do you have of working in a team and what role did you play in that team?
Describe a project you have successfully completed.
How would your friends describe you?
Describe a situation you have found difficult. How did you overcome it?
What questions would you like to ask us?

If you would like help with interviews come to the Careers Service to talk to an adviser. We have a video available called, “Why Ask Me That?” which shows you how to do well at interviews. We also have a range of books on interview techniques for you to look at.