Interview tips

Interview tips

Attending an interview is often an anxiety-inducing experience. A certain amount of nerves can help to show your interviewer that you are not arrogant or over-confident but it is important to remain as calm as possible to show your personality and skills in the best light. Good interviewers will put you at your ease but there are steps you can take yourself to reduce any pre-interview anxiety.

Make sure you know your CV so you will not be asked any questions about your experience that you can’t remember. Take a couple of copies with you and check through while you wait for your interview.

Check you know how to get to the interview. Do a practice run to the location if possible to reduce worry on the day. Leave plenty of time to arrive but if you find you are running late then call ahead to explain.

Read the company’s website thoroughly before interview. You are almost certain to be asked what you know about the business and should use this as an opportunity to show you have researched and understood it. Prepare a couple of questions to ask the interviewer about the company and the role.

You are likely to be asked some general questions in interviews. Below we give a few examples of common interview questions:

• Tell me about a project you have worked on and any problems you encountered
• How did you solve these problems?
• Give me an example of when you have worked well as part of a team
• How do you cope with pressures and deadlines?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• Why do you want to work here?
• How would other people describe you?
• Do you have any questions?

Making a good first impression is crucial so unless you have been told otherwise, always wear a suit to an interview with clean shoes and an ironed shirt.

Offer a firm handshake, maintain eye contact and listen attentively.

Switch off your mobile phone.

When the interview has finished, shake your interviewer’s hand and thank them.

Call your agency immediately after the interview. The longer you leave it, the less keen you look and that could cost you the job.