Preparing for an Interview


Gather Information

 

Before planning a strategy for the interview, it may be worthwhile carrying out some background research. This will enable you to research into the job on offer and help you to prepare your interview questions and answers. You may want to find out about;

  • The business or purpose of the organisation
  • The job – by obtaining the job description and person specification
  • The culture of the organisation
  • Details of the interview e.g. will it involve any written tests, presentation etc
  • Your own decision criteria

Useful sources of information for your background research may include;

  • The Internet
  • Press / Television
  • Annual Reports
  • In-house Newsletters
  • Publicity Material
  • Contacts among current or recent employees
  • People holding a similar job in another organisation
  • Advertisement 

Planning Your Approach

 

Having carried out some background research, you are probably ready to establish your agenda for the interview. This could include;

  • Questions you would like to ask
  • Points you would like to put across within the interview
  • Handling questions
  • Creating the right impression

Asking well-worded questions will ensure you obtain the information you need in order to make a decision. They will also help demonstrate to the interviewer that you have a good understanding of the job and a real interest in the organisation.

 

Details of the Interview

 

A good interviewer should help you to prepare by telling you in advance what you should expect on the day of the interview. However, some interviewers may not inform you so you should be prepared to contact the organisation to enquire as to the structure of the day.

 

Who will be conducting the interview?

  • Will it be a panel?
  • Will it be one-to-one?
  • What are the names and positions of the interviewers?
  • Is the interviewer the recruiting manager and / or Human Resources?

How will the interview be conducted?

  • Will any tests be involved such as personality or aptitude?
  • You may be asked to complete a test, make a presentation, or role play etc
  • Where will the interview be held? Map / location, transport, parking arrangements
  • Start time of interview and duration etc
  • What will you need to take with you? E.g. CV, training certificates etc

It may be worthwhile doing a “dry run” when travelling to an interview, particularly if it is somewhere you are unfamiliar with.

 

Final Preparation

 

It’s the day of the interview;

  • Keep calm and relaxed
  • Plan to arrive early to allow you time to collect your thoughts 
  • Plan to leave your destination on time to avoid any traffic problems 
  • Be positive. Think of all the reasons why you are the right person for the job. It is always too easy to think of reasons why you fail, but this will only affect your confidence.  Imagine yourself successful. Positive thinking, creates a positive attitude.
  • Dress appropriately. This means right for the organisation, which may require some research. Dress comfortably, which will help you to feel relaxed in the interview.
  • Create the right impression in the interview. There is plenty of evidence to support the view that how you say a message is important. Research suggests that the total impact of the message we convey can be broken down as follows;
    • 7% verbal content (words we use)
    • 38% the way we speak (volume, tone, pitch, speed)
    • 55% body language (physical appearance, posture, dress etc

This means although we may be saying all the right things in an interview, if our body language or tone of voice is conveying a different message that is what may be picked up by the interviewer instead of the actual answer to the question. Therefore, in general, adopt a relaxed open posture and avoid crossing arms, this could be deemed as defensive and closed. Maintain eye contact but do not stare and answer questions clearly and concisely.

Remember…………….you have put a lot of work into researching the organisation and the job. You have prepared and are the best person for the job. How can you fail?

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