Interviews can be
scary. But the process is one that most people have to go through.
And you’ve made it this far, so stay positive. Just make sure you
prepare, and that will help you to stay calm and focused. You’ll be
up against the best people for the job, but don’t forget that
includes you – you wouldn’t have been invited for interview
otherwise. We’ve put together a few tips to help you make sure your
interview skills are up to scratch and to help you get through the
all important day.
It’s worth remembering that the employer is
probably just as nervous as you are. Don’t forget they’ve got to
see lots of new people and talk about their company as well. The
interview isn’t just there for them to see what you’re like; it’s
your chance to find out what they’re like too.
Preparation
You’ve been
invited to the interview. So let’s get started. Make a note of the
date, time and where it will be. Tell a friend or relative so they
know where you’re going. Call the company, ask to speak to the
person who invited you for the interview and let them know you’re
going. And if, for some reason, you can’t make it or you changed
your mind, you’ll need to let them know about that.
You now need to start looking into the
company. Try their website, the local library and your family and
friends. Make sure you know who they are, what they do and any
recent news about the business.
What will you
say?
You’ll never know in advance what exactly an
interviewer will ask you. But there’s a strong chance they’ll want
to talk about you, what you’re good at and your experiences. So jot
some notes down, and take them with you as a reminder. It might be
useful to go through this with someone – often we’re not very good
at picking out our own strengths.
Any questions?
Most
employers will ask you if you’ve got any questions you’d like to
ask them. It’s important to have a few ready, as it shows you’re
interested and you’ve thought about the interview. Think about what
you want to know about the job or the company that you don’t
already know. Write the questions down, and make sure they’re
positive.