Interviews
If you are invited for an interview – well done!
Most interviews take place face-to-face but some companies do carry out telephone interviews which normally happen before they invite you in person. It’s your chance to really sell yourself and the employer is keen to find out more about you and see if you’re right for the position.
Interviews can be scary and you will no doubt feel a little nervous but remember; they want you to be right for the job just as much as you do!
Telephone Interviews
Here are some tips for talking on the phone:
- Get organised, make sure you know who you need to talk to.
- Make notes about what you want to say in advance, this may help if you start to feel nervous.
- Have some spare paper handy in case you need to write anything down.
- Try to call from a quiet place where you won’t get interrupted.
- If you can’t get hold of the person that you want to talk to, ask for a convenient time to call back.
- The person that you are talking to may be very busy, if they don’t sound too friendly, don’t take it personally!
Face-to-Face Interviews
Here are some tips to remember when you attend an interview:
- Again, preparation is the key, read through any information that you have been sent carefully. If you’ve received a ‘job description’ or ‘personal specification’ they will give you some clues on the type of person required.
- Try and find out a little bit about the company before you go.
- There are certain questions that are often asked such as ‘Why do you think that you are right for the job?’ and ‘What are your strengths and weaknesses?’. These might seem a little bit difficult to answer, but if you have prepared a response it makes it a lot easier. Remember to make any weaknesses that you have into a positive – instead of saying ‘I am a bit shy’ say ‘I like to concentrate so I am sometimes a bit quiet’.
- Take your C.V. and any other information with you. It may help you to feel more confident to read them before you go in.
- Think of any questions that you might like to ask. If the questions that you thought of have been answered in the interview – say so.
- Plan your outfit and make sure that you have everything ready. Look smart but feel comfortable.
- Make sure that you know where you are going, how to get there, where the nearest bus stop/parking is (ensure you have some change for the fare/fee) – don’t be late!
- Be polite and pleasant from the start. Poor image in the first 30 seconds can lose you the job!
- Look at the interviewer when you are speaking to him/her and try to be confident. Don’t rush answers or mumble.
- Try not to answer questions with just ‘yes’ or ‘no’.
- If you don’t understand anything, say so. Remember that your interviewer is only human and may have phrased something badly.
- Your interviewer will understand if you are nervous, but try not to appear rude.
- Always tell the truth – if you lie you’re likely to be caught out.
Be Safe
Let someone know where you are going and what time you’ll be back.
Interviewers shouldn’t ask lots of personal questions or make you feel uneasy. If you are worried, get up and leave immediately. Don’t have a lift from anyone after the interview.
There are some things that interviewers are legally forbidden from asking. This includes questions about:
- Your age
- Your marital status
- Whether you are dating
- Your health
- Your children (whether you have any/if you intend to have any/how you arrange childcare)
- Your sexual orientation
- Your political beliefs
- Your religious beliefs
An interviewer may ask you questions such as:
- What three words would you use to describe yourself?
- What do you consider to be your strengths/weaknesses?
- Can you give me an example of how you’ve handled a difficult situation?
- What is your biggest accomplishment to date?
- How would your friends describe you?
- What motivates you?
- Where do you want to be in 5 years time?
- Why do you want this job?
- Why should we hire you?
If you have prepared answers to these before the interview, it will be easier for you to answer them on the day.
If you can’t attend an interview for any reason, you should always let the employer know.
Good luck and remember, preparation is the key to a successful interview!
