How to have a good interview

Any interview can be daunting, we want you to be comfortable when attending an interview. Why not consider some of the following basic interview tips for preparing for your interview.

Basic preparation tips

• Do your research, find out as much about the company as you can.
• If you know people already working at the company, talk to them and find out what their role involves and their likes and dislikes.
• Think about the skills and experience you have to offer the company and role.
• Try to look objectively at your CV and work out what questions the interviewer may ask.
• Remember the basics – work out your route in advance, make sure you are smartly dressed and that you know the name of the person you are going to see.
   

Favourite interviewer questions

• Tell me about yourself?
• What do you know about…?
• What are your strengths?
• What are your weaknesses/areas of development?
• Give me an example of when you...
• Why are you interested in a job with…?
• Where do you see yourself in two or three years?
• Why do you want to leave your current job?
• How would your friends describe you?

How would your current employer describe you?

Now you know some of the favourite questions an interviewer may ask you, think about the responses you might give.

Don't forget to ask questions too

An interview is a two-way process. As much as you want to present yourself as a good candidate for the job, it’s important to ensure you think of the company as an employer that you would like to work for.

• Who will I be reporting to?
• How many in the team I will be working in/manage?
• What are the company ambitions for the next year, 2 or 5?
• What project(s) will I be working on? What sizes? Locations?
• What training/support/development opportunities are there?

What their expectations are of you?

• Consider beforehand what information you require about the job for which you have applied. Bring supporting documents and information.
• Ask about information relating to the job, areas of responsibility, business processes etc.
• Show that you are interested.