How to succeed at interview

Congratulations! Your effective and targeted CV has secured you an interview.  Now you need to take every step necessary for a successful interview.

Prepare for the interview thoroughly

Find out everything you can about the company. Visit their website and make notes. Look at the job description and plan examples to illustrate your relevant experience.

Show that you are interested in the job and the company

You do this in two ways, by talking effectively and listening attentively. Get ready for this by considering the questions they might ask you, and what you will ask them.  Answer job-related questions by citing an example.

Stock interview questions include:

  • What are your strengths?
  • What are your weaknesses?
  • Why do you want this job?
  • Why did you leave your last job?
  • Aren’t you over-qualified?
  • What is your proudest accomplishment?
  • Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?

Questions you should ask

You will often be asked, ‘Do you have any questions?’ This is your opportunity to excel and take control of the interview.  What you ask says a lot about you and your interest in the job.  Here are questions you can think about to ask them:

  • Questions about the company
    • What is the company’s position within its sector?
    • What are the company’s future plans?
  • Questions about the department
    • How does the job function within the company?
    • How many people are there in the team?
  • Questions about the job
    • How would a typical day work out?
    • How much time is spent on different functions?
  • Questions about future prospects
    • Are there training/promotion opportunities?

Don’t forget your appearance

  • First impressions count.
  • Sort out clothes the night before. Dress conservatively and smartly.
  • A little over-dressed is better than too dressed down.

 

On the day

Your CV has unlocked the door and secured the interview.   You have taken this opportunity seriously and prepared thoroughly in advance.  You have researched the company, know their website backwards and have good examples of when you have carried out similar responsibilities.

On the day there are two things you need to achieve: to confirm that as your CV indicated you have the relevant skills and experience to fill the role AND that you will fit into their team.  Let your enthusiasm shine through.

Take a copy of the job description

  • Plus your CV and a copy of the of application form if you submitted one.

Allow plenty of time to get there – don’t be late

  • If you are more than 15 minutes early, wait before going in.
  • If the location is unfamiliar, plan the journey thoroughly, or even do a trial run.

The interview starts

  • As soon as you enter the premises.
  • Greet everyone politely and try to look relaxed.

When you enter the interview

  • Shake hands, smile and wait to be asked to sit down.

During the interview

  • Maintain eye contact – and if there is more than one interviewer make sure you look at each of them alternately.
  • Remember what you have prepared and answer fully, avoiding one-word yes or no responses.
  • Ask at least two of your own questions.

The end of the interview

  • Find out whether there will be a second interview stage or when you are likely to hear from them.
  • Express your interest in the job - your enthusiasm could be the deciding factor. 
  • Make sure you shake hands and thank the interviewer/s.