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Congratulations, you have secured an interview! But what steps can you take to make a great impression and suppress your nerves? Follow these simple steps to help you prepare.
1. Research the company
An interviewer will commonly ask what you know about the company and why you would like to work for them, so prepare by researching the company and the industry they work within.
A good place to start is the company’s website, not forgetting to review their annual reports or any media reports. You can also expand your perspective on the organisation by reading independent reports in news and trade journals. Being able to speak about the organisation in a knowledgeable manner demonstrates your genuine interest in them as your future employer.
You can use this knowledge to guide your responses during the interview as well as give insight into how well suited you are for the position and company.
2. Research the position
Whilst it is important to understand the company as a whole, it is also important to understand your potential role within it.
What are the skills and experiences emphasized in the job description? These are the things that you will need to highlight when speaking about your previous responsibilities to demonstrate why you’d be a great hire, as well as why it is of interest to you.
Speaking with your Recruitment Consultant in further detail about the role is also beneficial, as is speaking with any friends or colleagues who are in a similar job.
3. Prepare answers
There are questions that crop up during most interviews. You should be prepared to answer questions such as ‘Tell me about yourself.’, ‘What are your strengths and weaknesses?’, and ‘Why do you want this job?’. Try and link your responses back to what you know about the company and what qualities they are looking for in a candidate.
Depending on the role, you may be asked a range of technical questions. For example, you may be asked about the latest legislation or regulatory guideline to test your knowledge and check you are competent for the role.
4. Prepare questions
Interviewers will usually ask if you have any questions at the end of your interview. This is an opportunity for you to determine if the role is something that you can see yourself doing. Questions you could ask are:
· What will be the biggest challenges in this role?
· What do you like about working for the company?
· What is the culture like within the team?
· Which of my skills will be most useful to do the job?
· What are the key priorities over the next 12 months?
You can see our blog on interview questions here.
5. Familiarise yourself with the interview location
Being on time for your interview is paramount. Be sure to know where you are going, how you are going to get there, where you will park (if travelling by car), and how long it will take. Always allow for any potential travel delays. If you are unsure on any detail, ask your Recruitment Consultant, and keep their contact number to hand in the event you encounter any issues.
6. Presentation
The first contact you have can formulate a lasting impression. Plan what you are going to wear to the interview, ensuring you look smart and professional. A professional manner should also be always maintained – being courteous and shaking hands to greet.
7. Get a good night sleep!
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