Research

• Before attending your interview ensure that you gather as much relevant information as possible. You can gain a good understanding of an organisation by logging on to their website and familiarising yourself with key information such as the company history, key competitors and financial stability.
• If there is no company website then information can be attained by using various web search engines, newspapers and professional magazines.
• Request a copy of the job specification from the company or your recruitment consultant and ensure that you read each point thoroughly.
• Familiarise yourself with your CV and think about the qualities the employer is looking for. Work out how best you can demonstrate these to the interviewer(s).
• Prepare a number of questions that you can ask your interviewer(s). This demonstrates that you have thought about the role and done some research on the organisation.
• Plan your route to ensure you know where you are going and aim to arrive at least 10 minutes early.

What to Take With You

• A copy of your CV and/or application form
• A copy of the job description
• The interview confirmation letter with name(s) of the interviewer(s), address and telephone number
• Directions/map of how to get there

At the Interview

• Ensure that you a smartly dressed
• Greet your interviewer/s with a strong, firm handshake
• Good body language is essential, ensure you sit up straight, maintain eye contact and speak clearly and confidently
• Listen to the questions carefully and pace yourself when answering
• Give positive examples of your experience to date
• Be concise and honest about your experience and qualifications
• Express enthusiasm for the role even if you have reservations. These can be addressed at a later stage.
• Thank the interviewer for taking the time to meet with you

Questions you can ask

• How has the position become available?
• How does the position fit into the structure of the organisation?
• What training is available to continued development?Do you have any plans for expansion if so how would these impact on this role?
• How would you describe the culture of the organisation?
• What opportunities are available to progress within the organisation?

Avoid

• Being negative
• Making derogatory comments about former employers
• Discussing salary information or company benefits
• Poor body language

Close

• Ask what the next stage will be if they have not already explained
• Reiterate your interest in the role and the organisation
• Thank each interviewer for their time