The aim of any application, by letter, CV or application form, is to get an interview. Having got the interview it is very important that you prepare yourself properly, do as well as you can at the interview and, if you are unsuccessful, learn from the experience.
Find out about the organisation. What do they do? How many people do they have? Ask everyone you know, go to the library and read newspapers to try to find out as much as you can about the organisation.
Think about yourself. What skills, qualities and achievements have you got that would interest the interviewer. Read your application again and pick out the things you’d like to come out at interview.
Plan your journey - make sure you know exactly where and when the interview will be and let them know you will be attending. Plan Your Journey and aim to arrive at the reception area of the company at least 10 minutes before the interview. If possible, have a dry run beforehand and an alternative plan in case something goes wrong. Check the location on a map if you need to. The local library will probably have copies of local maps. For interviews in another town or city, the company will probably send you a map and details of how to find them by rail, car, bus etc. If they don't, telephone them and politely ask the receptionist to send you details. Have a pen and paper handy in case these are given over the telephone. Decide on your preferred method of transport and check the timetable with the bus or rail company.
Dress appropriately - choose clothes that suit the type of work and fit in with the organisation’s image. Aim to look clean, neat and tidy. Get your clothes ready the day before.
Assemble your record of work and any other work that may be relevant. Take this with you. Be sure to organise the work you are taking so that it is well presented and can be looked at quickly.
If possible practise doing an interview with someone, e.g. a Careers Officer.
Prepare a list of questions about things you want to know. Keep it short, take it with you and ask the questions when the interviewer/s ask you if you have any questions to ask. The answers given to the questions you ask will help you to decide whether you want to join the organisation.
- As soon as you arrive behave as if the interview has started. Reception staff may be asked for their impressions of you. Take deep breaths to calm yourself before you go in.
- Some interviews will begin or end with a tour of the workplace/building. Remember this is still part of the interview. Take this opportunity to find out whether you think you'd like working there.
- A selection test may be included as part of the interview though often you will be informed of this before you go. Selection tests may test your reactions, speed and manual skills; others may be more like written exams and test comprehension, problem solving, numeracy, or perception. If you know the type of test in advance, you could spend time practising similar exercises. This may increase your speed and allow you to learn how to tackle such tests. Ask your careers officer/adviser or teacher for advice about tests and books to read.
- Be polite, courteous and respectful. Thank the interviewer(s) for seeing you.
- Sit up and appear interested, alert and enthusiastic.
- Be positive, you have been successful at getting an interview when others were not.
- Smile and look at the person to whom you are talking.
- Listen carefully to the questions and think before answering.
- Ask if you don't understand and re-start an answer if you make a mistake.
- What does the interviewer want to find out?
Passing the interview is important to you, getting the right person is important to the interviewer. The interviewer/s wants to know if you:
- are well motivated
- have initiative
- have prepared
- have taken responsibility for your future
- have made plans for the future and will be looking for evidence of all these things.- Some of these questions are bound to be asked:
- The ice breaker: Did you have a good journey? or Did you find us all right?
- What can you tell us about yourself?
- Why do you want to be a...?
- What can you offer us?
- Why do you want to work for us?
- What do you see yourself doing in 5-10 years' time?
- What are your hobbies/interests?
- What do you consider your greatest strength and weakness?
If you are successful remember to thank the people you have met. You should be given details of what will happen next, for example they might write to you formally offering you the placement/job, if not, ask. If unsuccessful, try to get some feedback from the interviewers. Contact the interviewers and ask politely about your performance. There are many applicants for each job and each person has to compete. The reasons for not being successful may be minor. If you feel that you could have done better:
- ask yourself whether you prepared well enough
- ask yourself what your strengths and weaknesses are and make notes on these for future reference
- learn from the experience and try to improve in the future
- be positive and keep trying!
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