So you've filled in the form….what next? Unfortunately, writing down what you can do and why you should get the job is not enough. You know you're fab and surely the best person for the job, but the employers don't. That's why you may be called for an interview.

If you've been successful and offered an interview you need to be aware that you have lots of work ahead of you in order to prepare for this experience. You can't always leave it down to your sparkling personality, good looks and charm! You will be asked lots of questions and you need to be prepared to answer them in the best possible way. Here are some useful tips to help you.

This is the time when being a swot will work in your favour!

Most employers will expect you to have found out about the company you are hoping to work for. It shows that you are really keen to get the job. Find out what the company does, how many offices it has and when the company started etc. You can do this by reading company information, looking at their website or asking any of their employees that you might already know.

Don't freak out. Learn some interview tips so that you know what to expect!

It's perfectly normal to feel stressed about an interview. It is important for you to be prepared so that you can try and control your nerves. This will hopefully stop any embarrassing moments such as answering a question in your own made up language, having a complete mental block and forgetting your own name or passing out! Remember that the people who are interviewing you could also be a bit nervous and will want to make the whole process as calm and useful as possible. Why not talk to friends and family about helping you with a practice interview and get those nerves out of the way.

Ok, I've stopped shaking, now what should I do!

Give yourself a bit of confidence and reassurance. You have done well to be selected for an interview so they were obviously impressed with the information on your application. Remember, you have lost nothing. Interviews are great experience. Of course you want to get the job, but even if you don't you've had a practice and learned more about interviewing for the next one.

Now you need to sell yourself and this can be done in ways that you might not have thought about.

• Look the Part - You need to make an impression when you walk through those doors. The way that you look will be noticed by the people interviewing. You need to dress in way that says, "I am smart and professional and I am serious about working for you"
  
  
• Be friendly - That doesn't mean run into the room and fling your arms round everyone interviewing you…..that might scare them a bit!! It means walking in with a smile, making eye contact and being polite. Most employers, no matter what job is on offer, will still want someone who is friendly and works well with other people and staff.
  
  
• Watch your body - The people interviewing will be watching you for signs. For example don't slump in the chair or fold your arms as this could say to them that you're defensive or uninterested. Don't fiddle with your pen lid or papers as this is will show them that you are very nervous or distracted.
  
  
• What type of interview? - It will help if you can find out beforehand what sort of interview you can expect. This could include a group briefing with all candidates, aptitude tests, group activities and your individual interview. If you are prepared it will help you to keep calm because you will be expecting it.

Then the questions start!

Don't panic. Listen carefully to the question. When you are ready, take a deep breath and answer slowly and confidently. If you don't understand a question, ask them to explain it.

The people interviewing will want to find out about you, what experience you have and why you would be the best person for the job. They will want to find out about your skills, interests, personality and achievements e.g qualifications, certificates and voluntary work etc. You may find some of the questions quite difficult. All you need to do is remember this article and keep calm, ask for an explanation if you don't understand and answer as best as you can. Here are some examples :-

• Tell me about yourself - This is a very popular question. A good way of helping you answer is to take in your NRA and talk them through what you have achieved. They are not looking for an answer like "I'm blonde, 5ft and green eyes" because that tells them nothing about your qualities and achievements that will benefit their company if they employ you. This question gives you the ideal opportunity to sell yourself. Whatever you tell them needs to leave them thinking 'WOW! This person is the one!'
  
  
• Why do you want this job? - Again, another popular question. You need to think of a positive answer. Telling them that you want it because your mate works there or because it was the first job you saw in the newspaper is not going to impress them. It might be because you've had an interest in what the company does or because you are impressed with the opportunities the company offers to staff etc.
  
  
• Where do you see yourself in 5 years? - Saying "Definitely not here. I only want this job to give me some money until I find something better" will pretty much guarantee that you've not got the job! Mention your career plans without being too obvious about leaving their company. You could say "Well this post is for a retail assistant and I would like to be nearer to a management post in 5 years time"

Talk to your Careers / Connexions Advisers for information about interview techniques and questions. See your tutor for advice on your NRA / Progress File and don't forget to check out your careers library or websites for lots of useful information. The trick to succeed at interview is to BE PREPARED. Don't be disappointed if you don't get the first job you see, keep trying and learn from your experience. The right job will be yours for the taking!

Further information can be found from:

• Careers Gateway - Job Seeking - Interviews
  

Good Luck

Jennie Glitherow
Connexions Lincolnshire & Rutland

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To get back to this page to use the links on it - enter http://www.careers-gateway.co.uk/mainpage.htm and click on Magazine then Interview Success

copyright © Careersoft 2004 - First published July 2001. Last updated March 2004.