Approaching Interviews
It's a rare candidate who's not filled with trepidation at the thought of the interview situation. Being bombarded with questions, with what seems like your whole future on the line is no fun in anyone's (except a demented masochist's) book. But the good news is that with a little practice and lots of preparation you can turn interviews into altogether more manageable experiences AND have a good chance of success. The guide below will help to show you how. Print it out for reference if you like.
Positive Thinking
If the idea of being interviewed rates with having your teeth extracted (without anesthetic), try to bear in mind the following points:
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The employer has seen your CV and covering letter and wants to know more. You have got further than many others, and now have good odds for success.
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Employers do want to employ someone - you could be just what they're looking for.
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As with exams, the more preparation you can do, the better you'll feel on the day.
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Interviews are two way streets. You can take some control over the course of the interview, as we'll be explaining below.
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Interviewers are human too!
The Purpose of an Interview
Now that you can face thinking about it, it's a good time to consider the purpose of an interview. For you, it's a vital opportunity to show the employer that you are right for the job and to get a feel for the company you are seeking to join. The interviewer will be using the interview to:
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Verify the accuracy of your CV and delve deeper into the information you gave.
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Evaluate your verbal and interpersonal skills.
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Establish the relevance of your experience and achievements.
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See how you respond in the situation.
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Give you information about the position.
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Determine salary requirements.
The best interviews leave both candidate and interviewer clear and satisfied about what each has to offer.
Preparation
You must spend time preparing in order to maximise your impact in the interview. Lack of preparation will leave you at a distinct disadvantage.
Finding Out About the Company
The best candidates present themselves as interested and well informed. Think about info you should know:
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The nature of the job.
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The company's products and / or services.
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The position of the company within the industry.
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Any changes or restructuring it has undergone.
Your careers service is a good starting point for information. Also you can ring the company itself for additional information.
Yourself
The interviewer will need to find out more about you to be able to decide if you're the right candidate for the job. They will therefore be asking you lots of pertinent questions. Some of them may be tough to answer so be prepared.
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Review your CV!
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Check it is complete and consistent- if there are any gaps make sure you have a good explanation for them.
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Run through your list of skills, experience, etc and work out why they are particularly useful to this employer.
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Anticipate some possible tough questions, or areas they might concentrate on. Prepare convincing answers to standard interview questions such as:
Why are you interested in a career in...?
Why did you apply to this firm...?
Why did you choose a degree in...?
What skills do you possess that would be useful for a career in...?
What do you think are your strengths and weaknesses...?
Tell me about your work experience in...?
Knowing what answers you could give to questions such as these will make you much less likely to panic and much more likely to give good answers.
The interviewer may also ask you to say something about yourself generally. You should structure a couple of paragraphs on yourself and your achievements and become confident in talking about yourself.
Try practicing your answers to all these questions with someone whose advice you trust. Also your careers service probably runs interview practice sessions. These can be invaluable- the more practice and feedback you get the more confident and capable you will become in an interview situation.
Questions about the Company
Towards the end of an interview you will usually be asked if you have any questions. Resist the urge to say no and run! This is an opportunity to find out more and to show an employer what you already know about their company. Asking questions lets the interviewer know you're interested, and are a good listener as well as a good talker.
Do ask:
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About the prospective job's duties in more detail.
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About such issues as potential for career advancement, the company's plans for the future, and so forth.
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Any issues from the interview you need clarifying.
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Bring in any knowledge you have of, for example, recent changes in the company, its working practices, market strategy, etc.
Don't ask:
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About perks or your salary (unless specifically asked - in which case give a range).
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For information that has already been clearly given during the interview.