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Your chance
Interviews are your chance to ‘sell’ yourself to an employer and a chance to find out more about the opportunity. Your CV or applicationdid the job of getting you an interview and now you have the chance to prove yourself and land your dream job.
Research
The more research that you do, the better prepared you will be for your interview. Find out about the company on the web or ask them to send you some background information by post. You'll look genuinely interested in the job, and you'll arm yourself with good material for the upcoming interview. Find out exactly what the company does, what an employer wants and what the job involves. Then match your interests, abilities, experiences and achievements to the job role.
Preparation
It is important that you:
- know exactly where you're going on the day of the interview
- know how you're going to get there – check bus and train timetables. If you need to and do a test-run before your interview. This will give you an idea of how long it will take you
- get an early night before your interview and have a proper breakfast in the morning so you're refreshed for your interview.
- Leave with plenty of time so that you don’t arrive late or hot and bothered. If you do get stuck in traffic phone ahead to explain that you will be late.
An interviewer may ask you various different questions, so try to prepare answers to different types of questions. Try to think of examples that support your answers. Here are some typical interview questions:
- Why do you want this job?
- Why should we employ you?
- What can you bring to the company?
- What has been your biggest failure?
- How do you handle criticism?
- What motivates you?
- What is your greatest achievement?
- What do you know about the company?
- What skills can you bring to the company?
- Are you willing or able to travel?
- What are you looking for in a new job?
- What are your career goals?
- How could you improve yourself?
Plan your journey...
What if you’re asked about…
- your health or schooling, such as gaps in your employment or education? It’s usually best to be honest as an employer may ask for this information from your referees. Try to put a positive spin on anything negative e.g. I went through a difficult time in my life whilst I was at school and this explains the gaps in my education. I’ve worked extremely hard since then to catch up and move forward…
- criminal convictions. Our article Working with Convictions provides further details.
If you are unsure how to handle these kinds of questions speak to your support worker or Connexions Personal Adviser.
Look the part
It's better to be overdressed than under-dressed. Your prospective employer will probably not share your love of the latest street fashion, so dress smartly and don't take chances. Polish your shoes, and check there's no missing buttons anywhere. Women should have a spare pair of tights handy just in case! Overall, make sure you choose an outfit that's smart, comfortable and in good condition.
During the interview
It is important that your actions and body language show that you are keen and interested. Before arrival ensure your phone is turned off and you look smart. Upon arrival smile and offer a firm handshake. Always be polite, sit-up straight and make plenty of eye contact with the interviewers. If you are unsure what they are asking you ask for more detail. Remember it is OK to pause before answering. Try to remain relaxed – deep breaths can help. Overall remain positive and confidence. Remember that you've already done really well to get this far – it shows that you are the right sort of person for the job and the company is seriously interested in you.
Further support
Even if you don't get the job this time, you can rest assured that you'll be invited for other interviews, and you will get the job you want. For more interview tips and advice call into one of our Connexions Centres and speak to one of our trained personal advisers.
Useful websites
Prospects: interview tips
Provides information on making job applications, producing CVs and surviving interviews.
Directgov: finding and applying for your first job
Advice on finding and applying for your first job.
The Site: preparing for a job interview
Advice on preparing for a job interview.
BT: moving on
BT provides information on job application and interview skills for young people. Moving On helps young adults aged 14-19 and beyond to learn more about themselves, the skills they need in life and work, and how best to develop and demonstrate these as they identify and apply for jobs that are a good fit for their personality, interests and skills.
Online tools
MyConnexions
Register to MyConnexions to develop your CV, write covering letters, watch a video on preparing for interviews and to search online vacancies.
Last updated: 23/05/11
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