If you’ve recently graduated and started applying for jobs then you may be facing your first round of interviews.
The key to a successful interview is sound preparation – fail to prepare, then prepare to fail. So, make sure you do your homework.
Here are a few interview tips to help get you ready.
Research the company
Do some research on the company, looking specifically at their background, history, their products and services, their performance over the past year etc. Top interview tip – check out the company’s website as this will give you an insight into how the company wishes to be viewed. Think also about the role for which you are applying and how you would fit this role and what you could bring to the company based upon the information you have researched.
Research the industry
Once you have gained a better understanding of the company, look wider and research the industry within which it operates. Sharing industry stats will let the interviewer know you’ve done your research.
Research yourself
Review and study the application form or CV which was submitted to the company to secure the interview. Then look at doing the following:
- Memorise the content of your CV and application.
- Read over the job description and person specification again and try and match each criterion to your application.
- Prepare your ‘elevator pitch’ – this is a concise, carefully planned statement detailing why an employer should hire you. It is called the elevator pitch because it should not last any longer than the 30 seconds it takes to ride an elevator.
- Research common interview questions and how best to approach these.
Check the practicalities
Check the date, time and location of the interview. Decide how you are going to get there on the day and plan your travel times carefully. Decide in advance what you are going to wear and have it clean and ready to go the day before your interview. You may be required to bring some documentation with you. Review this list and have it ready to go in advance. If you are unsure of anything don’t be afraid to contact the company for clarification.
More interview tips and career advice here.
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