Interview preparation tips
The interview is a business meeting
From this meeting, each participant will make judgements and decisions about the other. It is an applicants chance to sell themselves and obtain first-hand knowledge of the position and the company.
The employer will be “selling” the position and the company to the applicants, as well as trying to establish their strengths and weaknesses.
Don’t forget, however, that a job interview is a competitive situation, in which several other qualified candidates are competing for the same job.
Before an Interview
Interview Preparation is key!
Know the exact place & time of the interview, along with the interviewer’s name & title. Try to find out a bit about the company before the interview – use the internet, libraries, papers, people who work there etc. (look for how many people work there, turnover, company structure, products etc.)
Research the job – read the specifications and requirements and make sure you are confident in how you can justify why you are the best candidate.
Prepare the questions you will ask during the interview.
Remember: interviews are a two-way street, they are a chance for you to gather information on the company, and your questions will tell the interviewer that you are interested in their company.
Have your questions and answers prepared
Only ask those questions which aren’t answered during the course of the interview. Typical questions might include:
- What career opportunities exist within the company?
- Will I be working independently or as a team member?
- When and how is an employee’s performance evaluated?
- When will I know if I’ve been successful?
Also consider thinking about typical questions you will be asked, such as:
- Explain your current role to me?
- Why are you leaving?
- What skills do you feel you can bring to our company?
- What motivates you?
- What are your key strengths and weaknesses?
- Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
- Make sure you know your own CV!
Being prepared for an interview is the first step towards turning it into a successful one. It helps you to become more confident in selling yourself and your experience.