Pre-interview checklist
Interviews
All jobs involve a face-to-face interview, so do your homework about your potential new employer beforehand! Try to anticipate likely questions - and look at the company's website to find out all you can about them. Prepare to ask your interviewers questions too; it shows you're intelligent, interested!
Interviews are a two-way exchange of information. Obviously, the interviewer is trying to find out about you but you are also finding out about them, forming an impression of what it would be like to work for them and deciding whether you would like to join them. Given this two-way exchange, you must be clear about what you want to get out of the interview and how you can win over the interviewer and ensure they get to know about you.
Interview Checklist
Interviews are a two-way exchange of information. Obviously, the interviewer is trying to find out about you but you are also finding out about them, forming an impression of what it would be like to work for them and deciding whether you would like to join them. Given this two-way exchange, you must be clear about what you want to get out of the interview and how you can win over the interviewer and ensure they get to know about you.
Before the Interview
- Research the company.
- Re-read the job spec, and make notes of areas where your expertise lies with examples and any questions you would like to ask.
- Plan your journey a couple of days before.
- Check you have a map and directions/address.
- Mobile phone (ensure it’s charged up).
- You know the names of interviewers and what their job titles are.
- Leave in plenty of time so you can arrive 10 minutes before the interview starts.
- Dress smartly.
Upon Arrival
- Report to Reception 10 minutes before or wherever you were asked to go to sign in.
- Have details of who you need to ask for.
- Firm handshake and smile!
- A smile can help the interviewer warm to you; it also shows that you want to be there – First impressions really do count!
- The interviewer may be nervous too; think of a couple of questions to relax both of you.
- You may have far to walk to the interview room, or someone else may pick you up from reception.
- Talk about your journey or even the weather!
During the Interview
- Listen to the questions.
- Think before you answer a question.
- Body language is key.
- Don’t slouch – and think about what you will do with your hands.
- If you believe that you would be very good at this job, tell them exactly why.
- Give good examples to show your experience/demonstrate your skills.
- At the end of the interview, thank the person for their time.
The interviewer's agenda is to:
- Get a clear picture of your experience and capabilities.
- Hear examples of how you have worked in the past.
- Get an accurate idea of how you match their needs.
- Compare you with other good candidates.
- Consider how you will fit into the team.
So you need to ensure you sell yourself:
- Present compelling evidence of your experience, skills, knowledge, and your ability.
- Reveal your personality and style and your ability to work well with others.
- Understand the organisation's working environment, culture, style, and career prospects.
- Get the organisation excited about employing you.
