Succeeding at interviews

Your CV and covering letter, or your application form, have obviously impressed the employer enough to give you an interview, so much of the hard work is done. However, it’s not over yet. You’ve still got to convince the recruiter in person that you’re the one that they want.

Types of interview

There are two main types of interview. You may have or the other – or both! – depending on the job you are applying for and the company.

One-to-one interview

This involves just you and the employer and can be either formal or informal.

Panel interview

Two or more interviewers will be present and will normally take it in turns asking you questions. This may seem more daunting than a one-to-one interview but often these can be fairer, as if you don’t hit it off with one interviewer, another might have a different attitude and sing your praises.

Before the interview – checklist

• Confirm that you are attending the interview and be certain of the date, time and the name of the person to ask for when you arrive.
• Find out as much as possible about the organisation through their website, brochure or any other means.
• If the organisation is in a particular industry (e.g. catering, hospitality, IT, etc) research what’s going on in that area by reading newspapers or online news stories.
• Look at careers websites to find out more about the job you’ve applied for and what future opportunities and progression are like.
• Know how you’re going to get to the interview and how long it will take.
• Think about any questions the employer might ask you and prepare some answers.
• See if your school or Job Club can give you a practice interview, or ask your parents or friends if they can run through some questions with you beforehand.

At the interview – checklist

• Dress smartly: you need to dress to impress at interviews.
• Tell someone where you will be, when and for how long.
• Arrive at least ten minutes before the start so you’re not hot and bothered. It also gives you time to use the loo if you need to!
• Before the interview starts, look through your application form or CV again to remind yourself of what you said. You will be asked about it!
• Try to stay calm: interviewers are not out to make life hard for you. They want to fill the position and genuinely want you to succeed!
• Sit up straight in your chair and don’t fidget or chew gum. Look at whoever is speaking to you and smile.
• Answer questions honestly, carefully and thoughtfully. Don’t just say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ and then clam up. Wherever possible, give examples from your own experience.
• Be prepared to say why you want to work for them, and what skills you can bring to the organisation.
• Come prepared to ask questions too; this shows that you are keen on the company and have thought about what to ask in advance. If you really cannot think of anything to ask, it’s fine to say: “Thank you, I think you’ve covered everything”.
• At the end, thank the interviewer and offer your hand to shake.

Downloads

• Going for an interview
• Taking selection tests
• Attending interviews