7th February 2023

We know that interviews are nerve-wracking but we firmly believe that the better prepared you are, to more confident you will feel, and the more likely you are to succeed. Here's how to smash it!

BEFORE THE INTERVIEW

• Research the employer or learning provider. For an employer find out what sector(s) they operate in, what are the current issues for that sector? What are the employer’s aims and values? For a learning provider find out about extra-curricular activities, enrichment and trips.
  Re-read your application form or CV and cover letter, as they are likely to ask you questions based on these.

• Prepare answers for likely interview questions:

Why have you applied for this post/place?

In what ways are you suitable for this position/course?

Tell us about yourself (interests and achievements).

Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?

Give me an example of when you completed a project/were part of a team/took a leadership role/had to solve a problem.

What are your strengths / weaknesses (for this pick an area of knowledge or skill you would like to develop further)?

What qualities can you bring to this role/college/school?

• Prepare any presentation that they may have asked for and practice delivering it.

• Prepare questions for them, around 4 and don’t be afraid of asking them during the interview if the topic arises, as a conversation is often welcomed by interviewers and can be a great opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and insight.

• Practice answering questions with friends or family (but don’t try to learn the answers off by heart as it won’t come across as authentic and you may forget it!)

ON THE DAY

• Prepare clothes and paperwork the night before – if you are interviewing in person, take a copy of your CV in case they have mislaid it. Make sure shoes are clean!

• If it’s a virtual interview, make sure your background is clear from clutter, there are no filters on and you are well lit. Make sure you understand how to use the meeting software (e.g. how to turn on your camera and mute). Have your CV and or presentation open so you can easily screen share it if necessary.

• If you are travelling there, leave plenty of time and plan your route. Have a telephone number saved on your phone to call in case you are delayed.

• Get a good night’s sleep and a good breakfast.

THE INTERVIEW

• When meeting the interviewer, smile, make eye contact and shake his or her hand if in person. Use their name!

• Make sure you are sitting upright, look attentive but relaxed.

• Listen to the question but allow yourself some time to answer – don’t rush it!

• Be confident but avoid coming across as arrogant.

• If it’s a panel interview make sure you look at all of them when you answer a question.

• Display a positive can-do attitude – try not be negative about an experience or person.

• If you are asked about a situation when you demonstrated a skill, use the STAR process – explain the SITUATION, what the TASK was, what ACTION you took, and the RESULT.

• If you are asked about a skill you don’t have, express willingness to learn.

• If you do not understand the question, ask for it to be repeated or clarify your understanding.

TOP TIPS

• Turn off your mobile phone.

• If you are introduced to anyone else smile and say, ‘good to meet you’ and if you are shown around the building make polite observations (e.g. the office is lovely and light’). It will help calm your nerves and you will present yourself as engaging and good to have around.

• Do not mention salary, if applicable, unless the interviewer brings it up. You can discuss this afterwards if you are offered the position.

• It is fine to ask when you are likely to hear about the outcome – it shows you plan ahead.

• Thank the interviewer for their time, shake hands if in person and close the door behind you.

AFTERWARDS

• Send an email to the interviewer (or the person who arranged your interview) expressing how much you enjoyed the experience, confirming that you are still very interested in the role/place (mention some things you learned that have increased your desire for the role/place) and that you look forward to hearing from them.

• If you are unsuccessful, ask for feedback if they have not already offered it as this will be useful for future interviews. Reflect back – what could you have done better? Use it as a learning experience and don’t get too downhearted as you can only improve!

For further help to prepare see our Employability workbook and if you have been invited to an assessment day see our guide here.

GOOD LUCK!