A guide to interviewing

Preparation for the interview

Good preparation for an interview is vital. It will give you confidence and enable you to demonstrate your skills and abilities effectively.

The following tips should help you:

• Research the company.
•  What do they do or sell?
• How long have they been in business?
• Who are their customers?

This proves to the interviewer that you have done your research and demonstrates your enthusiasm.

Read the job description and pick out the key skills the job requires.

• Try to think of an example where you have demonstrated these skills so that you can talk about it at the interview.
• Do not be afraid to take in a few notes relating to the skills and experience that you wish to demonstrate to jog your memory.

Consider the type of interview you will be attending.

• How many people will be interviewing you and what are their positions within the company? This will help you think about the type of questions they may ask. 
• Have a look at our example interview questions we have provided answers to commonly asked general interview questions and managerial interview questions.
• How long is the interview going to last?
• Will you have to do a test or make a presentation?
• If the above information is not provided, ring the company to find out for yourself.
• For more information see our notes on different types of interviews.

Prepare in advance a few questions to ask at the end of the interview. The example questions below should give you some ideas:

• Where does this role fit into the organisational structure?
• How do you see the role developing?
• What training will be provided?
• When will you be able to tell me the outcome of this interview?

Research the location.

• Do you know where you are going?
• What times are the trains / buses?
• Where are you going to park?
• A practice run before the interview will ensure that you have the best chance of arriving on time.

Things to take to the interview:

• Proof of identification such as a valid passport or your birth certificate AND a document confirming your NI number such as your NI card or a P45 or P60.
• A copy of your CV or application form.
• Any certificates of relevant qualifications.
• Any examples of your work if requested by the employer such as a portfolio.

If you have a disability

• If you have a disability employers must make reasonable adjustments for you so that it is possible for you to attend an interview.
• If you need an employer to make particular arrangements (for example, signed support or accessible parking), contact them in advance of the interview so that they can make sure these arrangements are in place.

Presentation at interview

First impressions really do count in an interview situation so it is important that you create a positive one. The advice below should help:

• Make sure you are smartly and appropriately dressed.
• Enter the room confidently.
• Shake hands firmly and introduce yourself.
• Be polite, friendly and smile.
• Try to build rapport during the interview.
• Appear interested and communicate clearly.
• At the end of the interview don't forget to thank the interviewer(s).

During the interview

• Aim to arrive 5-10 minutes before the interview time.
• It is natural to feel a little nervous so take a few deep breaths and try to relax.
• During the interview focus on the interviewer(s)’s questions.
• Do not be afraid to ask them to repeat or re-phrase a question that you do not understand.
• Sell yourself – get your good points across and be positive.
• Use examples to demonstrate your skills and experience.
• Do not criticise former employers or work colleagues.

After the interview

• After the interview take some time to reflect on how it went.
• What went well?
• Were there any areas that you could learn from and improve for future interviews?
• If you are not successful ask for feedback to help you address any areas for improvement.