How To Prepare for an Interview

Interviews vary and you should make sure you’re prepared for the one you’re taking part in:

• Telephone – Some graduate employers use an initial telephone interview to eliminate unsuitable candidates. Successful applicants are usually then invited to a face-to-face interview or an assessment centre. Telephone interviews usually last for around 30 minutes.
• Video – An alternative to the traditional telephone interview, some organisations, particularly those recruiting in sales, media and marketing, will screen candidates via Skype, FaceTime or YouTube. Video interviews usually last for around 30 minutes.
• Face-to-face – The most common type of interview, face-to-face encounters can take place with either one interviewer or, more commonly, a panel. In some rare cases, you may interview alongside other candidates and questioning can either be strengths-based or competency-based. Face-to-face interviews usually last between one and two hours.
• Assessment centres – Used primarily by large graduate employers to compare the performance of several candidates in a range of situations, assessment centres typically involve tasks such as presentations, group work, written tests and in-tray exercises. They usually last for one full working day.

Regardless of the type of interview you’re preparing for, doing plenty of research and planning is key. You should:

• Consider how you’ll explain problematic aspects of your career, such as gaps in your work history.
• Identify the skills, interests and experiences that the organisation is looking for by looking at its website and social media channels.
• Plan your journey, aim to arrive ten minutes before your interview is scheduled and ideally complete a ‘dry run’ beforehand.
• Prepare answers to common interview questions, as well as your questions to ask at the interview (need a link here).
• If possible, find out about the people who’ll interview you.
• Research the issues, trends and opportunities affecting the organisation and the wider job sector.
• On the night before your interview, avoid alcohol, prepare your outfit and get plenty of sleep. 

On the morning of your interview, eat a healthy breakfast and don’t consume too much caffeine. You can combat nerves by exercising – if you have time, of course – as this creates feelings of well-being.

• A bottle of water
• A pen and notepad
• Money
• Photo id (e.g., your passport or driving licence)
• The job description and person specification
• Your academic certificates and work examples 
• Your CV, application form and interview invitation.

The typical interview dress code is usually straightforward for men: a dark suit and tie combination is the safest option. However, things are slightly more open for women. You could wear a dress, a trouser suit, or a skirt and blouse; black, navy or brown are the safest colours. 

You should also:

• Avoid wearing too much jewellery or make-up
• Cut and clean your fingernails
• Ensure that any briefcase or handbag you take is smart
• Polish your shoes
• Tidily arrange your hair
• Use aftershave or perfume sparingly
• Wash and iron your outfit.

Winning interview techniques include:

1. Positivity – Be well-mannered with any staff you meet before or after the interview it is still part of the interview.  If you’re feeling particularly nervous, the worst thing that could happen is you simply not getting the job. During the interview, avoid talking about any personal problems unless completely necessary, and never badmouth your previous employers. 
2. Body language – It is a good idea to give a firm handshake to your interviewer(s) before and after the session. Once you’re seated, sit naturally, with no slouching or leaning on the desk. Throughout the interview, remember to smile frequently and retain eye contact. 
3. Clarity – Answer all questions clearly and concisely, showing your most relevant skills, experiences and achievements. Don’t worry about thinking first before you answer a difficult question to give yourself thinking time, or ask for an explanation if, at first, you’re unsure what the question means. When answering, don’t speak too quickly.
4. Enthusiasm – It’s important that you allow your personality to shine throughout, as well as ask thought-provoking questions at appropriate moments. Both of these strategies will demonstrate that you’re genuinely interested in the role and listening closely to the interviewer. 

Most employability services can help you to practice your interview technique. However, alternative methods of preparation include:

• Scripting and practicing answers to common interview questions with someone you trust, perhaps even recording yourself and reviewing your performance.

When leaving the organisation, let the interviewer know that you’re available to answer any follow-up questions. If you feel things went particularly well, you could email the interviewer the next day, thanking them for their time.

In most cases, the organisation will now have enough evidence to make its decision. In some cases, however, you may be asked to attend a second interview, which aims to scrutinise more closely what you and any other remaining candidates can bring to the role. Prepare for your second interview just like your first, but you should also:

• Request feedback from your first interview, before addressing anything that caused you difficulty.
• Research the organisation in even greater detail than for the first interview, preparing examples that demonstrate how you can benefit the organisation.

If you’ve been successful, that’s great. Well done!
If you don’t get the job, then ask the recruiter for feedback. This information should help you do better at your next interview.