Proper preparation can have a major impact on interview performance. Please find here below, some of the main steps that you can take to improve your chances of success. As with preparing a CV, the key is to try and adopt the employer’s perspective, in order to avoid potential pitfalls.

Punctuality

Being late for an interview can seriously undermine your chances of getting the job, as it sends a very negative signal to the employer. Please make sure you are clear about the location of your interview, and how you are going to get there. Plan your journey, so that you arrive in good time, without any panic. You should also have the name and contact details of the person you are meeting, so that if there are any unavoidable problems or delays, you can call ahead rather than just arriving late.

Look the part

First impressions count! Please ensure that you are professionally presented and formally dressed.

Think ahead

Please do some research about the company before the interview: an employer will appreciate it, if you have taken the time to better understand their organisation. Think about possible questions that may be asked of you, and consider any tangible evidence and career achievements that you can put forward to demonstrate your potential value to the company. You should also prepare some questions that you would like to ask of the employer at the end of the interview – these should be questions that demonstrate that you have really thought seriously about the opportunity.

Answer the questions

Listen carefully to the questions, and answer in a clear and concise manner. Avoid the temptation to waffle. If an interviewer wants more detail, they will ask you to elaborate further.

Be positive

Employers like enthusiasm! Please do not denigrate your current or previous employers. Try to convey a positive attitude and communicate in terms of what you can bring to the company.