How to prepare for an interview

The key to a successful interview is in the preparation. This does not mean having a quick think about it the night before. It means knowing as much as possible about the job and the company, having an excellent interview technique, being confident in what you have to offer, and knowing how to make a positive impression.

To secure a position in a competitive graduate job market you must be able to perform well in an interview situation. Take control and improve on your own preparation by following these steps.

 

Know yourself

The interviewer will want to find out what sort of person you are and whether you have the potential to fit into their organisation. They will want to know about your values, attitudes, skills, abilities and personal qualities. They will want to know how you will meet the specific demands of the position on offer and whether your natural work style is compatible with the culture of the organisation.

Your ability to articulate yourself well comes from knowing something about yourself. This will also help you to formulate the right answers to questions and ensure that you are selling yourself to your full potential.

As a starting point, have a look at the selection criteria for the position or check the job description. Make simple headings under which you can give examples of how your skills, abilities, qualities and experience meet what the employer is looking for.

  • Think about your past achievements. These could be problems you have overcome, critical incidents you have been involved in, issues you have addressed or demands you have met.

  • Consider your role in these achievements, the action you may have taken, the result of your involvement, and what you have learnt from it.

  • Try making some simple lists under different headings, like skills, values, interests, experience and personal qualities. You will find some very useful exercises around self-awareness in some of the websites in the career planning section Learning About Yourself. Alternatively, check out the online careers handout called Career Matching and Personality Assessment (214 KB) (214 KB) in the resources section.

Remember, the interview can be a stressful experience and trying to recall examples about yourself from the past, if you are not prepared, can put you under needless pressure. By bringing these examples to the forefront of your memory, you will be in a position to answer those questions with confidence and with the sure knowledge that the examples you give are highly relevant to the position for which you are applying.

Predicting questions

One of the most worrying aspects of an interview is attempting to anticipate questions, particularly those tough questions that put you under pressure, or quirky questions that you don't understand.

You cannot possibly know the specific questions that will be asked in the interview. However, the good news is that most questions will be focused around particular common themes or categories, so you can predict some typical interview questions.

Questions relating to the following categories can usually be expected at the interview and therefore can be prepared for.

If you want to look at examples of actual questions now, go to Question time.

Experience: You are likely to be asked questions about your past experience and its relevance to the position. Interviewers will want to know how your experience can benefit their organisation and whether you can bring added value. If you do not have relevant work experience you will need to demonstrate your transferable skills effectively.

Knowledge: Questions about your knowledge are very likely, particularly if the relevance of your university degree is not immediately apparent. You will be expected to demonstrate your knowledge about the requirements, demands and issues surrounding the position, the organisation, and possibly the industry or field as a whole.

Skills: Interviewers will ask questions about your skills to find out whether you can carry out particular tasks. If possible, give examples of when you have used those skills in the work environment. If you have not acquired the particular skills asked for, try to give examples of similar or transferable skills that demonstrate your ability to undertake the required tasks.

Abilities: You may be asked questions about your abilities to ascertain how you have developed throughout your career. Interviewers are interested in the additional abilities that you can bring to the position that may add value to the organisation. Any short courses, training and development activities or particular interests you have could be discussed.

Attitude:Questions about your attitude are generally asked because the interviewer wants to find out whether you will fit into the organisation; if you can cope with specific demands; work under pressure or perhaps perform tasks not mentioned in the position description. An interviewer may, for example, give you a hard time in the interview by asking you some tough questions to see how you react under pressure.

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Undertaking research

An important part of your preparation for the interview is to research, to find information that will help you in the interview.

There are three main areas to consider:

1. Occupational knowledge

It is important that you know about the job you are applying for. It sounds obvious, but how much do you really know about what a marketing trainee does, or what working for a large multinational organisation is actually like on a daily basis? It will be hard to explain how your qualifications, skills and experience relate to the position on offer if you do not have a clear understanding of what the job involves and what is required of you to do it effectively. Explore a range of job descriptions by going to the Job Guide website, make contact with related professional associations and try to speak with people already doing this type of work.

2. Organisational knowledge

Most employers will expect you to show some understanding of their business, its size, products and services, and the sector in which it operates. It is important to read recent information about the organisation and to have an awareness of its competitors and its achievements. Read any graduate recruitment literature. You can find information about graduate recruitment programs on the Graduate Opportunities website.
Check out the employer's own web site, read their annual report if they have one, but also see if you can find more objective information about the organisation. Try an internet search; search for sector and company information; search newspapers and professional journals for useful articles.

Your objective is to be up-to-date with developments in the sector to which you are applying. What internal or external influences are affecting it? Is it in a state of growth or decline? How is the market changing or developing? How are the organisations in the sector responding?

You need to demonstrate an awareness of the world you are seeking to enter and be ready to express your thoughts and ideas about what is happening to it.

3. Current Affairs and Commercial Awareness

Regardless of the position you are applying for, do not be surprised if you are asked for your views on the current affairs issues of the day. You should have an understanding of what is going on in the world at large and, in particular, the issues affecting the organisation on a global level. It is a good idea to listen to news programmes or read good quality newspapers every day in the lead-up to your interview.

How do you look?

Your appearance is very important and forms part of the first impressions an interviewer will have of you. Appropriateness is probably the key word here. You will be expected to wear clothes that constitute a smart version of the items usually worn by people in the role for which you have applied. Although an organisation may have a casual dress code, you should still dress professionally for the occasion. Check your appointment details carefully, particularly if there is a social element to the interview (perhaps a formal dinner for candidates the night before), and be guided by any instructions that are given to you.

The following basic tips may help:

  • Avoid using overpowering deodorants, aftershave or perfume.
  • Ensure that your shoes and clothes are clean and well maintained. Unpolished shoes and missing buttons will not create the desired impression.
  • Do not wear inappropriate jewellery. The interview is not the place for nose rings, ankle chains or personalised necklaces. It is important that you look smart for your interview, but make sure that you feel comfortable.If it is rare for you to dress up, get used to the feel of your new outfit; practise wearing it until you feel comfortable.

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Checking the venue

Make sure that you know where the interview is to be held. Work out how you will get there and how long the journey will take.

If you can, it is worth making a trial run to the venue, preferably at the same time as your interview, remembering to allow a little extra time for unexpected delays. Check your travel arrangements carefully; you may wish to check the physical access to the building if you have a disability. Be prepared for the unexpected; allow yourself plenty of time to look through your notes and prepared questions before the interview.

Interview practice

To help you approach the interview with confidence and a positive frame of mind, it is important to practise. Try asking a friend to interview you, using the questions and answers you have identified. Alternatively, you could practise in front of a mirror or by using video to capture your performance. The important thing is to verbalise your answers to questions, and not just think about them. This exercise can help you become more confident. It can also help you to visualise yourself in the interview in a positive light.

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4th April 2011