Success at interviews
Employers want you to demonstrate in the interview the professionalism you will apply to all areas of your work. Interviews are designed to find out how your goals fit in with the firm's overall mission. The interview process will change depending on the level of role that you are applying for. Formal schemes, such as graduate, school and college leaver and apprenticeship programmes often include an interview, assessment centre and psychometric tests.
Here are our top tips on preparing for interviews:
How well do you know the role and company to which you are applying?
Employers will want to see that you have thoroughly read and understood the job description and have made the effort to research the company. Some key facts to research about the company include:
- What have been the main achievements of the firm over the last year?
- Has there been a major structural change to the organisation, such as a merger or acquisition, or one planned?
- What are the company’s key priorities over the next year?
- Has there been any political, economical, social, technological, legal or environment issue that has or may impacted the firm, and if so in what way?
You will be able to find this information on the firm’s website and in their annual report.
Are you presenting yourself in a professional manner?
Employers are likely to have interviewed a number of other candidates, so make it easy by being positive and enthusiastic. Some employers can be very traditional and it is expected that you dress and present yourself accordingly at interview. If you dress inappropriately then it will be assumed this is your approach to work and it will immediately put you in a disadvantaged position.
What does your body language tell the interviewer?
It is vital that what is in your CV and what you express face-to-face is congruent with your body language. Research has shown that your body language and the tone of your voice have a bigger impact on the interviewer than what you actually say. Ensure that you have ‘positive' body language - a firm handshake, appropriate eye contact, upright posture, arms uncrossed and smile.
Build rapport
Make a connection with the interviewer. The interviewer will be asking themselves ‘can I work well with this person, and will they fit appropriately into the organisation?’. Be friendly, smile, and answer questions honestly.
Demonstrate integrity
People will only do business with people that they trust. Answer questions honestly and in full, never be afraid to say you don't know - it looks much better than trying to ‘blag it'. Dishonesty or lack of integrity at interview may indicate to an employer that this is how you will conduct business in the future.
What else do you need to know?
It is important that you ask questions as it shows you have done your research on the company and the role and it is a chance to demonstrate your creativity. It is important to prepare your questions very carefully as interviewers will have heard the standard questions many times before.