So you’ve been shortlisted for the interview. Well done. Now it’s time to bring it home. Use the following checklist to ensure you’re fully prepared to wow your potential new employers.
Interview prep
- Critique your CV. If it’s not had an overhaul for a while, consider getting a professional to give it the magic touch.
- Review the job description. Make a list of the attributes and skills the company is looking for.
- Determine how your particular skill set makes you the ideal candidate.
- Carry out company research. Check their website, employee reviews and articles in industry-specific publications.
- Practice with a mock interview. Family and friends will be happy to help.
- Work out travel logistics. How long will it take you to get there? How will you travel?
- Consider your interview outfit. Make sure that it’s job-specific.
- Prepare a list of references with contact details.
- Create an up-to-date portfolio of job skills and development.
- Prepare a list of company-specific questions that show you’re interested in and have researched the organization.
The day beforeÂ
- Ensure your interview outfit is clean and pressed.
- Pack an emergency kit, including wipes, tissues, comb or brush, umbrella, lint brush, and breath mints.
- Double-check your route. Do a dry run if necessary.
- Get all of your credentials together, including your portfolio, certifications, industry memberships, driving licence, National Insurance card, and multiple copies of your CV.
- Get a good night’s sleep.
The day of the InterviewÂ
- Leave home in plenty of time. Arrive at the interview location 10-15 minutes early.
- Put your phone on silent.
- Do not chew gum, eat or drink during the interview.
- Be polite and friendly to reception staff or whoever meets you before the interview.
- Greet the interviewer by name, shake their hand and introduce yourself.
- Listen and interact with your interviewers. Smile and be aware of your body language.
- Answer all questions honestly.
- Ask your prepared questions that are job- and company-specific.
- Avoid talking about salary, benefits or holidays. This can be done once an offer has been made.
- Finish the interview by expressing your desire for the job, asking what the next steps will be and when they plan to make a decision.
- Ask for business cards from the interviewers to ensure that you have contact information.
Post Interview
- Write down key points of the interview as soon as possible.
- Send an email to each of the interviewers within 24 hours. This is your chance to show how interested you are and prove, once again, that you’re the right candidate for the job.
- Follow up if you’ve not heard anything within the time frame discussed.
