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Preparation
At the interview
After the interview It is almost impossible to receive a job offer without first attending an interview of
some sort, and who would want to take a job without first meeting their boss and perhaps a
few colleagues? The secret of a successful interview lies in preparation, so it's worth spending
a little time doing your homework to make it a positive, useful experience.
Good employers understand the pitfalls of interviewing, such as the tendency people to recruit
in their own image, but the process is slowly becoming more structured, sophisticated and
balanced. Indeed, in some sectors the humble interview has been practically elevated to an
art form, such as the travel or hospitality industries, requiring jobseekers to sing, dance
or even cook in order to better assess applicants.
Preparation
- Research the organisation and its sector - look at the web site, read the annual report, read
at least one decent broadsheet newspaper each day, or quiz anyone you know who has worked there.
- Prepare answers to standard questions.
- Be ready with a few questions for the interviewer which show that you have done your homework
about the organisation and its business. The recruiter wants to know that you are on the ball.
- Ring and check who will be interviewing you - it could throw you if, instead of the
one-to-one you had imagined, you are faced with an interview panel of six people.
- Check the format of the interview - for example will there be any personality or skills testing?
- Dress appropriately.
- Read through your CV and application letter and take additional copies.
- Check buses/trains/parking/directions.
At the interview
Do:
- Turn up on time and be nice to everyone you meet from the receptionist onwards - you
never know who might have a say in your appointment.
- Make the most of your research - mention some of the facts you have gleaned from the media, etc.
- Make sure you talk to everyone if it is a panel interview rather than directing your answers
at one or two people only.
- Find out as much as you can about the job - how else will you be able to decide if they make you
an offer? For example, you should want to know who the job reports to and why it has become vacant.
- If the first interview is with a recruitment consultant, pump him or her for as much information
as possible about the organisation and the job.
Don't:
- Be late - in fact, try to arrive early.
- Criticise current or previous employers.
- Answer a question with another question.
- Interrupt the interviewers - although they may interrupt you.
- Leave without finding out when you will hear if you have made it to the next round of the
recruitment process, and what that will involve.
Find out what your body language says about you.
View totaljobs' selection of example interview questions.
After the interview
Do:
- Learn from your mistakes - make a list of the questions you answered well and those you
answered poorly. Think about what you should have said.
Interview feedback
Good employers are increasingly geared up to provide interview feedback. However, even
reticent employers have to hand over any notes taken during interviews to applicants,
thanks to a code of practice under the Data Protection Act. Previous legislation meant that
applicants could see their interview notes only if they were making a complaint against the
employer. Applicants can write to the organisation holding the information, although sometimes
a fee will be charged.
More advice on applying for jobs.
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