Interviews

Interview Tips

'It's important to research as much as you can about an organisation before you go for a job interview. Just being interested isn't enough these days. You have to show that you've actively looked at the job and how you'd fit in to the organisation if you got it.

Write down all the questions you think you might be asked at a job interview, starting with simple ones like, why do you want this job? What would you answer? Practise answering the questions out loud with the help of a friend. Don't learn a script, as the interviewer won't stick to it. But rehearsing like this should help you sound bright and keen.'
David Thomas, David Thomas Media

Think about how to be ready for that job interview

'My first ever job interview didn't go as well as I had hoped, as I wasn't prepared. Practising beforehand and anticipating what questions an employer might asked really helped. Reading through the Crea8ing Careers tips helped me prepare better for my next one, and now I'm employed.'
Bethany Fraser, Durham

Do

Before the interview think about:

wearing appropriate clothes for the job and the organisation

how to travel to the interview and leave enough time for delays
what questions they may ask based on the job description and what you have written in the application

At the the interview:

Remember to make eye contact and try to relax
Give a firm handshake; not a death grip but not limp
Listen to the questions and answer clearly and confidently - be positive about your own skills and experience
Prepare questions to ask at the end of the interview

Don't

Arrive late
Use inappropriate language such as slang or swearing
Chew gum or smell of smoke
Slouch or appear too casual
Ask about sick pay or holiday
Argue with the interviewer

People offering jobs are always looking for reliable and trustworthy candidates.

Never arrive late for an interview, as it will demonstrate that you are unreliable.

Allow extra time to allow for broken down trains or traffic jams.''

david thomas, David Thomas Media

Get in touch

Watch this ...

ThisWay To CPA have this great video showing a highly experienced business professional sharing advice on how to handle your interview. Have a watch - it may help you prepare for the big day!

Virtual interviews

Practice for the interview by using the Monster and Jobsite virtual interview tools. A selection of typical questions put to you by business professionals or celebrities like Lord Alan Sugar and Ruth Badger from The Apprentice or Duncan Bannatyne of Dragons' Den.

Whether using virtual interviews or getting a friend or family member to run through questions with you, make sure you practice!!

Jobsite.co.uk

Jobsite are an online recruitment website that offer advice, jobs available to search, as well as an excellent virtual interview tool.

Another online recruitment option with additional virtual interview and networking tools that connects you to jobs through facebook.

This clip from JobTestPrep.co.uk gives a clear run through of how an interview can be made the most positive for you.

Free Downloads

Typical questions

Monster.co.uk and others have a selection of the type of questions that often get asked during an interview.

Recruitment Agencies

Alternative Learning Community

Why not join their job club and get support with any areas that you feel you need help. Anything from computing skills to literacy, confidence building to emotional well-being. They also help with CV writing and interview techniques.

The have local jobs that may be for you.

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