You\u2019ve done it \u2013 you\u2019ve submitted your CV and covering letter, and now you\u2019ve landed a job interview.<\/p>\n
Congratulations! But you\u2019re only part of the way there. To boost your chances of success and make it to the next round, you need to ace your interview. That is why we\u2019ve compiled these tried and tested tips. Here\u2019s how to prepare for an interview.<\/p>\n
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Guide updated in July 2021<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n There are a few common interview types that you might encounter during your job hunt. Consider asking which of the following interview styles you are being invited to \u2013 this information can help you prepare. To learn even more about acing a job interview, or to coach others to do so, consider enrolling in HR courses<\/a>. HR can teach you the ins and outs of employment psychology.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Preparing for an interview is a lot like rehearsing for a play, but you only have one side of the script! It can be helpful to practise answering common questions with a friend or even out loud in the mirror. Recording yourself is another good way to prepare for your interview \u2013 you can review the recordings and gain insight into your delivery.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n What to Bring to a Job Interview<\/strong><\/p>\n There are a few things that you should always bring with you to a job interview:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Researching the Organisation This information will help you craft educated questions that show you are engaged and ready to contribute to future success.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Can You Take Notes to an Interview? <\/p>\n Studies show that making a good first impression is far more than a common expression. Your potential employer is sizing you up from the moment you arrive.[2]<\/a> When you make a good first impression, you can then move on and focus on showing off your skills and suitability for the role.<\/p>\n However, if you make a terrible first impression, you end up spending valuable time trying to overcome the damage done. So, give yourself the best chances possible by following these tips.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n You cannot predict exactly what questions the interviewer will ask you, but you can take an educated guess based on your industry. When in doubt, search online for sample interview questions specific to your field.<\/p>\n Some of the most common questions include variations on:<\/p>\n While each of these questions is very different, they attempt to get to the bottom of one issue: why are you the best for the job? Therefore, treat each one as an opportunity to highlight your strengths. The following tips apply to almost all job interview questions.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Use specific examples in your answers – <\/strong>With any response, think of one or two particular instances that you can use to illustrate your answers. If they ask you if you are accustomed to creative thinking, don\u2019t just respond with, \u201coh, I am extremely creative, I always love to come up with new ideas, especially on websites.\u201d Instead, elaborate upon a specific instance in the past where you implemented a creative solution that made your organisation run smoother and earn more money. For example, \u201cI had had client feedback about our website being drab, and from personal experience, I found that it was not particularly user friendly. So I took it upon myself to research and create a new online commerce solution for my company that ended up doubling sales.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Be ready to speak on your weaknesses –<\/strong> You also need to be prepared for the dreaded questions about your weaknesses. For instance, the interviewer might ask you to describe your most inferior quality. Don\u2019t jump to the tired old responses of, \u201cI\u2019m too detail-oriented\u201d or \u201cI\u2019m too committed to good work\u201d \u2013 interviewers have heard these tricks before and are sure to roll their eyes. Never badmouth your past employers (ever) \u2013 <\/strong>If you left a previous position on bad terms, it can be extremely tempting to spill the beans in your job interview. No matter how much you want to, resist this urge![3]<\/a> When you start to badmouth your previous boss, the interviewer sitting before you will start to think some pretty shady things about you. \u201cIs this person going to badmouth me like this? Are they too hard to please? Are they going to bring lots of drama to work?\u201d Even if things didn\u2019t turn out well at your past job, find something positive to say. \u201cMy last position taught me a lot about setting reasonable expectations, and we parted ways amicably. I\u2019m excited to find new opportunities that are better suited to my skill-set and ways of working.\u201d Again, if they have follow-up questions, resist the urge to be negative, and inside always spin things as a positive.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It\u2019s always a good idea to ask a few thoughtful questions about the business and the role during your interview. So here are some smart questions to ask the interviewer:<\/p>\n By asking specific questions about the future and the role, you\u2019re demonstrating your ambition and conscientiousness.<\/p>\n By preparing for your interview in advance, you\u2019ll improve your chances and show the interviewer you are skilled and ready for the role. Good luck!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sources<\/strong><\/p>\n [1]<\/a> https:\/\/www.cv-library.co.uk\/career-advice\/interviews\/prepare-for-job-interview\/<\/p>\nTypes of Job Interview<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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How to Prepare for an Interview<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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\n<\/strong>It\u2019s a job interview, so they\u2019re only going to want to know about you<\/em>, right? Wrong! They also want to see what you know about them<\/em>. Researching your potential employer shows them that you are thorough, curious, and prepared.[1]<\/a> Start by Googling the company or organisation and look at their LinkedIn pages, social media presence, and any news stories available.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Yes, you can always bring a written or typed list of notes and questions to your interview. Be sure that you only refer to the notes briefly \u2013 don\u2019t read from them verbatim.<\/p>\nMaking a Good First Impression at an Interview<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Most Common Job Interview Questions (and how to answer them)<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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\nInstead, be honest, but find a way to end the answer on a positive note. For example, \u201cI tend to hyper-focus on new projects that catch my interest, and if I\u2019m not careful, my regular duties can suffer. However, I learned a long time ago to implement daily checklists that ensure I stay on top of my practical tasks while giving me plenty of time to work on new and exciting projects.\u201d<\/p>\nWhat to Ask the Interviewer<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Preparing for an Interview Increases Your Odds of Success<\/strong><\/h2>\n