Preparation is key when aiming to succeed at interview. The interview panel will challenge you, so you have to be ready with well constructed thoughts and examples.
Before attending an interview remember to:
- Research the organisation: Who are they, what do they do, and what have they recently achieved? Showing knowledge of the organisation helps you to demonstrate your enthusiasm and interest.
- What does the job or university course involve? Read the job description and person specification because these are crucial documents upon which all major decisions will be made. If you applying for a place on a university course you need to be very aware of the major components of the course and your reasons for applying.
- Know what skills they are seeking: All organisations will detail the skills and experiences that they are seeking in the person specification. Make sure that you know what these are and have examples ready that show that you have them. Anyone applying for a place on a university course will equally find details of the skills and experiences required for entry on the academic school’s website.
- Give examples from several areas of your life: When answering questions you can give examples from a variety of areas of your life: work experience, academic study, volunteering, interests, and more.
- Know your application form well: The panel will all have a copy of your application form and may refer to it during the interview. Make sure that you know your application form well and can expand on any points that they may refer to.
Mental preparation
- Adrenalin is good – Most people get nervous when going for interviews and a little bit of adrenalin can be good when accompanied by thorough preparation and practice.
- Be positive – Focus on all the positive traits that you can offer. The interviewers want to see people who are confident about their capabilities.
- Practise makes perfect – Its an old adage but you need to practice answers to possible interview questions with friends, family, or by booking a mock interview with the Careers and Employability Service.
- Visualise success – Imagine yourself confidently answering questions and interacting with the interviewers. Preparing for success makes it more likely!