Preparing for your job interview
Step 1...
- Ring the company to confirm that you will be attending the interview. This lets them know that you will definitely be there and also shows that you are polite. During the call check where the interview is being held.
- Decide what you are going to wear and make sure it is clean, ironed and ready to wear.
- Decide what you will be taking with you e.g. your CV, Record of Achievement, proof of qualifications, NVQ Logbook, list of questions.
Step 2...
- Find out where the interview is being held and plan your journey to arrive about 15 minutes before your interview. You need to arrive in good time.
- Do a practice run so you know where it is, which buses/trains you need to catch and how long it takes to get there.
Step 3...
- Research the company. Find out as much as you can about the job you will be doing and what the company does. Use the internet for this and read all of the information that you have been sent. You can use the internet at the library and will need to book in advance.
- You might wish to ask if you could visit the company before your interview, it would be a good way of researching the company and would also give you a good idea of the work you would be doing and who you would be working with.
Step 4...
- Read through your CV and the copy of your application form.
- Think about the questions you might be asked and the answers that you would give.
- Think of your strengths and what you are good at and practice talking about them.
- Prepare some questions that you would like to ask at the interview. This shows that you are keen to work for them and that you have thought about the job in depth.
Step 5...
- Ask your Adviser, a friend or partner to give you some interview practice so you get used to answering questions and talking about the job.
- You cannot over prepare – so give yourself a good chance and make sure that you are ready for the interview.
