Four Interview Tips

Whatever you’re aiming to do, going to a job interview is often a daunting task. You’ve done your groundwork, searched through jobs portals such as Reed.co.uk, researched the company your applying to and sent off your C.V, but now comes the tricky bit. If the first part of your search was a test of motivation and endurance, the interview is all about how you can sell yourself to an employer. If you succeed, the consequences will usually change your daily life quite dramatically, so it’s understandable that you’ll be nervous. If you’ve received a call from someone calling you for interview, take a read of this article for a few easy tips.

Do Your Research

Turning up to an employer without any prior knowledge about them can be a major stumbling block. Some interviewers don’t fuss over this point too much, and they prefer to make it clear what the company does within the interview itself. However, this isn’t always the case, and while you won’t be expected to know everything about a company you want to be employed for, you should make sure you do some prior research. If nothing else, being able to tell the employer what you already know about them is likely to leave an impression.

Don’t Be Early, Don’t Be Late

To put it more simply: be on time. There’s no point turning up to an interview half an hour early; you’ll often find yourself just sitting there with little to do. The interview is set at a certain time for a reason, and staff may not be able to attend to you straight away. If you do arrive early, take a few walks around the block and gather your thoughts. On the other hand, many people think the golden rule of interviews is not to be late. Many assumptions can be made on that single premise, so it’s always best to make sure you arrive on cue.

Let Your CV Speak for Itself

It’s true that some people can get through interviews by making themselves sound much better than they actually are, but just ask yourself – is that really you? If you do get the job and you’ve not told the truth in the interview, you may find yourself out of your depth and in the wrong job. The best policy is to make your CV speak for itself, and not try and win through exaggeration. Consider what your true strengths are and try to fall back on these if you’re struggling for answers. If you’re young and haven’t got much of an employment history, then think about achievements at school or any other skills you have learnt.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions

Once the interviewers have asked your questions about your achievements and your aspirations, they’ll probably ask you if you have any questions. At this point don’t be afraid to ask , and don’t just scratch the surface. Also, if you’re not entirely sure about working for the company permanently even if you are accepted, then asking a few questions before completely making up your mind may help. Think of a few questions you’d like to ask in the interview before you turn up. If they’re not answered for you during the process, make sure you ask.