Interview Preparation

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When it comes to interviews, there’s no such thing as being over-prepared. Whether you're new to job hunting or a seasoned interviewee, thorough research and solid preparation are key…trying to 'wing it' rarely ends well. 

Here are our top tips to help you prepare:

Where to start:

Firstly, it's important to understand what you need to prepare for. Proper preparation not only helps you learn about the role and organisation but also boosts your confidence—after all, no one likes unexpected surprises. So, what should you focus on?

Here are a few key steps:

Research the company
Understand the role
Find the interview location
Choose an appropriate outfit
Anticipate questions the interviewer might ask
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the end of the interview that show your interest

Research the company:

Interviewers will want to see you know about the company - what they do, their history, values and anything they’re proud of so you need to do your research. Grab a pen and paper and start by going through their website, make bullet points then practise describing them. At the same time, think about what appeals to you about working there - this way, you’ll be able to show a genuine interest when asked.

Reread the job spec:

In the same way, read through the advert, job description and anything else you’ve been sent that outlines the opportunity. Practise describing the role so you can clearly show you know why you're there, picking out the key skills and competencies required. It’s important to be able to show this is your passion rather than it being ‘just another job’ so think about your direct and transferable skills, relevant experience and what appeals to you too.

Understand the format:

Knowing if you’re going to be one on one, in front of a panel or taking part in a group exercise, it's important to have an idea of what to expect so you can plan accordingly. If it hasn’t been explained beforehand, make sure you ask for details along with who you’ll be seeing and their position in the company. Look them up on the company website and LinkedIn to get a feel for their experience - the more you know, the easier it is to plan.

Know your CV:

It’s important to know what information and image you’ve presented to a potential employer before you start answering questions. Look at your cv, make sure it’s accurate and practice giving a concise summary of your work experience. Know your dates and reasons for leaving, taking particular care to present them in a way that highlights your movements in a positive light. List your strengths and think about what you’ve enjoyed in previous roles, tying these in with the brief where possible.

The day before the interview:

If everything’s going to plan and you’ve prepared and practised, today is about recap and cementing everything you’ve learned to calm any last minute nerves. Take confidence in knowing that you have an interview for a reason - they already like you on paper.
Get your outfit lined up so you know where everything is in advance. Being confident in your choice helps with confidence on the day.
Check the location (full address) and plan your route so you know exactly where you’re going and how to get there. Check journey times and add an extra 30 minutes just to be sure.
Do a final run through all your preparation notes.
Check you have anything you want to take with you ready. Even if you haven't been asked to prepare or bring anything with you, having examples of work or copies of certificates helps show you’re organised.
Getting everything ready in advance will mean less stress on the day.

The day of the interview:

At this point, you should feel ready. Now, it’s just a matter of arriving on time and putting your preparation into action - go get ‘em.
Aim to arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled interview. If for any reason you run late, make sure you inform your interviewer as soon as possible.