So you are lucky enough to have been invited for an interview. Congratulations!!

Preparing is one of the most import parts of the interview. It is interesting to note that many interviews are decided within the first few moments by some of the following factors:

• factors beyond the candidates control
• his/her appearance
• accent and articulation of voice
• a chance remark/comment
• how many people the interviewers have already seen
• whether they have already seen the person they want

That said, by effectively preparing for the interview you can help avoid some simple errors and swing the balance in your favour.
Remember that an interview is a two-way process: it is an opportunity for the employer to get to know more about you and your achievements and is an excellent chance for you to find out more about them and their culture. Make the most of the experience by ensuring you are fully prepared.
Effort put into preparing for an interview will increase your confidence and your ability to deal effectively with the questions asked.

The following points will be helpful when preparing for the interview

• Learn as much as you can about the company. Read the employer’s literature, look at their website. You should know roughly the number of employees and turnover, the main locations and products and services.
• Don’t be afraid to ask. If you know people who work in this field, particularly within the business area for which you are interviewing, don’t be afraid to contact them and ask them questions.
• Prepare. Why does this job exist? What problems will it solve? What are the Key Result Areas?
• Second guess. Try to second-guess the employer’s requirements from the job description – what skills / qualities / experience do you have to match?
• Compare your application form. with the employer’s job description, ask yourself what additional points you need to deliver to them at interview and find evidence which would persuade the employer that you meet the requirements. Make a list.
• Prepare for routine queries. concerning your motivation or your decision-making process but also consider awkward questions. Particularly, think how to explain apparent time gaps in your life history.
• List some questions to ask the interviewer. Three or four thoughtful questions will be enough.
• Read the national/local press regularly and be prepared to discuss topical issues.
• Know yourself. Think about why a career in this area is of interest to you. What skills do you have that would help you to succeed? Be prepared to use examples from all aspects of your life. What are your strengths and weaknesses? What are you looking for in a career?
• Prepare possible responses to questions in advance. Some interviews are competency based, so think about your answers and supporting examples. Remember though that however prepared you are, you will still need to show that you can think on your feet on the interview day.

On the interview day

• Dress to impress. Wear appropriate business dress and act professionally at all times. Work out what is appropriate in terms of everything you present, including yourself. Look the part, and you will feel it. Dress as if you are already doing the job.
• Make sure you know the names of the people who will be interviewing you. Practice saying them if they are difficult to pronounce.
• Don’t be late. Allow plenty of time to travel to your interview and plan your route the evening before. Arriving too early or late is an unfortunate way to start your interview.
• Arriving early. If you do arrive early find somewhere to relax and re-read your application form. It will give you time to check your appearance as well. While it is useful to have your application/CV with you it is not a good idea to have it in front of you at the interview. It may give the impression that you do not remember what you have said about yourself
• Watch your body language. Posture, handshake, eye contact, smile. Be upbeat. Employers latch on to negative messages, so don’t give them any.
• Structure your thoughts, have confidence and be honest. Think about each question carefully and answer as best you can.
• Be yourself. Don’t be too nervous; your interviewer is only human. Demonstrate your interest by having some questions for them. This is your chance to learn more about them.
• Answer the question asked rather than the one that you have practiced. Try not to go off on too many tangents, remain focussed on their questions.
• Turn your mobile off. Make sure your mobile is switched off. This will remind your interviewer to do the same!

After The Interview

• Contact your HPC Recruitment Consultant immediately with your interview feedback. We cannot contact the client until we know your views.
• Prepare for the possibility of rejection. Don’t despair if you do not get the job. Treat every interview as experience. Remember that practice makes perfect.