Preparing for Interviews When competition for jobs is high, interviews may be rare. So don’t waste this opportunity. Find out how you can really improve your chances of success. In fact all you really need to do is research and prepare. Learn what you can about the company and make sure you are ready. An interview isn’t the place to practise. Every moment counts. Some interviewers decide about you in the first 90 seconds.
Here are four steps to help you make the most of your interview.
1.
Prepare – everything from employer research to planning how to get to your interview and what you will wear.
2.
Brush up on your interview skills.
3.
You may be tested at the interview. If so, learn about and practise some tests and assessments. If you’re not sure what the interview involves just call or email the organisation and ask.
4.
Try practising your answers to interview questions using our interactive training tool.
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Here are some questions that you can expect to be asked by an employer, at interview.
Why have you applied for this job/apprenticeship?
Give an example of a time when you have coped well under pressure.
What do you think we want from our employee/apprentice?
Apprenticeships mean working full time alongside studying for a qualification. How will you prioritise your workload?
Rate your organisational skills on a scale of 1-5 (5 being the highest). Give an example of when you have used these skills.
Give an example of how you have dealt with a difficult situation.
What do you think we mean by customer-focused service and how will it relate to this job?
What is your understanding of equal opportunities and how it applies to this job?
Give an example of a time you have worked independently.
Give an example of a time you have worked as part of a team.
Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
Have you got any questions for us?
Is there anything else you would like to tell us that would support your application?
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