Step 7 Prepare for interviews Congratulations for making it to interview! They now want to meet you face-to-face or maybe, online and they want to find out that you: 1) Know what the job and organisation is about. 2) Can do the job. 3) Will like the job, make a positive contribution to the team and company goals and fit into the company culture. 4) Not leave. Always consider this when planning and answering questions. Good luck! ■
Conduct around the interview: Remember that your behaviour and self-presentation when arranging the interview and during the interview are all having an impact on the employer. Always be polite, have a professional voicemail and email and present yourself in a way that shows you care and want the job. How you dress, sit, how you greet the Receptionist and talk with other staff you may meet during the interview process all make an impression.
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Prepare and learn all about the organisation and job: Research the company by looking online at their website and also on news pages. Review sites like www.glassdoor.co.uk will help you to build up a balanced picture.
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You will need to plan your journey if the interview is at their premises. Give yourself enough time to arrive early and park if necessary. Understand the job role, get familiar again with the job description and person specification and what you wrote on the application form.
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Interview questions: Consider the likely questions they might ask to ensure you meet the personal specification criteria. Use the STAR format and prepare some standard examples before the interview that you could tweak if the questions are slightly different.
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Prepare answers to more relaxed questions such as “Why do you want this job?” or “What are your career plans?” or “Tell us in one sentence why you are the best person for the job”.
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Presentations: If you are asked to prepare a presentation make sure you practise it, it is within the time limit and that you are comfortable with any technology being used (print out back up copies in case technology fails).
Self Reflective Activity Don’t forget to remind yourself of your skills development through your work and study. How would you explain these at interview?
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