Woohoo, the time spent on your application and CV paid off, but now you have to prepare for the next stage – the interview.
Arrival time
If you’re not exactly sure where an interview is, it’s best to do a practice-run before. Also, be aware that traffic at different times of the day can make a huge difference to your travelling time. Make sure you know how to walk or get public transport to the interview location. Alternatively, if you are driving, make sure you’re aware of where the car parking is nearby. Aim to get to the interview no more than ten minutes early. Employers often have a number of interview slots throughout the day and will usually stagger them around 15-30 minutes apart. You don’t want to be sat around in reception allowing yourself to get anxious and it certainly helps to not see the other candidates. On the other hand, make sure you don’t arrive with seconds to spare – flustered and rushed is not a good look!
Smile and be nice
This may seem obvious but it’s important to be courteous to everybody you come into contact with at the building. Often, an employer may well ask the receptionist of the company or whoever shows you to your seat, how you were and if you were polite.
Outfit
It’s an interview, not a fashion show, but remember to dress smartly and appropriately for the role. This blog has a bit more information about interview dress styles within different sectors, but when in doubt – go for a smart look. Make sure that you’re comfortable to be able to sit through an interview and you feel confident.
Prepared
It goes without saying that you need to be as prepared as possible for the interview. If you’ve been given the panel’s names in advance, know who they are. It won’t reflect poorly on you at all if you’ve had a look at their Linked In profile – it’ll show that you’ve put in some extra time. See if you have any mutual connections who may be able to give you some inside knowledge on how they interview or their working style.
Make sure you have gone over everything that you need to know and have a look at our other blogs for support before an interview.
Examples of work
Depending on your role, it may be beneficial to take examples of previous work along. Without giving away any key information, you can highlight some of your previous roles/skills to your new employer. Do you have a leaflet you designed, some copy you wrote or perhaps some links to online work you have contributed to? Sometimes these can give you an extra edge when you leave a room after an interview.
Questions
Remember to have some questions prepared! Worried about forgetting them? There’s no harm in having some written down in a notebook. An interview isn’t a memory test!
The main thing to remember about an interview is that it’s a two-way conversation. It’s an employer’s opportunity to see if you’re a good fit for a role and your chance to see if the role is right for you. Be confident in your own abilities, think about your answers and, as they tell folk in Scouts, ‘be prepared!’
If you would like further information on how to prepare for an interview, drop us a line to hello@glurecruit.co.uk or call us on 0114 321 1873.