Following on from last month’s article on job hunting, once you’ve found a job, applied, and achieved getting to the next stage, you’ll need to successfully get through the interview.

The interview process starts long before you walk through the door to the awaiting panel – you need to prepare days or weeks in advance.

Research the company

Firstly, you’ll need to do some background research on the company – look at their website and social media pages, and use search engines to find out about their latest projects or news. Try to find a couple of interesting facts about them that aren’t obvious, so that you can form questions around this knowledge to show you have done your research.

If you have time before the big day, go to the venue where your interview will be held so that you know where it is and how long it will take you to get there. You don’t want to risk being late on the big day! If appropriate, you may also arrange to have a tour of the building – for example if you’re going for a teaching job – so that you get a feel for the place.

Practice potential interview questions

The internet also has many examples of the types of questions that are likely to be asked at interview – for instance, ‘what attracted you to this job?’; ‘what makes a good team?’, etc.

For some jobs, you should also be prepared for slightly more unusual questions, which might be used to test your creative thinking. For example, ‘if you were a biscuit, what would you be and why?’

Practice your answers out loud so that you rehearse them and commit your key phrases to memory. Repetition will help you to sound more natural. Also remember to have some questions ready to ask them, which shows you are keen.

First impressions count

On the day of the interview, make sure you give yourself time to get ready so that you’re not rushing around. Appearance is important – you want to dress smart to show that you are professional and serious about wanting the job.

When you arrive, remember that first impressions count – it takes less than a second for people to judge you on the way you present yourself.

As soon as you enter the building, remember eye contact and a positive handshake. Talk to other employees that you encounter, such as the receptionist, as chatting may help you to get in the conversational flow.

Take your time

In the interview room, aim to speak clearly and not too fast – it’s easy to start rushing when you’re nervous, so take a breath before you answer each question and take your time.

Remember the phrase ‘fake it ‘til you make it’ – act confident even if you feel nervous, and above all, go for it!