Interview

The Interview is your chance to back up in person everything the employer has read about you.
This will probably be your first direct contact with the company and will give you an insight into its workings and the chance to meet with personnel to see if it is a place that you would like to work.
There are several forms of interview with varying degrees of formality, but in essence they consist of a conversation, allowing the employer to get to know you.
Whilst interviews can be nerve wracking experiences, it should be remembered that the interviewer is only human and it is possible that they are nervous also.

General Preparation

• Carry out research into the company; know what its products or services are. How many people they employ and what is the company philosophy…Know the company’s origins; is it a family company, where and when established?
• Study any recent press cuttings about the company, and try to slip your up to date knowledge into conversation.
• You may like to practice your responses to some of the more common interview questions, and prepare a list of questions that you want to ask.
• Prepare your interview resources before the day, you will need to take a couple of copies of your CV, a reference list, and if possible some examples of work you have completed.
• Dress professionally; you should portray a smart business image.
• Enter with a confident air, be friendly and open, and most importantly don’t forget to breathe.