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Preparing for an Interview
Research the Company
The employer will expect you to have a good grasp of who they are and what they do, so check out their website and social channels before your interview. This extra effort will help to demonstrate that you are interested in them as an employer and may provide talking points for your interview.Examine the job description
In addition to the job advert you applied to, there may be an additional job specification from the company which provides a more detailed insight into the role, the responsibilities and the roles / technologies the employer is looking for. Make sure you read this thoroughly in order to highlight key achievements / experiences in your interview.Plan your journey / Get set up at home
Being late for an interview is a real no-no. Not only will it reflect badly on your time management skills but it can leave you stressed out and flustered for when you arrive! Map out your journey, plan for traffic / potential delays, check where you can park (if driving) and ensure you know where to head to and who to ask for when you get there. Or your first stage interview may now be virtual. So make sure your internet is up and running, you have a quiet space and you have your laptop charger!Be prepared
In most instances the recruiter will be able to advise you on what you need to bring, but it’s always good to be prepared and ensure you consider bringing the following with you:- A hard copy of your CV
- Your portfolio (if relevant)
- Pen and paper
- Photo ID
- Details of who you are meeting
Dress the part - home or away!
You will have been briefed on the correct dress code by your recruitment consultant, but if in doubt go for a smart casual look. Put some extra effort in to help boost those first impressions. Even at home, a smart top can help you look eager to impress.Note down questions to ask
It’s always good to be armed with questions for the interviewer, not only to ensure that you find out the key details in the event of receiving an offer, but to demonstrate your interest in the company too. There are loads of questions you could ask – e.g:- What does a typical day look like here?
- Can you show me examples of projects I’d be working on?
- What training programs are available to your employees?
- Where have successful employees previously in this position progressed to?
- Where do you see this company in the next few years?
- Who will I work with most closely?
- What’s the company and team culture like?
- Is there anything that concerns you about my background being a fit for this role?
Think about how you come across in the interview
There are a number of ways you can hold yourself to make a good impression in the interview including:- Remembering to smile
- Remember the names of people you meet
- Sit up straight
- Speak confidently and provide detail when asked a question
- Keep your cool – try not to waffle or talk too quickly
- Enjoy it and be yourself!
Follow up
Being proactive is always a good sign for a candidate, so if you are working with a recruiter then always follow up with feedback as soon as you can after an interview to avoid any delays in the process. If you applied directly to the company then you will need to follow up yourself, so consider sending an email to thank your interviewer for their time if you have yet to hear about the next stage.