Our top tips to make sure you are prepared and feel confident at an interview
Do your research
Go on the website, find more information out about what you have applied for.
Plan your journey
How are you going to get there? How long will it take you? Are you going to get a lift? Use public transport? Walk? Bike?
What will you wear?
Look like you have ‘made an effort’. Wear clean smart clothes, clean shoes, no hats or hoods, clean, washed, brushed hair.
What type of interview will it be?
One to one, panel (more than one person interviewing), in a group, over Skype/Teams/Zoom, or telephone.
PREPARE for the questions
Why have you applied? Why do you want this opportunity?
Know what you have put on the application form/know your CV inside and out
Be prepared to explain what you have put on your application/CV.
Take items that you have been asked for
Identification documents, birth certificate, national insurance card, most recent predicted grades, qualification certificates.
You should aim to arrive about ten minutes before the interview time
Arriving early shows excellent time keeping skills, whilst helping you to feel calmer and not rushed.
Be careful what you say while waiting!
From the minute you enter the building, you want to make the right first impression. Turn your phone off and be ready for your interviewer.
Be YOURSELF!
Be polite and friendly, look interested, maintain eye contact, speak clearly, tell the truth, and most importantly – SMILE!
What NOT to do
- Don't be late
- Don't panic - it's just an interview and the interviewer wants you to do well
- Don't swear or use slang words, or use any disrespectful terms
- Don't slouch, fidget, bite your nails, or do anything that makes you look uninterested
- Don't go on your phone! Turn it off so you're not distracted by it
