You’ve impressed the employer with your glossy CV/ application form and you have been invited for an interview… Well done! this is a success in itself.

Lets talk about the interview. It can be a pretty daunting occasion, and even the most experienced of people will often feel a bag of nerves but by preparing and following some simple by effective techniques, you can give your very best and walk in to that interview feeling ready to take on the World!

https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/careers-advice/top-10-interview-questions?utm_source=DWP&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=JobHelp

                                                          Do your Research

Your performance in an interview will largely depend on how well you prepare, but don’t leave this until the last minute! Plan your time leading up to the interview to do your

research, specifically in these areas:

Employer– It’s important to demonstrate that you understand the company beyond the basics. Is the setting a chain or is it independent? who is the main competitor? What are its culture and values? (check out their website for their mission statement) When was their last Ofsted? This kind of knowledge demonstrates a genuine interest.
Role – Have a good read of the job description… and then read it again!  Did you complete a job application form? if so, go over it to refresh yourself on how your skills and qualifications match the job. It is crucial that you can explain why you want the job, that understand the role, and fundamentally, why the employer should choose you over other candidates.
Interview panel -It is a good idea to have an idea of who will be interviewing you, as you can then use the ‘about us’ section of the company website / LinkedIn to find out more about them. This will help you to create a positive impression and may help you to relax before the day.
Questions- Research into common interview questions and think about how you would answer them, giving actual examples where possible. The national careers service have put together a list, which can be found here: https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/careers-advice/top-10-interview-questions?utm_source=DWP&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=JobHelp

Plan your journey

The last thing you want to do is show up late. Plan ahead and know how long our journey will take so that you get there in plenty of time. When planning your journey, always leave extra time to allow for any unexpected delays. It’s also a good idea to have the interviewer’s contact number with you, just in case you need to call them.

Aim to get to the building 10 to 15 minutes before the interview, this will allow you time to visit the bathroom and fine tune the image that you want to present.

Listen carefully

There is an art to being a good listener and learning how to really listen is a powerful thing https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/the-listener-wins
Some of the rules to follow:

  • Don’t interrupt when the person is talking

  • Good eye contact

  • Lean forward

  • Face the speaker directly

  • Restate what the speaker says to check your understanding

Be yourself

This is your chance to shine and show the employer why they should employ you. Remember to be polite, friendly and smile!

For further support, visit LifeSkills where you will find a module covering the purpose of job interviews. https://barclayslifeskills.com/sign-in/?ReturnUrl=/educators/adult-learning/modules/interview-skills-1-get-the-best-start/

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