Before the Interview

 Get to know the company

A lot of interviewers, though not all, will ask what you know about the company. It is their way of examining how much interest you have in working for their company.

This is one area where the internet has become a huge advantage. Most companies will have a detailed section on their website about the company, comprising of various subjects – history, size, locations, structure, culture and share price, (if they are a limited company).

You will not need to be able to recite it all, just show an understanding.

 Get to know your CV

This is the document that got you this far and it is what the interviewer wants to know more about. If you could remember everything on your CV, fantastic, otherwise, take a highlighter to mark your key achievements, important dates and figures and any other points, relevant to the vacancy.

Ensure your LinkedIn profile matches your CV especially dates, key skills, and experience.

 Anticipate questions

Interviews can take varying styles; some can seem like informal chats, while others are more structured. You need to be prepared for both. By preparing answers for questions beforehand, you will be on the front foot and it will give you an opportunity to examine your CV the way that the interviewer will.

Ensure you prepare answers for the “What is your biggest weakness?” question. Be honest and look at your “weakness” as a challenge. Talk about the steps you have taken to overcome your weakness; this shows you are proactive and resourceful enough to overcome them.

 General background

Often the first question is a request for a summary of your background. People applying for their first job should focus on extracurricular activities, education, and qualifications.

It is quite acceptable to repeat major points you have outlined in your CV or cover letter. It is important to show your personality at this point as employers are examining your skills along with how they feel you will fit into their team culture.

 Qualifications

A specific question often asked is Why do you think you are qualified for this position?”. Qualifications, in this contex                                  all qualifications which could make you suitable for the position including educationa                          ent-related, and personal.

In most cases, this may be the question that will win or lose you the job, so your answer needs to be clear and memorable. Review people on

LinkedIn in the team you are applying for, review their experience and expertise and the terms they use to describe their responsibilities and achievements.

 Reasons for applying

If you are applying for your first, or one of your first jobs, your answer should describe what you find appealing about the position, how you prepared yourself for a career in the organisation and how you believe your present job equips you for the position in question.

 Career objectives

Be ready to discuss your long-term aspirations. Your best approach is one that indicates you have thought about your career in these terms and have taken some action towards realising your ambitions.

 CV gaps

After 2020 it is completely normal to have gaps present on your CV.

Employers will understand this, but you will have to fill the gap by explaining the reason for this i.e., February 2020 – December 2020 (Unemployed) searching for work after being let go due to Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.

 Competency-based interviews

Behavioral or competency-based interviews are used to show how you would demonstrate certain behaviors/skills in the workplace. You will be asked to give an example of a situation or task that led you to take a certain course of action.

Probing questions will then be used to determine the course of action you took and how these actions affected others around you. When answering, remember that the interviewer wants to know what you as an individual delivered and achieved so avoid over-using examples of ‘we’.

Questions to ask the interviewer(s)

You must have questions prepared; otherwise, it can imply a lack of interest in the job. Here are some suggestions:

• What would my core responsibilities be?
• What tra induction is given?
• How much interaction would I have with other departments, or with clients and suppliers?
• What scope is there for taking on extra work, or being in any other aspects of the company?
• What plans do you have for expansion – how would these impact on my role?
• Where are the opportunities to progress within the company?
• Why is the position available?

An interview is never just about what you say, it is also about non-verbal communication. Positive body language makes those around you feel comfortable and at ease.

*Remember to have positive and open body language using hand gestures and eye contact while avoiding distracting habits like touching your face or tapping your foot.*

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