Interview techniques

Stage I

Preparation

• Re-read your CV/application form
• Prepare questions to ask and to be asked
• Work out clothes to wear
• Rehearse being interviewed
• Anticipate the obvious questions
• Work out a strategy for dealing with stress
• Read vacancy details, employer's literature - what they are and what they want
• Know where the interview will take place

Stage 2

First impressions count

• Arrive in good time
• Make a good entrance
• Body language - handshake, posture, eye contact
• Smile

Stage 3

The interview

• Be yourself
• Be honest
• Be prepared to talk - but not too much
• Don't be afraid to ask for clarification
• Illustrate your answers with examples
• Be ready to sell yourself
• Be interesting

Stage 4

The final stage

• Know when the interview is over - read the employer's body language
• Thank him/her for his/her time
• Learn from the experience - ask for feedback if necessary

Questions you may wish to ask

• The Organisation
  • Major current projects
  • Future developments
• Work
  • What you would be doing
  • How long for
  • Typical projects/timescales
  • Variety of work
• Training
  • Training offered/possible
  • Help with professional qualifications
• Colleagues
  • Who would you work with
• Location
  • Where would you be based
  • How much travel/mobility
• Prospects/salary
  • Likely progression
  • Where are previous graduates
• General way of life
  • Accommodation, amenities, limits on free time etc

Questions you can prepare for

• Tell us about yourself.
• Why did you choose your degree and what have you gained from it?
• What has been your most important achievement in life so far?  Why?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• Why have you applied for this job?
• What do you have to offer us?
• What are the current issues in this sector of work?
• What experience do you have of working in a team and what role did you play in that team?
• Describe a project you have successfully completed.
• How would your friends describe you?
• Describe a situation you have found difficult.  How did you overcome it?
• What questions would you like to ask us?

If you would like help with interviews come to the Careers Service to talk to an adviser.

We have a video available called 'Why Ask Me That?' which shows you how to do well at interviews. We also have a range of books on interview techniques for you to look at.