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How to Prepare for an Interview

Published on: 2 Mar 2021

Interview preparation

When preparing for an interview there are a few key things to keep in mind. Here is our advice on job interview preparation, interview techniques, what to wear to an interview and advice on tricky interview questions and answers. Read our advice below to ensure that you are interview ready! You can also find further expert advice on interview questions and answers here.

 

Practice your technique

First and foremost, practice your interview technique!

Opportunities need to be filled quickly, so you might not get much time to prepare beforehand. Have a few mock trials with a friend before the real thing, so you’ll be well-versed in what you want to say. Be sure to also spend a bit more time on the tricky questions, that way you won’t be phased if/when they come up during the interview process.

 

Research the role

Find out as much as you can about the companies you’ve been invited to interview for. A good place to start is the company’s history: this will give you a good idea of where the business has been and where it’s headed.

You’ll also want to be up to date on the latest in company and industry news, as well as any recent developments within the sector.

 

Prepare answers and examples

Have lots of examples and answers prepared for the questions they’ll ask. Recruiters and employers always want concrete examples to demonstrate your skills and experiences. Have at least two prepared for each skill area in case there’s crossover or they ask an unexpected question.

Make sure you keep your answers focused on their question. Be sure to also use real and concrete examples of when you’ve used utilised applicable skills.

 

Plan your wardrobe

Many people find themselves asking what to wear to an interview. Ensure that you have planned your outfit in advance. It sounds so simple, but you don’t want to waste vital preparation time choosing your outfit or going to the dry cleaners. If you haven’t been to an interview in a while, it might be time to throw out that ill-fitting suit, and to replenish your career wardrobe.

Ensure that you have all the essentials – a power suit, a nicely laundered shirt, and smart shoes. Once you’ve checked those off your list, you’ll be ready for world domination.

 

Prepare questions

It’s crucial that you prepare questions to ask at the end of the interview – this shows that you have a real interest in the role, plus it’s a great opportunity to find out more about the company and the work you’ll be involved in. Make sure the questions you ask are appropriate and relevant however. Topics like salary and benefits should be left out!