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Practicalities

What format is the interview? 

How long is the interview going to be? Are you required to do further activities (i.e. tests / tasks or presentation) at the interview?  You can ask if it has not been covered / clarified in the letter / email sent inviting you for interview.  On average, an interview alone (without additional tasks / tests), may last approximately 45mins to an hour.

Where is the interview? 

Check venue / travel arrangements to make absolutely certain you will arrive on time.  Allow time for delays – nothing is more likely to jeopardise an interview than arriving late.  Better to be 30 minutes early than 3 minutes late. 

What to take? 

Things to consider taking are:

• The interview letter, location map, a copy of your CV / application form, notes on key points you want to make (and presentation notes, if applicable)
• Questions you would like to ask, money for a taxi and mobile telephone (in case you are running late due to emergencies beyond your control!) and a bottle of water as travelling and nerves can make you thirsty. 
• Copies of your degree / diploma certificates, if applicable, your final project / dissertation / thesis and passport etc. (if you have been asked to bring these). 
• If you have a portfolio of your work, take it with you and offer it, if it seems appropriate, but don’t force it on your interviewer(s).

Some interviewer(s) allow candidates to refer to copies of their applications (CV / Letter / application forms) and job descriptions / specifications during the interview.  Check with them if you want to do so.

Who’s on the panel?

Make sure you know the name of your interviewer(s) and be ready to use it as part of your greeting.  Knowing the background of your interviewer(s) would also be useful as a panel consisting of an interviewer with a technical background would indicate that you are bound to be asked some technical or specialist questions!

What to wear?   

Plan what you will wear.  At an interview your appearance needs to be smart but at the same time it is important for you to be comfortable:

• Make sure you wear the style of clothes that the interviewer would expect, and if in any doubt, choose the more formal option i.e. suit.  Some candidates at interview may be more comfortable wearing their “traditional / cultural clothing” (which is completely acceptable) – however, make sure that it is formal and not too colourful.
• Don’t overlook the importance of clean shoes, well ironed clothes, smart haircut and tidy appearance.  Be well groomed but avoid too much perfume / aftershave and keep jewellery to a minimum!
• Remember also that the colours you wear can give you a more serious, business-like or informal / frivolous look.  We recommend that you stick to dark coloured suits such as black, grey or navy blue.
• If you can afford it, invest in a new suit or jacket, it will do marvels for your confidence.  For female candidates, a suit or other smart separates are recommended (e.g. avoid wearing low cut tops, short skirts or inappropriately high heeled shoes).

How to handle nerves

Don’t worry if you feel nervous or apprehensive before the interview.  Most people feel nervous in these situations and it shows itself in different ways e.g. a dry mouth, shaky hands, a fast-beating heart, sleeplessness, sweating, a squeaky voice, or several trips to the loo!

Remember that the interviewers are not expecting you to be perfect. They will be looking at your future potential, and how their organisation could help you to develop. Interviewers want to find out whether you have the ability, knowledge and motivation to fit into their organisation and make a valid contribution.

Whilst some nerves may be inevitable, there are things you can do to prepare yourself psychologically:

• Arrange a practice interview with your careers adviser, or go through some typical questions and answers with a friend.
• Try to get a good night’s sleep the night before your interview.
• Eat breakfast on the morning of your interview.  You may have a long and intense day ahead, so feeding your brain is important, and food should ultimately help to settle your nerves.
• Try to drink plenty of water throughout the day, which will be better for you than stimulants such as tea and coffee.
• Breathe! Try taking a deep breath in, holding it for a few seconds, and then exhaling fully, and then repeat this as necessary. There are lots of self-help resources available on topics such as breathing techniques, meditation, relaxation, and positive visualisation. Find something that works for you.
• Think happy thoughts! These may be about your friends, your family, the great goal you scored in last week’s match or anything that makes you smile and puts you in a positive frame of mind.
• Remember that interviewers know that candidates will be nervous, and they are trained to ease you into the interview with casual conversation and some initial icebreaker questions. They will want you to be relaxed and be yourself, so that they can get a better overall impression of you. They will also realise that a few nerves are a sign that you really want the job!

Above all, try to stay positive and remember that any experiences you have as part of a recruitment process are an opportunity for you to learn and to develop.

If you have a disability

You can make the employer aware of any needs you have so that appropriate adjustments can be made for you at the interview.  Contact the recruiter (i.e. the HR Department) as soon as possible to discuss your requirements.

 

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