Preparing for interview
On this page...
A guide to psychometric testing
Common questions (and how to answer them)
Tips and techniques for graduates
Once you have made it through to the interview stage and you now have a one-off, golden opportunity to impress your prospective employer in person.
You now need to plan for the perfect interview. The first thing you need to do is research - you need to find out, not only about the role and the company but also the wider sector or industry. Find out about recent news and trends.
Job interview practice makes perfect, so make sure you practice your answers to some of the more common interview questions.
You won’t be able to second guess all of the questions, but put yourself in the role of the employer and consider what you would like to know if you were recruiting for this particular role. A quick Google search will bring up hundreds of example questions and in the resources section below you’ll see we’ve found some of the best ones for you.
Don’t forget that what you wear is important too. Appearance is a big factor in making a good first impression - choose something smart but comfortable. In addition to a copy of your CV or application form – is there anything else you need to take with you?
Make sure you know exactly where you are going and, even if your interview is on the moon, make sure you allow sufficient time for travelling.
A guide to psychometric testing
The Psychometric tests article, by Target Jobs, is targeted at graduates but is a useful resource for anybody that may have to take psychometric tests as part of the interview process. It explains in detail the different types of tests, how to best prepare for them and links to some practice tests.
Common questions (and how to answer them)
The National Careers Service has done some of the hard work for you and put together an extensive list of the most common questions on their Top 10 interview questions webpage. This is followed by a summary of what the type of information the interviewer is really looking for in your answer.
Develop your interview skills
If you are leaving school or college and don’t have much experience of job interviews, it can be difficult to know what to expect. The Interviews webpage, on the My World of Work website, features a video based 'My Interview' tool which can help you build confidence and develop your interview skills.
Nailing that group interview
More and more companies are using group interviews to effectively find job candidates and expedite the interview process. And with the rising importance of office dynamics, group interviews aren’t going away. Make sure you are prepared as they can take you by surprise. Read the Standing out from the crowd - how to nail a group interview article by The Muse.
Preparation
The How to prepare for an interview article, by Prospects is a really comprehensive guide crammed full of interview tips from techniques to control nerves and what to take with you to an interview through to handling phone interviews.
Stand out from the crowd
Once you have got yourself an interview you need to stand out from your competitors. Read the How to stand out in your interview, by the Undercover recruiter, which contains a list of hints and tips to avoid blending in.
Tips and techniques for graduates
If you are a recent graduate then this Interview techniques and tips portal is essential reading. It’s one of the best sources of interview advice we’ve come across, with links to over 26 interview related articles.
Using the 'STAR' technique to answer interview questions
The Star technique article, by The Guardian, helps you calm your nerves using the 'STAR' technique of 'Situation', 'Task', 'Activity' and 'Result' when answering questions in competency-based job interviews.
What an interviewer looks for
Are you worried about making a good impression at your interview? Read the handy job interview tips guide, by Work Coach Cafe of what an interviewer actually looks for when interviewing an applicant.
30 things to never say during an interview
These 30 things you should never say in a job interview, will immediately terminate interest on the part of an employer during an interview.