How to prepare for an interview

Preparing for an interview is an important part of the interview process and one which can be daunting at first.

It can be easy to forget the simple things to remember for your interview preparation. To help you have everything to hand in one place, we have created this article highlighting what you need to prepare for your next job interview. Through these tips, you can feel more confident relaxed for your job interview.

How to prepare for an interview

• Step One – Research the company you’re interviewing with.
• Step Two – Read the Job Description (JD) and fully understand the role.  
• Step Three – Familiarise yourself with the office location and your possible commute.
• Step Four – Decide what you are going to wear.
• Step Five – Think about the questions your interviewer could ask you and prepare suitable answers.
• Step Six – Prepare questions to ask your interviewer.

We explore each section in detail below.

Explore our other interview tips.

Company Research

This is an important part of the interview process, and whether you have done your research or not will show up during the interview.

Understand who the company are, what they do, how long they’ve been in business, who their customers are, and ideally know some of the names of your potential line manager and any founding members and senior management team.

Being armed with this information will help you make informed decisions when answering questions and tailor your answers specifically towards the business and their needs.

Understand the Job Description (JD)

Spend some time reading through the Job Description and understand what the company are looking for in their new employee. By understanding what they are looking for, you can ensure you answer questions that put you and your skills in the best way to show you’re the ideal candidate for the job.

Journey planning and punctuality

It’s important to make sure you are punctual for your job interview, but also equally as important for you to get to work on time, every time!

Check on Google Maps or Journey Planner to see how long your car, bus or train ride will be, and check for any changes you will need to make along the way. It’s good practice to work within a reasonable commuting distance from your home.

For your interview, aim to be 20-30 minutes early to prepare for any traffic delays or connection problems.

What to wear

While this is entirely personal preference, it’s important to always dress appropriately for the job you’re applying for. To be safe, dress smart unless instructed otherwise. You may be applying for a creative role, but it’s always good to arrive at your interview looking your best, making a suit, dress, or smart outfit a good choice.

Questions your interviewer may ask

Another certain is that your interviewer will be asking you a series of questions to gauge how you think and respond under pressure. They will also spend time fact-finding and learning more about you.

Typical questions asked in a first interview are:

• Tell me about yourself.
• Why do you want to work at this company?
• Why do you want this job?
• Why should we hire you?
• What can you bring to the company?
• Tell me about your strengths.
• What would you consider to be your greatest weakness?

Discover other common interview questions and answers.

Questions to ask in your job interview

Asking questions in your interview shows you care about the job you’re applying for, are ready to make an impact in the organisation, and have something to add.

Questions to consider asking in your interview include:

• What are the day-to-day responsibilities of the job role?
• What are the company’s values?
• What characteristics do you look for in employees?
• What’s your favourite part about working here?
• What does success look like in this position? How will that be measured?
• Are there opportunities for growth and professional development?
• Who will I work closest with?
• What will the most challenging part of this job be?
• Is there anything about my experience that makes you question whether I would be suitable for this role? 

Find out the most common interview mistakes.

Above all, remember to try and relax, be yourself and be confident. Preparation helps you feel more confident in your interview, which will help you feel more relaxed.

Good luck!

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