Preparing for your job interview

Preparation can be the key to being successful in your job interview and there are a number of factors that should be considered when preparing for your job interview:

Time

Leave plenty of time available for preparation. Don't do it the night before.

Work in a logical structure

Split your preparation into three areas - you, the company, and the interview.

You

• Understand how the role fits into the company.
• Be able to elaborate on every point on your CV.
• Pick out key points of your CV that are likely to draw attention during the job interview - specific achievements, education grades, team working etc.
• Decide what you are going to wear - iron your shirt, shine your shoes, pull out the suit - look smart.

The Company

• Research in detail about the company - search for recent news articles, look at their website, google them for any information on the web.
• If possible, visit a store, customer or supplier. E.g. if the company is a food manufacturer that supplies supermarkets, visit the supermarket and find their products.

The Interview

• Prepare a list of answers to typical interview questions.
• You are likely to be asked if you have any questions at the end of the interview - so have one or two prepared.
• Plan your route to the job interview location well in advance - check for any disruptions or closed roads http://www.trafficengland.com/ and http://www.highways.gov.uk/traffic/.
• Make the drive on an occasion before the interview if possible to ensure you know the way - tell the interviewer on the day as this will help show your desire and interest to work at the company.