Interview Techniques
Most interviewers test your skills, and give you the chance to prove that you would fit well into that organisation.
Interview styles vary a great deal. Vacation job interviews are often informal, whereas the graduate recruitment process often involves several interviews, psychometric testing and an assessment centre.
Quick Guide - Dos & Don'ts
| DOs | DON'Ts |
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How to Prepare
- Confirm you will attend by telephone, e-mail or in writing
- Find out how long the interview is likely to last; how many people are interviewing (and if possible their names/positions); whether there will be any other tests, eg. written, psychometric, etc
- Know your application form/CV inside out: some interviews are heavily based around what you wrote. Prepare additional examples of skills and competencies
- Find out as much as you can about the opportunity, the selection criteria and the organisation
- Be clear about the skills required in the job and how you have demonstrated them in the past
- Plan your travel arrangements well in advance; allow time for delays!
Looking the Part
First impressions are very important - evidence shows that many employers make up their minds within the first 30 seconds! Dress well; things which impress are a good haircut, polished shoes, clean nails, and not too much jewellery/aftershave.
On the Day
- Arrive in time (up to ten minutes before, but find the address well in time)
- Be pleasant to everyone - the interview starts as soon as you reach the company
- Maintain confident positive body language: a firm handshake; direct and regular eye contact; smiling; and leaning forward when listening and replying
The Interview Questions
- Most questions fall into three basic categories: Can you do the job (skills and experiences), will you do the job (personality and working styles) and will you fit in?
- Every question will have a purpose. You have to assess: 1. The reason for the question 2. The most appropriate answer 3. How to reply positively
- Prepare for a question about your weaknesses: your answer should focus on how you have turned weaker points into strengths
- Give short, punchy answers (never just "yes" or "no"). If they appear to want more, ask if they would like more detail on any aspect
- Interviewers usually finish by asking if you have any questions for them so prepare some of these beforehand. Don't ask about pay/conditions, be positive; show knowledge of the company/opportunity and end in an upbeat fashion
After the Interview
Every interview is a learning opportunity: you can always improve your performance. You could write to the employer after the interview and say how much you enjoyed meeting them and confirm your interest in the job. If you are not offered the job you could ask for feedback on your performance.
FIND OUT MORE...
Online video:
Making an Impact: The Graduate Job Interview - AGCAS's interview DVD shows real students and graduates being interviewed by actual recruiters. It includes extracts from each interview, selectors' verdicts and candidates reflecting on their own performance.
Useful links:
Prospects - Interview problems.
Prospects - Interviews: how to impress.
Prospects - Job offers.
Download here:
Careers Centre: Interview tips - How to tackle different kinds of interview questions.
Insiders Guide eBook - Recruiters' top tips on applications and interviews, collected from organisations who attended the Yorkshire Graduate Recruitment Fair in June 2011.
Interview questions - Examples of questions you could be asked.
AGCAS: Interview tips -An overview of what to expect at interviews.