Pre-interview Advice

We know interviewing can be nerve-wracking. Here are our tips on nailing your interview...

When you go for an interview it is really important that you are confident when answering questions

The most important thing that an employer likes to see, is that you have done your research on their company and that you have some questions to ask. Therefore, preparation is key.

Before your interview

Visit the company’s website and research:

• What they do

• When they started

• Who they work with

Some interesting facts for example;

How many people work there?

• Is there more than one office/branch?

• Are they an international company?

• Do they hold any awards?

Plan your route to the company address

• If you’re driving, prepare your satnav or directions and remember to allow time for traffic

• If you are getting the bus or train, make sure that you know all the times and if you need to make any changes to your route to allow time for any disruptions

• Make sure that you have enough money for your choice of transport

Plan your outfit the night before so you don’t have to rush in the morning

• Make sure that you dress smartly and appropriately for an interview, i.e. suit, shirt and tie or smart dress/skirt/trousers and shirt.

• Keep jewellery and make-up minimal.

Gather the documents you will need to take with you. This includes:

• Your Passport/Driving licence/Photo ID

• Your National Insurance Number/Proof of right to work

• Your GCSE certificates

Practice interview questions with a friend or member of your family. Prepare answers for questions such as:

• Why are you the most suitable candidate for the role?

• How would your friends describe you in 3 words?

• What is your idea of the job role?

• What experience have you gained through other activities (sports clubs, Saturday jobs etc) which you think will be helpful in this role?

Prepare 3-5 questions you would like to ask the employer. (You can use Google to get good ideas of questions that are relevant to a job interview) These could be things like:

• Is there a progression route for me in the company?

• Will I be offered any other training?

• Is there a chance I could be offered a permanent role after my apprenticeship?

• You can also ask about anything you don’t understand in the job description.

Interview Day

• Wake up in plenty of time to get ready and travel to the company

• Make sure that you eat breakfast as this will prepare you for your day

• Leave with plenty of time and ensure that you arrive 15 minutes BEFORE your interview is due to start and make sure that you ask for the right person, don’t just say ‘I have an interview’

• If you are going to be late, or if you need to cancel, make sure that you phone us in plenty of time

• Be confident and think positive!

At the Interview

• Smile! Remember first impressions last.

• Be polite and friendly to the receptionist/greeter as he/she will provide the interviewer with initial feedback. If you are offered refreshments, remember to say ‘Please’ and ‘Thank you’.

• Whilst you are waiting for your interviewer, feel free to read through company information that may be laid out on a table. Don’t fiddle with mobile phones/mp3 players

• Whilst you are waiting, other people from the office may walk through the waiting area. Be polite and smile. Remember that these people are your potential future colleagues.

• Be confident, introduce yourself and keep eye contact as this is key to engaging with the interviewer.

After the Interview
As soon as we hear anything from the employer, we will pass this information on to you. This may take a few days if they are holding a number of interviews. If you are successful, we will let you know the next steps. If you are not selected this time, we will pass on feedback which will be helpful for your next application.