Interview

Do you have a job interview on your schedule? Review this advice on how to prepare for an interview beforehand. That way, you can ace it and make a terrific impression on the interviewer. Here are tips on analyzing the job and making sure the hiring manager knows why you're a good match. 

How do I make a good impression at a job interview?

Stand out for all the right reasons by ensuring you:

• arrive on time or better still early;
• are organised. Take your application letter, CV and examples of work (if appropriate) with you;
• listen carefully to questions and answer them concisely;
• highlight your best attributes in the interview. Before you go, think about what you want the interviewer to know about you (in relation to the job) during the interviewing process;
• pay attention to the way you communicate. There's evidence to suggest that non-verbal communication overpowers verbal communication so if you describe yourself as confident and outgoing but speak inaudibly and avoid eye contact, the interviewer will read the latter as indicating a lack of confidence and disregard what you said about being confident;
• practice anything you're concerned about. This could be saying your answers aloud, which builds confidence in hearing yourself speak, or having a trial run of the journey to the interview.

Where can I practice my interview skills?

Your university careers are likely to provide practice interview sessions.

Alternatively, you could:

• practice your answers (to anticipated questions) with someone you trust and seek feedback but don't be overly self-critical;
• use non-job interviews as opportunities to practice and monitor your interview skills, e.g. discussions with your tutor, doctor etc.;
• ask for feedback and advice after unsuccessful interviews and take it as an opportunity to learn and improve;
• pay a private company to provide interview practice.