Interviews Overview

Many people find that one of the most nerve-wracking parts of jobseeking is the interview process.

However, you can raise your confidence and improve your performance at interview if you are fully aware of what to expect and if you hone your interview skills.

Qualifications and experience aren’t the only thing interviewers keep note of. Personality and personal presentation are also considered.

Before you’re called for interview, your recruitment consultant will tell you what type of interview to expect. For example: Will it be a telephone interview? Will you have a first interview with just one interviewer, followed by a second interview with a panel of interviewers?

You will also be told of the type of questioning to expect in the interview, e.g. if the questions are competency-based or behavioural.

Interview preparation

Preparation is key to being successful in an interview. No matter how impressive your CV or academic record is, or how confident and friendly you think you are, you need to prepare properly to make the right impression.

The key areas in interview preparation include:

• Knowing details about the position and the company
• Knowing your CV inside out
• Doing research
• Practising your interview answers
• Preparing how you will look on the day
• Getting there on time

Take the time to read the following guides to ensure you’re fully prepared for your next interview:

• Working with your recruitment consultant
• Telephone interviews
• Points to note prior to an interview
• Appearance and grooming
• Points to note during an interview
• Tips on dealing with interview questions
• Competency-based interviews
• Behavioural interview questions
• Second interviews
• Equality at interview