employability skills preparing for a job interview

Employability SkillsEmployability Skills

Preparing for a job interviewPreparing for a job interview

Top tips: Preparing for a job Top tips: Preparing for a job interviewinterview

Interviews are still the most common tool that Interviews are still the most common tool that employers use when recruiting new staff.employers use when recruiting new staff.

So what ever type of jobs you apply for, you will probably need to attend an interview!


The most common type of interview is one to one, but The most common type of interview is one to one, but you could also be faced with:you could also be faced with:

a panel of interviewers,a panel of interviewers,

be interviewed by phone or even in a group!be interviewed by phone or even in a group!

Check this out before you arrive.Check this out before you arrive.

So what ever type of jobs you apply for, you will probably need to attend an interview!


Most of us dread the idea of interviews, but don’t worry, a bit of Most of us dread the idea of interviews, but don’t worry, a bit of preparation will triple your chances of success!preparation will triple your chances of success!

Just follow the following tips.Just follow the following tips.

Top tips: Before the interviewTop tips: Before the interview

Find out as much as you can about the Find out as much as you can about the employer and the job – check out employer and the job – check out Career Career Ideas Ideas for general information on the job. for general information on the job. Does the company have a Does the company have a websitewebsite or or brochure?brochure?


Check whether you will need to do a presentation or sit any Check whether you will need to do a presentation or sit any psychometric tests as part of the interview.psychometric tests as part of the interview.

Re-read your application form or CV - Re-read your application form or CV - focus on your skills, experiences and what focus on your skills, experiences and what you can offer the employer.you can offer the employer.


Read over the job description carefully - Read over the job description carefully - markmark any sections you want to know more about, so any sections you want to know more about, so that you can ask about them at the interview.that you can ask about them at the interview.


Think of the questions you might be asked and practise your answers - you could do this in front of a mirror, so you can look at your body language e.g.

Why do you want this job?

What relevant experience do you have?

Name one of your weaknesses?


Prepare some questions that you would like to ask the employer e.g.

What training do you offer?

What hours would I need to work?


Plan how to get to the interview and how long it will take.

Decide what to wear, remember first impressions last. Be smart but comfortable. Arrive early so you don’t have to rush. If you are late phone and explain why.

Top tips:Top tips: During the interviewDuring the interview

Smile and look interested.

Give yourself time to think before you answer questions.

Keep your answers simple and clear – don’t waffle!

Top tips: During the interviewTop tips: During the interview

If you don’t understand a question, ask for it to be repeated.

Take a copy of relevant documents like your CV, application form or record of achievement so you can refer to them if necessary.


Be yourself - the interviewer wants to know who you are and how you would fit in.

Be confident and sell yourself - confident people inspire confidence in others. If you feel confident and respect your own worth, this will come across to the employer.


Remember your body language - keep eye contact and don’t create barriers e.g. by folding your arms.

An interview is a two way process, so ask at least one question. This shows you are interested and can use your initiative.

Top tips: After the interview Top tips: After the interview

Evaluate what went well and what you could have done better.

Whether you are successful or not, ask the employer for some feedback on your interview.

If you don’t succeed this time, don’t give up. You could be successful next time around!

Top tips: After the interview Top tips: After the interview

Your Careers Adviser could offer you some tips on how to improve your interview skills.

Interview game https://www.careerswales.com/quiz/interviewgame.asp

ConclusionConclusion

Prepare well (dress, how long will it take Prepare well (dress, how long will it take you to get to interview?).you to get to interview?).

Do some research into the company.Do some research into the company. Anticipate key questions.Anticipate key questions. Prepare answers to anticipated Prepare answers to anticipated

questions.questions. Prepare questions to ask based on your Prepare questions to ask based on your

research.research. Be yourself!!!!Be yourself!!!!

employability skills preparing for a job interview

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