The interview. The one opportunity to sell yourself and prove you‘re the best person for the job. Preparation is the key with this one. Nervousness is expected but if you’re equipped beforehand, it’ll help you to come across more confidently. Use that adrenaline to enhance your performance rather than negate it!

BEFORE THE INTERVIEW

Plan your route to ensure you arrive at least ten minutes early, accounting for traffic and travel delays.

Prepare for what may be asked of you, using the job description to ensure that your answers relate directly to the role you are applying for.

Here are some examples:

• Tell me about yourself
• Talk me through your CV
• What are your daily duties?
• What are your strengths? (At least three with supporting examples)
• What are your weaknesses? (Manage weaknesses and barriers so that they appear to be your strengths)
• Give me an example of when you have exceeded expectations
• What do you like and dislike about your present and previous roles?
• Why are you looking for a new job?
• Do you feel you work better in a small or large team and why?
• When have you had to handle a demanding workload?
• How do you organise and prioritise your workload?
• Would you describe yourself as ambitious and why?
• Where do you see yourself in five years time?
• What do you know about our company?
• Why should I offer you the position?

Prepare a couple of questions to demonstrate your interest in the company:

• How do you see the company changing in the next 3-5 years?
• How many people are within the team and what are they like?
• When are you looking to appoint someone?

DURING THE INTERVIEW

• Smile confidently.
• Dress professionally.
• Make eye contact throughout.
• Give a firm hand shake.
• Be aware of your body language and the tone and content of what you say.
• Listen to the questions properly and give concise and logical answers.
• Use similar wording to the job description.
• Use positive rather than limiting language. E.g. I only lead a team of five people - (limiting). I lead a great team of five people - (positive).
• Try not to repeat yourself. Reinforce your professionalism and ability to communicate effectively by speaking clearly and not using phrases such as ‘you know…’ or ‘like…’.
• At the end, thank the interviewer for their time and express your interest in the position.

AND LASTLY

Good luck and have faith in your abilities! If you believe in yourself, there’s no reason for your interviewer not to.