How to prepare for an interview

An interview is a great opportunity for you to show your potential employer that you are the best person for the job. However, there are some things that you must do when preparing for an interview:

1. Find out where the interview is being held and plan your journey so that you can turn up 15 minutes before the time of your interview.

2. Research the job and employer and find out some information about the workplace, types of customers, products sold and used. This will give you a better understanding of the place where you would like to work. You will become aware of the workplace's ethos, the business they deal in and what they expect of their employees.

3. Read over your application form as the questions asked by the interview panel may have been drafted from application forms and so reading over your form will refresh your memory of what your have written which will enable you to answer the questions asked with confidence.

4. Think about yourself - the skills, qualities and attitudes that you have that would make you suitable for the job. You will probably be asked about your skills and qualities during the interview.

5. Think about what you will wear. You want to give a good impression as this will show that you have made an effort to appear as your best for the interview. If you are dressed well, you will feel good about yourself and appear more confident in yourself.

6. Organise your Progress File/Record of Achievement/CV as you may be asked questions about your experiences reported in these documents.

7. Think about the questions you could be asked at interview - skills/qualities you have, questions about the workplace, questions about the role of the job, your experiences that may make you suitable for the job. And also think about a question you could ask the interview panel at the end of the interview.

8. Have a mock interview with someone you trust who can ask the questions in a professional manner and give you constructive feedback on your answers.

9. If you are giving a presentation, practise it with someone that you trust and can give you constructive feedback to make sure you speak clearly, it is well timed and that it works. Also check you have the presentation saved and that the interview room will have all the equipment you need.

QUESTIONS YOU COULD BE ASKED:

Write down one reason why a job applicant would prepare responses to potential interview questions. (1mark)

The preparation helps them feel more confident for the interview.

Explain two reasons why a job applicant would participate in a mock interview. (4marks)

A mock interview helps the applicant feel more comfortable and less nervous. Practising in a realistic setting can make them feel more prepared and confident during the real interview. (2marks)

The applicant can get useful feedback on their answers, body language, and communication skills. This helps them improve their performance and make a better impression in the actual interview. (2marks)

Explain two reasons why a job applicant should read over their application form before they attend an interview (4 marks)

Reading over the application form helps the applicant remember what they wrote. This allows them to answer questions more confidently and consistently during the interview. (2marks)

Interviewers often base their questions on the application form. By reviewing it, the applicant can practise answers to possible questions and feel more prepared for the interview. (2marks)

You should also read:

Why interviews are used to fill job vacancies

Top tips for success at interview