How to Prepare for an Interview

No matter what type of interview you are preparing for you should prepare in a similar way, it is essential to plan your interview wear, what you are bringing and the questions to ask. By carefully planning for you interview, you should feel calm and collected when it comes to the day. 

What to bring

• Notepad & pen
• Identification e.g. Passport
• Water
• CV

There may be other items on the interview confirmation that the interviewer has asked you to bring depending on the role. For example, if you are interviewing for a design-based role you may be asked to bring a portfolio of work. Make sure you prepare accordingly. 

Dress appropriately

This is completely depending on the company you are interviewing for; a safe bet is to always wear smart clothing even if the company is casual. So for men, ensure you are wearing a suit and for women, you should wear a blouse and blazer.

Research

It is essential to research the business you are interviewing for. Start by asking yourself a few questions.

• What do the company do?
• What sector are they in?
• What are the key aspects of the business?
• How does the role you are interviewing for fit into this?
• Who is interviewing you? What is their role in the business?

Ensure you have read the job description. Do you know what the role requires you to do? Before the interview make sure you have studied the job description and fully understand this, questions surrounding your competency will most likely be included so ensure you can show examples of when you have carried out specific tasks, of had to deal with certain situations which are presented to you on the job description.  

On the day

Once you have prepared for the content of the interview, ensure that you have read any interview instructions. Ensure you know where the interview is being held, the time and how you are travelling there. Do you need to bring anything? Make sure you have read everything you have been sent, so you don’t get any surprises. Arrive at least 15 minutes early for your interview, this will give you time to cool down any nerves and gives you time to find where you need to be.