Hints and Tips on Attending an Interview

Preparing for Your Interview

• Read your application and the job description/candidate specification again to remind yourself what you have applied for.
• Be clear about why you want the job and how you will be able to develop your skills.
• Check the website for up to date information about the organisation.
• Think about the kind of questions that you might be asked and have answers prepared for these.
• If you are asked to do a test or a presentation as part of the interview, make sure you prepare as well as you can.
• Make sure you know the address and how to get there, plan your journey and allow time for delays. Aim to arrive at least ten minutes before your scheduled interview time.
• Dress smartly and appropriately for the job. Appearances matter and the first few seconds of meeting someone form a strong impression.

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The Interview

• The interview panel will normally be two or three people who will know a lot about the job you have applied for and if you are successful, you will probably be working closely with them.
• You will be asked a series of questions relating to the Job Description and Candidate Specification.
• Take your time in answering the questions, if you do not understand a question, ask the panel member to repeat it or to re-phrase it.
• If you cannot think of how to answer one of the questions, ask if you can come back to it later in the interview.
• At the end of the interview you will be asked if you have any questions for the panel. This is your opportunity to clarify anything that you aren't clear of e.g. working hours, location of the job, training opportunities etc.
• You will then be advised when you are likely to hear if you have been successful.
• If you are unsuccessful you have a right to ask for feedback from the panel. This is something that you should do, as constructive feedback will help you to be successful at future interviews.

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