The Idiot’s Guide To Preparing For A Job Interview

When you first start applying for jobs it can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. For most graduates, this will be their first proper job app process. Don’t panic; once you’ve been to a few interviews you’ll naturally become more confident.

Check out the below tips to ensure you’re prepped and ready to go.

Competency-based questions

Be ready to tackle competency-based interview questions. These are queries based on very specific scenarios, intended to enable a candidate to demonstrate particular competencies, e.g. “Tell me about a time you dealt with a difficult situation.”

You can provide examples from any aspect of your life such as a part-time job, your time at uni, volunteer work or any extra-curricular activities. Write down some questions you expect to be asked and think about an effective answer for each one.

Do your company research

Don’t get caught out. Research the company, go onto their website to find out who they are, their brand values and what their mission is.

Have a nosey on their social media pages and note anything interesting they’ve done which you can bring up in the interview. This will show you’re genuinely interested in what they do.

Take in examples of work

If you have any samples of work to take in then have them printed out and ready the night before. This won’t apply to everyone but for people who do have portfolios of work or anything which shows off what they can do – showing is better than telling!

Write down your questions

Think about some questions that you want to ask the employer. Usually at the end they will ask you if you have any questions. Never say ‘no’. Asking questions further demonstrates your interest in the job.

Practice out loud

Have a couple of practice runs answering questions with a family member, friend or even in the mirror. By hearing the answers you’ve prepared out loud, you can ensure you’re speaking in the right tone and with confidence.

Get some shuteye

A good night’s sleep the night before your interview will ensure you’re feeling your best. The last thing you want is to wake up tired and groggy. Set your alarm nice and early so you’ve got enough time for breakfast and aim to get there at least 15 minutes before your interview time.

Leave a lasting impression

Always close interviews with a strong statement to make it crystal clear that you’re enthusiastic about the role. Reinforce why you’d be the perfect candidate and clarify things like whether there’ll be a second interview or not. It would be a nice touch to send a thank you note later on in the day to show you really enjoyed the interview and look forward to hearing back from them.

Remember, the employer isn’t there to catch you out or trip you up. They clearly liked your CV or you wouldn’t have been called in for an interview. Just be professional, courteous and let your passion shine through.

Haleema Khokhar also known as Kimi (a college nickname that stayed) is a journalism graduate working in the world of marketing and freelance writing. She loves animals, dance and a strong cup of tea. Check out her website and Twitter at @MyImpression_ you can also check out her personal Twitter at @KimiKhokhar 

Inspiring Interns is a graduate recruitment agency which specialises in sourcing candidates for marketing internship roles and giving out graduate careers advice. To browse graduate jobs and graduate jobs Manchester, visit their website.