This interview stage is one step away from your next job. So failure to prepare for your interview will drastically reduce your chances of passing the interview stage.

Reading through your job specification is probably the most vital piece of information you need to grasp, the job specification will outline exactly what is required from you. Also going into the organisations website will give you more information about the company. After all, you want to make sure this is the right move for you as well. At the end of this research period, when asked a question at the interview, you will be much better prepared and your answers can be more constructive. 

Finally before the interview, note down the most obvious questions you believe you will be asked in relation to the job role, narrow down each point, and answer exactly the way you would in the interview.

 1.       Make sure you have the correct interview time, date and address available, so that you are not late.

2.       Check the route to get there and leave your home in plenty of time to arrive at the location at least 15 minutes before the interview time, factoring in any delays expected.

3.       Have your clothes ready, make sure they are clean, note that you must wear smart clothes, e.g. suit and tie, or shirt with trouser, black is usually the best dress code.

4.       You can also take along a note pad and pen, in order to make notes when you are being interviewed, so you can adjust answers in line with the questions.

5.       Also take along a bottle of water at the interview, it is researched that water enables the mind to relax. 

Interview can be the most nervous experience, that is why it is essential to prepare for the interview.

When your interviewer is approaching, you make sure to keep your head high, looking directly at them so that any nervousness can break down, make sure you are not too over confident as this can lead to too many un-necessary comments, however make conversation, a casual talk of the weather can always help break the ice, allowing you to relax.

During the interview, if you are wearing a jacket or cardigan and you are un-comfortable, take that off and hang it on the back of the chair and get your notepad and pen ready.

If you’ve followed carefully as we’ve said in the last few paragraphs, then you should now be in a better position to answer any questions.

1.       Listen to the interviewer, make sure you are not distracted by anything else, remember that these are the crucial 45 minutes to gaining your next employment.

2.       Before providing the interviewer with your answer, make sure you have understood the question you have been asked, if you are unsure of the question, do not feel afraid to ask for it to be repeated to you.

3.       When answering a question, be honest; don’t mention anything inaccurate or avoid guess work, you’re most likely to get caught out later on during the interview.

4.       Don’t rush your answers, take your time and remember to answer in full sentences, short answers result in portraying that you don’t understand what is required from you, a well explained answer will last 2-3 sentences at least depending on the question. 

1.       Remain to be positive in your answers, resisting any criticism of your previous employers.

2.       Try to mention your achievements, especially those that relate to the job role at hand.

3.       When questioned about the difficult situations/weaknesses you have come across, explain to the interviewer the exact situation, the difficulties you had come across and finally how you precisely had overcome this tough situation.

4.       At the end of the interview, you can ask your interviewer how you did during the interview, by requesting feedback from them. Always take it to be constructive and using it to your strengths so that these problems can be overcome at your next interview.