How to survive a job interview

Be prepared

Preparation is key. Interviewers can often ask difficult questions in an attempt to catch you off guard. Prepare some answers to possible questions to show your prospective employer that you can think on your feet and really dazzle them with your well thought out response.

Top Tip: Prepare some questions you would like to ask beforehand. A candidate that shows an interest is more likely to make a lasting impression.

Do your Research

Whether it be finding your interviewer on LinkedIn or reading up about the company it helps to go in with some background knowledge. It shows your prospective employer that you are not only keen to be selected for the role, but that you take a genuine interest in the company.

Top tip: Know what the company does and what the role involves

Plan your Journey

Turning up fashionably late is the worst impression you can give your prospective employer. Make sure you leave yourself plenty of time to travel to your interview. If you are not sure of the route, be sure to consult Google Maps, they are fairly accurate and you can even change the time of day for an estimated time of arrival.

Top tip: Do not be late

 Be Presentable

Do not underestimate the importance of first impressions. You want to leave a lasting impression for the right reasons, not the wrong ones. You can never go wrong with a business suit, even if you know the company dress code is more relaxed. The smarter you look, the more effort your employer will think you have made.

Top tip: First impressions make all the difference

Be Confident

Tell your employer about your good qualities and why they should hire you. When asked questions about your current role, be sure to show some excitement for your role. Tell your employer exactly what it is you enjoy about your current role and how you feel that you can link this into the job you are interviewing for.

Top tip: Give good solid examples to each question 

Be positive

When describing yourself, try to turn everything into a positive, even with questions such as “What is your biggest weakness?”

Remember your job in this interview is to sell yourself to your prospective employer. This is not the time to downplay your abilities.

Top Tip: Do not speak negatively about your previous employer, no matter what the circumstances.

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