CV & Job hunting Support > Interview Tips

So you're application has been successful and you have been called for an interview - What next?

Preparation is the key - you need to show yourself in the best possible light and the only way to do that is to prepare! If you practice your interview skills you will feel confident and less nervous.

Types of Interview

There are various types of interviews that you may be required to take part in. The following are the main ones:

• Face-to-face – this is a standard interview in person with usually only 1 or 2 interviewers.
• Telephone – this could be the first stage of an interview process. If the employer has many applications, they may speak to applicants on the telephone first before asking them in for a face-to-face interview.
• Online (Zoom/Teams/Skype) - this could be the first stage of the interview or the only stage, and you should prepare in the same way as for a face-to-face interview.
• Group interview - in a group with other candidates, employers will be looking for you to show teamwork and leadership skills, make sure you put your ideas forward and be respectful of others.
• Panel - where one person usually leads the interview and other panel members take it in turns to ask you different questions

Before the Interview

Whichever type of interview you are required to attend you will need to prepare in the same way.

• Make sure you know about the company you are applying to.  Visit their website and do your research – it doesn’t look good if you don’t know what they do!
• Think about which areas of your CV or application form the interviewer might ask you to talk more about, and how you can relate it to the role you are applying for.
• Prepare some answers about why you want the job, what your strengths and weaknesses are, and any relevant work or life experience.
• Think of some questions to ask about the role and the company at the end of the interview, but don’t ask about pay yet.
• Try to relax the night before the interview - doing lots of last minute work could make you more anxious and reduce your sleep time.

What to Wear

• Plan what you’re going to wear the day before the interview
• Find out what the company’s dress code is and wear clothes that suit the company that’s interviewing you
• Don’t wear clothes that you’re uncomfortable in, or shoes that you’ll struggle to walk in
• Don’t wear too much strong perfume or aftershave.

Getting to the Venue

• Check in advance how to get to the interview venue, and how long it’ll take.
• On the interview day make sure you leave plenty of time to get there and aim to arrive a little early.

Getting settled and ready to begin

Just before the interview starts:

• Make sure your phone’s turned off
• Ask for water if you haven’t already been given some
• Don't let your nerves show too much – take deep breaths and try to remember a few nerves are normal

During the interview

• Take your time when thinking of your answer - it’s fine to say you need a moment to think.
• Look alert and attentive, speak clearly and confidently, and don’t swear or use slang.
• Give full answers, don’t just say ‘yes’ or ‘no’.
• Give examples of when you've used the skills they’re asking for
• Make sure you fully understand the questions you’re asked - ask for more explanation if you need to
• Don't lie – the interviewer may see through you and, even if you get the job, your employer can dismiss you if they find out you’ve been dishonest.

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