So, you’ve got an interview for a permanent job, now all you need to do is prepare. Here are some useful tips to help ensure you are well prepared for the interview and taking the next step on your career ladder.
1. Deep dive on the company: do your research on the company and the job that you are going for. If you want to stand out from the crowd, don’t just look at the company profile on the website and rehearse this in the interview. If you are already on a trainee scheme with the company, you are in the unique position of being able to access individuals and information that you can’t easily lay your hands on outside of the company. Talk to individuals who are already in similar roles to find out more about what it takes to succeed in the organisation and in the role. Do your homework, what was last year’s profit, the latest product launches and look at the latest developments in the industry. If you are applying for a marketing role, have a look at the trade press, the advertising and really try to understand the brand – this shows that you have gone the extra mile. Where possible, do some of your own research by interviewing clients or customers who have experience of the company – again this is added-value insight that you can use in the interview.
2. Practice makes perfect: Although you don’t want to appear rehearsed, there are some standard interview questions that always crop up. It is really important that you think about your answers and practice them in advance. Read books such as great answers to tough interview questions, or google the most common interview questions and ensure you include examples of your skills and expertise in each answer.
3. Be prepared: take along copies of your CV, job spec and also any examples of work you have done that demonstrates your skills and experience for the role.
4. Ask questions: In most interviews, you will always be given the opportunity to ask questions. Make sure you have prepared some in advance as asking no questions looks like a lack of interest in the role. Prepare up to 3 questions, some which delves deeper into the role and some which helps you get a feel for the type of manager you will be working for and the culture of the organisation or the team.
5. Dress to impress: There are some interesting stats out there which highlights that the first 30 seconds of an interview is often the most important. Interviewers will often form opinions on you from the second you walk into the room. Sounds basic, but make sure your shoes are polished and that you are wearing clothes appropriate for the role you are applying for.
