Education and Child Matters

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Pointers For Job Interviews

 

WHAT IS A JOB INTERVIEW?

A job interview is a meeting between an applicant (you) and one or more representatives of the prospective organisation or company the applicant is applying to for a job. 

The purpose of the interview is to assess the applicant by asking questions to see if they are a suitable candidate for the job.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF INTERVIEWS?

The different types of interviews are:

  1. Face to face interview – A face to face interview is one that is conducted in person. Both the applicant (you) and the representative from the prospective organisation or company are present in the same room (usually across a table) and will communicate directly with each other.
  2. Telephone interview – A telephone interview is one which is conducted over the phone.
  3. Video interview – A video interview is a live interview which is conducted using an electronic device. Both parties will need access to the internet and their device will have to have a webcam of some sort. Both the applicant (you) and the interviewer will see each other and can communicate without actually physically being in the same room.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO WHEN YOU RECEIVE CONFIRMATION OF AN INTERVIEW FROM A PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYER?

  1. Smile and punch the air and shout ‘yeh’.
  2. Write down the date and time of the interview in your diary, on the fridge and anywhere else that you will be reminded so you do not forget.
  3. You must send an email to say thank you for the email/letter and confirm you will be attending the interview. 

HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR AN INTERVIEW?

  1. Start to prepare many days ahead if you have been given plenty of notice for the interview.
  2. Read your CV or application form and know it inside out so you can answer questions. 
  3. Make sure you know information about the employer/organisation including their history whose interview you are attending.

Preparing for a face to face interview

  1. Make a list of everything you’ll need to take with you to your interview so you can check you have everything the night before the interview. 
  2. Choose your outfit many days in advance and make sure your clothes are clean and pressed.
  3. Prepare your bag/briefcase days in advance. Make sure you have a copy of your CV, a copy of the email/letter asking you for the interview, a note pad and pencils in your bag. 
  4. Please make sure you have your credit cards, money, travel card, and ID in your wallet or purse. 
  5. Research the directions of the place where the interview is to be held. Decide how you will get there. If you are going by public transport please make sure there is no transport strike that day or disruption. Know alternative routes to get to your destination in case you get stuck or there is disruption. If you are driving make sure there is enough petrol in your car. Try not to fill up on the way to the interview. Research where to park, if there are any congestion charges and the route you will take.
  6. Calculate how long it will take to get to your interview from home. Add 1 hour to this time in case anything goes wrong. It is better to arrive early and go and have a coffee and wait rather than arrive on time or late but flustered.
  7. Check your bag to make sure you have everything you need before you set off. Tick everything off the list we mentioned in 1 above.
  8. Keep an eye on the time and set off for your interview with plenty of time so you arrive well in time for the interview.  

Preparing for a telephone interview

  1. Make sure your mobile has enough charge so it doesn’t switch off during the phone call.
  2. Make sure you have access to a quiet room where you can speak freely.
  3. Inform everyone around you that you are being interviewed so that they are quiet and leave you  alone in the room you are in.
  4. Have a glass of water nearby in case you need to have a sip.
  5. Have your CV, interview letter, a note pad and a pencil in front of you in case you need it. 
  6. It is always better to get dressed even for a telephone interview. It will make you feel more confident.
  7. After the interview please make sure you switch off your phone before you leave the room and say anything.

LINK TO GOVERNMENT WEBSITE FOR PHONE INTERVIEWS – HOW TO DO WELL.

Preparing for a video interview

LINK TO GOVERNMENT WEBSITE FOR VIDEO INTERVIEWS – HOW TO DO WELL.

  1. Make sure your laptop is charged so it does not switch off in the middle of your interview.
  2. Check you have internet access, and the webcam and speaker on your laptop are working the day before.
  3. Make sure you are in a quiet room when you have your interview.
  4. Inform everybody that you are being interviewed so they are quiet and do not barge into your room.
  5. Make sure you dress as if you are attending the interview in person. The interviewer can still see you.
  6. Try and make sure your background where you are seated is clean, tidy and decent.
  7. Have your CV, a notepad and pencil in front of you.

THE INTERVIEW ITSELF

  1. If you have a face to face interview, present yourself at reception and show your interview letter or ID if they require you to.
  2. If you have been given the name of the interviewer please remember it and greet them by their name. 
  3. Give a firm handshake if the interviewer extends their hand.
  4. Stay calm and peaceful at all times. 
  5. At the end of the interview, thank your interviewer for their time and the opportunity.

FURTHER INFORMATION 

LINK TO GOVERNMENT WEBSITE FOR INTERVIEW TIPS

LINK TO GOVERNMENT WEBSITE FOR COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS – HOW TO ANSWER

You can call the government helpline and ask for help. 

The telephone number is 0800 100 900 (8am – 8pm Monday to Friday, 10am – 5pm on Saturdays and bank holidays)