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A new job can be great for getting you more money and more confidence but getting the job in the first place can be quite scary. At there Bridges Project there are people who can help you- from getting the skills you need, to writing a CV, to getting you a placement to give you more experience.

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Interview Tips

Find out what to do before, during and after an interview. This is a great article which should enable you to whizz through an interview.

Preparation
  • Find out all you can about the firm. Visit the library to research the company background and talk to friends who already work there
  • Remind yourself why you are particularly interested in working for this company
  • Think what skills/knowledge/interests you have to offer
  • Prepare some questions to ask
  • Be prepared for questions
Making a good impression

First impressions count. With this in mind, make sure that you:

  • dress smartly and professionally
  • avoid wearing too much jewellery, and make sure your appearance is tidy
  • avoid heavy aftershave or perfume
  • don't smoke before the interview
  • have a firm handshake
  • make good eye contact
  • do not cross your arms - always show open body language.
Arriving

Make sure that you:

  • know where the interview is
  • know what time you have to be there
  • know how long it will take to get there (have your route and travel arrangements planned)
  • know who you need to ask for upon arrival, and who you will be meeting
  • arrive in good time, ideally ten minutes early. Don't arrive too early as this may disrupt the interviewer's schedule.
  • be polite and friendly to everyone you meet
interview The Interview

The best candidate does not always get the job. It is often the case that this is given to the one who performs best at interview.

You will have a number of skills relevant to the role. Make sure you cover them in interview, whether you are asked or not.

It's important to develop a rapport with your interviewer - and remember they may be just as nervous as you. The more comfortable you both feel the better the interview will go.

Be positive - enthusiasm can sometimes compensate for lack of experience.

End of the Interview

Your interviewer will usually tell you what will happen next. If not, ask what happens next, when the decision will be made and when the second interviews are to be held. If you are successful you will be short-listed for second interview with a view to meeting other managers or colleagues.

Always thank the interviewer(s) for their time, say that you have enjoyed meeting them and look forward to hearing from them.

Afterwards

Make notes on the interview. Information on the job, interviewer and department will prove invaluable if you are invited to a second interview.

Write a letter of thanks, if you are very keen.

If the interview has been arranged through an agency, phone and let your consultant know your thoughts on the interview. You will get initial feedback faster and be kept informed of the next stage or decision dates.

Questions you might be asked at interview
  1. What do you regard as your main achievements?
  2. Which parts of your job put you under the most pressure?
  3. How would your friends/family/colleagues describe you?
  4. What attracted you to applying for this job?
  5. Why did you decide to work in this field?
  6. What other employers have you applied to and for what type of jobs?
  7. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
  8. What do you know about this company/firm?
  9. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

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