The key to a super interview in research and preparation. If you’ve got an interview on the horizon and feel you require some assistance, check out these top ten things that your potential employer longs to hear.
You’ll impress most if you…
1. Have done your research. The minute you hear you’ve landed an interview with that dream company, get on the company’s website and start researching. Learn about how the company began, how long it has been running and look at projects you’re interested in. Look into clients as well, just imagine talking about there work and referencing the client they have done work for!
2. Know your CV and covering letter inside out, never lie or bend the truth! Be ready to answer any questions about your CV and application, such as employment gaps, travel and experience. If you claim you’ve working on the next biggest thing make sure you can talk about it!
3. Talk about your transferable skills and upskilling. These will sell you, particularly if you have little direct experience. If you’ve had work experience in the past talk about what skills you learnt and what you can bring the business.
4. Understand the job spec. If you’ve applied for everything and anything, there’s a good chance you might not even know what you’re interviewing for! If this doesn’t happen it’s most likely you haven’t done your research.
5. Talk about your motivations. Why have you applied for the job? What attracts you to the industry? Let the interviewer know how enthusiastic you are about getting the job.
6. Discuss how the job fits into your career plan. As an apprentice companies want to build and mould you, speak about your passions and hobbies and always speak about why you’ve chosen that industry over others.
7. Have a positive outlook. No one likes a negative Nancy. Whatever has happened, whether you’ve been unemployed a while or you have no work experienced, always have a positive spin for everything.
8. Wow them with your personality. Employers hire people who they think will fit in with the company and other employees, so having a great personality is just as important as what’s on your CV. Inject a bit of personality into your answers to make yourself stand out.
9. Are honest about availability. Don’t say you can start immediately if you have to give a month’s notice at your current job, or if you have other commitments at college or school. Also make note of any holidays you may have booked even if letting them know 3 or 4 months in advanced.
10. Ask questions! The interviewer will almost always ask if you have any questions. Be ready with one or two. Don’t bombard them, and avoid questions about pay or holiday. It’s probably safest to stick to questions around progression within the company, to show you are genuinely interested in working for the
