It’s normal to feel a bit anxious about job interviews whether it’s your first one or you’ve been to a few. Most recent sixth form college graduates won’t have had much job interview experience. Preparation is the key. No-one wants to interview someone who seems disinterested or hasn’t done their research in advance and you’ll feel much more confident if you do.

What is an interview?

An interview is a discussion in person, by phone or online, between you and an employer. The employer wants to see if you’re the right person for the job. You’ll get the chance to make a good impression and show the employer what you have to offer. You can also see if the job is one you want.

The most common types of interview are:

• competency-based – focusing on the skills and personal qualities you need, you’ll have to relate your skills and experience to the job
• face-to-face – in person
• panel interview – where one person usually leads the interview and other panel members take it in turns to ask you different questions
• telephone or online – 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
• informal chat – in some job areas like the creative jobs you might have an informal, work-focused discussion in a more informal setting such as a cafe
• in a group with other candidates, you’ll have to show you can get along with people, put your ideas forward and be respectful of others

Before the interview – be prepared!

• think about which areas of your CV or application form the interviewer might ask you to talk more about, and how you can relate them to the role
• give  yourself time for research if you want to stand out from other candidates. Companies will expect you to know about them, their competitors and current issues that are relevant to them. Use the company website, news, social media and any other source you like to get clued up!
• prepare some answers about why you want the job, what your strengths and weaknesses are, your relevant, college, work or life experience
• think of some questions to ask about the role and the company at the end of the interview
• ask someone to do a mock interview with you
• try to relax the night before the interview – doing lots of last minute prep could make you more anxious and stop you sleeping!

Check out some of the most frequently asked questions at job interviews: https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/get-a-job/top-10-interview-questions

What to wear for interviews

• plan what you’re going to wear before the day of 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 interview day make sure you leave plenty of time to get there and aim to arrive a little early.

On interview day

Just before the interview:

• 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 – use breathing techniques and try to remember a few nerves are normal

During the interview:

• don’t rush, 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
• if you’re asked about your experience, talk about the Situation you were in, the Task in front of you, the Action you took, and the Result of your action (STAR technique)
• be positive about your experiences – avoid negativity about yourself
• make sure you fully understand the questions you’re asked – ask for more explanation if you need to
• avoid mentioning salary or company benefits unless they mention it
• never 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
• if you’re asked about a work skill you don’t have, you could say what you’d do in a certain situation or use an example from your personal life, and also explain that you’re a fast learner
• don’t be arrogant and assume you’ve got the job – employers don’t like disrespectful or over-confident candidates
• don’t bring up topics like religion or politics where people can have strongly-held personal beliefs

After the interview

• if you’re offered the job, thank them and agree things like start date and what to bring on the first day
• if you’ve not already discussed it, confirm payment/salary for the job
• ask when you should expect to get a letter/email confirming you’ve got the job
• if you weren’t successful this time, ask for feedback on how you did at interview – use their comments to improve for next time
• if you’re offered a job and decide you don’t want it, thank the employer politely, as you may want to work for them in future