A Great Guide To A Great Interview

You’ve used a CV writing service, and now have a professional CV. Your CV is now so impressive that you have an interview! Interviews can be scary things, particularly if you haven’t done many of them. They don’t have to be, though. There are several things that you can do to prepare for your interview that will help you to stand out among your fellow interviewees.

1. Take Your Professional CV With You

Part of what attracted them to you was your professional CV. Remember to take a copy with you, even if they will have one there. You may not need it, but it’s always better to be prepared. Having it with you will also mean that you can refresh your memory on what is on there, and find things that they may ask, whilst you are waiting.

2. Do Your Research

Do as much research on the company you’re interviewing for as possible. Some companies will tell you about them during the interview, others will expect you to know it. It’s always better to be on the side that already knows and be able to impress them with your knowledge and enthusiasm. The internet is a great way to research companies, and can be used to not only research the companies themselves, but for larger companies there are often discussion threads on forums that tell you about the interview process, such as how long the interview process is, if they are individual or group interviews, etc.

3. Practise!

Practise is important in everything that we do, and in something as important as job hunting, it should be at the top of the list. Use what is on your professional CV to think of potential questions that they may ask, as well as the research you’ve done on the company. Get a friend or family member – or several – to help you with your answers.

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4. Be Positive!

Spending the interview talking yourself down and telling the interviewer(s) how terrible you are is not the way to impress them. If you find it hard to talk about yourself in a positive light, ask your friends and family members what they love about you; it’ll give you an instant ego boost, and some ideas for possible answers.

5. Look Smart

Turning up for an interview in jeans and trainers is an instant way to not get the job. No matter what the interview is for, ensure that you look smart and presentable. Always make sure that shirts are ironed, and your skirt/trousers are too if they need to be.  Shoes should almost always be black or brown, and polished.

6. Arrive 10-15 Minutes Early

Punctuality is key in interviews.  Arrive late, and they’ll think you’ll never be on time to work. Arrive early, and you instantly earn points.

7. Stay Calm

If you are inclined to panic before or during the interview, focus on something after the interview. This could be something as simple as going out for coffee with a friend, or walking the dog around the park: anything that you enjoy.  What’s important is that you have something fun to do afterwards. You will then associate interviews with activities that you enjoy, and even if you do not get the job – which, of course, you will – the next time you go for an interview, it won’t seem so terrifying.

If you need help getting to an interview in the first place then check out out our CV Writing Service page for more information about how to get a professional CV for as little as £50 or Contact Us for more information.