Process - Top Tips - Interview preperation
The value of preparation
In order to progress your career, you will from time to time need to attend an internal interview, and the preparation for this has been described as the three-quarters of the iceberg that you never see. This applies equally if youÕre going for a move to a Support Centre role or an attachment.
Given that your interview itself may last about an hour, it makes sense to take several times that in preparation. Good preparation will give you confidence, and a confident candidate will perform better at interview, and be more likely to get the job.
What can you do?
● Request a copy of the job description, read it through well in advance, and prepare questions on anything youÕre not certain of
● Find out all you can about the role, talk to someone doing the job
● Find out about the store or place of work
● Find out if it will be a structured interview, and whether there will be any numeracy or literacy testing,
● If necessary, plan your journey in advance and check the timing
● Make sure your CV is up to date and well presented
● Make a good first impression - be punctual and dress smartly
Process - Top Tips - Interview preperation
The value of preparation
In order to progress your career, you will from time to time need to attend an internal interview, and the preparation for this has been described as the three-quarters of the iceberg that you never see. This applies equally if youÕre going for a move to a Support Centre role or an attachment.
Given that your interview itself may last about an hour, it makes sense to take several times that in preparation. Good preparation will give you confidence, and a confident candidate will perform better at interview, and be more likely to get the job.
What can you do?
● Request a copy of the job description, read it through well in advance, and prepare questions on anything youÕre not certain of
● Find out all you can about the role, talk to someone doing the job
● Find out about the store or place of work
● Find out if it will be a structured interview, and whether there will be any numeracy or literacy testing,
● If necessary, plan your journey in advance and check the timing
● Make sure your CV is up to date and well presented
● Make a good first impression - be punctual and dress smartly
Process - Top Tips - Interview preperation
Common questions to prepare for
● ÔTell me about yourselfÕ – Take 2 minutes to talk briefly through your CV, giving positive reasons for job or career changes
● ÔWhat do you know about this part of the business?Õ – Give a brief account of your findings from your preparation
● ÔWhy do you want to work here?Õ – Have a convincing reason why itÕs the right role for you, and youÕre the right person for the role.
● ÔWhy should I choose you?Õ – a variation of the above; a chance to sell yourself and your unique selling point
● ÔWhat has been your greatest achievement?Õ – a similar question, choose something to boast about that youÕre really proud of
● ÔWhat are your strengths / weaknesses?Õ – Sell your strengths that relate to the job, and choose a small weakness that could be seen as positive, like ÔSometimes I spend too much time seeking perfectionÕ.
● This question may be presented as ÔWhat qualities would you bring to the role?Õ and ÔWhat are your development needs?Õ or similar.
● ÔWhat are your career plans?Õ – Be ambitious but realistic, and be positive about the company.
Preparation for the day
● Check your journey time and route if necessary, remember traffic may be different in the rush hour so allow for this
● Keep a contact number for your interviewer handy in case of emergencies such as traffic jams or breakdowns
● Plan to arrive slightly early to give you time for a comfort break.
● Take a pen, notepaper, any notes youÕve made, and a copy of your CV
● If in doubt, dress slightly more smartly than you usually would; after all youÕre out to make the best possible impression
● Think positive and go for it!