1. Employability Skills Preparing for a job interview

2. Top tips: Preparing for a job interview  Interviews are still the most common tool that employers use when recruiting new staff.  So what ever type of jobs you apply for, you will probably need to attend an interview!

3. Top tips: Preparing for a job interview  The most common type of interview is one to one, but you could also be faced with: a panel of interviewers, be interviewed by phone or even in a group! Check this out before you arrive. Check this out before you arrive.  So what ever type of jobs you apply for, you will probably need to attend an interview!

4. Top tips: Preparing for a job interview  Most of us dread the idea of interviews, but don’t worry, a bit of preparation will triple your chances of success! Just follow the following tips. Just follow the following tips.

5. Top tips: Before the interview  Find out as much as you can about the employer and the job – check out Career Ideas for general information on the job. Does the company have a website or brochure?

6. Top tips: Before the interview  Check whether you will need to do a presentation or sit any psychometric tests as part of the interview.  Re-read your application form or CV - focus on your skills, experiences and what you can offer the employer.

7. Top tips: Before the interview  Read over the job description carefully - mark any sections you want to know more about, so that you can ask about them at the interview.

8. Top tips: Before the interview  Think of the questions you might be asked and practise your answers - you could do this in front of a mirror, so you can look at your body language e.g. Why do you want this job? What relevant experience do you have? Name one of your weaknesses?

9. Top tips: Before the interview  Prepare some questions that you would like to ask the employer e.g. What training do you offer? What hours would I need to work?

10. Top tips: Before the interview  Plan how to get to the interview and how long it will take.  Decide what to wear, remember first impressions last. Be smart but comfortable.  Arrive early so you don’t have to rush. If you are late phone and explain why.

11. Top tips: During the interview  Smile and look interested.  Give yourself time to think before you answer questions.  Keep your answers simple and clear – don’t waffle!

12. Top tips: During the interview  If you don’t understand a question, ask for it to be repeated.  Take a copy of relevant documents like your CV, application form or record of achievement so you can refer to them if necessary.

13. Top tips: During the interview  Be yourself - the interviewer wants to know who you are and how you would fit in.  Be confident and sell yourself - confident people inspire confidence in others. If you feel confident and respect your own worth, this will come across to the employer.

14. Top tips: During the interview  Remember your body language - keep eye contact and don’t create barriers e.g. by folding your arms.  An interview is a two way process, so ask at least one question. This shows you are interested and can use your initiative.

15. Top tips: After the interview  Evaluate what went well and what you could have done better.  Whether you are successful or not, ask the employer for some feedback on your interview.  If you don’t succeed this time, don’t give up. You could be successful next time around!

16. Top tips: After the interview  Your Careers Adviser could offer you some tips on how to improve your interview skills. Interview game https://www.careerswales.com/quiz/intervi ewgame.asp https://www.careerswales.com/quiz/intervi ewgame.asp

17. Conclusion  Prepare well (dress, how long will it take you to get to interview?).  Do some research into the company.  Anticipate key questions.  Prepare answers to anticipated questions.  Prepare questions to ask based on your research.  Be yourself!!!!