Preparing Yourself For An Interview

The vast amount of redundancies I am seeing at the moment across my LinkedIn network shows the testing times within many sectors. For some, this could be the first time being made redundant, or even having to look for a new role in many years.?

We have all been there, your first interview you may be a bit rusty. So, with this in mind, I have put together a few tips and tricks to help you along the way.?

As always, anyone who would like some support before an interview do drop me a line! I am more than happy to help anyone who may need some advice.

Do Your Research?

The simplest thing you can do before an interview is to take a look at the company where you are interviewing. So simple, it's forgotten by many, and without fail the first question you may be asked is “What do you know about us”.

Take a look at the website, their LinkedIn page, and other social channels and even find the person whom you are speaking to on Linkedin. Be prepared to show you have put the time into finding out more info.?

Look At The Job Spec Beforehand?

Understanding what the position you are interviewing for is doing, and also the requirements will only aid your preparation.

The time between applying and the interview could be a couple of weeks so refresh your memory.?

Plus, it allows you to base your questions around what you read to get more clarity.?

Prepare With Examples Of Your Work?

Scenario-based questioning always catches people out, well most of the time anyway. Therefore spending some time thinking about what it is you do at work is definitely needed.?

If it's a technical role it may be a question for example about your use of specific technologies. If it is a more sales/people-focused position, your questions may be focused on specific scenarios when dealing with customers/people.?

Taking a look at the job spec beforehand will definitely feed into this as you can clearly see their requirements for the role. Prepare your scenarios around these and you can't go too far wrong.?

Be Prepared For Tough Questions?

Not all interviews will be straightforward, just saying!?

Preparing for some tougher questions is therefore something I would recommend. Tough questions are around salary expectations, why you left your last role etc. Not so difficult for some people to answer, but for others, talking about money and about your previous company may make you feel uncomfortable.

My suggestion is, to be honest. Tell them what salary you are looking for so everyone is on the same page. When speaking about leaving your previous job role, be honest, but not too brutal even if you did think your last line manager was a w****r.

Ask Questions!?

An interview is a two-way thing, and good interviewers will know this. Plus, it is your opportunity to deep dive into the company, the role and also the team to ultimately decide whether you want to work there or not.?

Ask as many questions as you need to get clarity.