"There's Only Trained or Untrained": Preparing for that all-important job interview and why it's important

You're all set, the date and time are confirmed for the all-important job interview for your dream role. Whilst there are a lot of opportunities out there for people there probably is only one role that genuinely ticks all or most of your boxes. This meeting, therefore, is valuable. Though we can't guarantee that you'll get the role (obviously there are a number of variables involved not least other candidates) what we can do is prepare to the best of our ability to maximise our chances for success.

Fail to prepare, prepare to fail; BE TRAINED NOT UNTRAINED. True in most things in life and definitely when it comes to preparing for job interviews.

Here are some points to consider:

1. Think about your appearance!

As a business, we deal with a wide variety of civil engineering contractors and related specialist businesses. Within that, we cover most functional disciplines up to and including senior leadership roles.

It's always better to be overdressed rather than underdressed for an interview.

Make sure your clothes are appropriate for the interview for the kind of role you're going for. 'Construction Chic' (chinos and a shirt no tie) may be appropriate for many office roles. If you were interviewing for a senior leadership position we'd expect you to be suited and booted. If you're unsure, ask the Recruiter you're dealing with. In a pinch, it's ALWAYS better to be overdressed rather than underdressed for an interview.

2. Plan your journey (with contingency time) well in advance?

Things happen and sometimes they are unavoidable. That being said, being late for a job interview is NEVER a good start. Other than the lack of courtesy you're showing the interviewer, being late shows a lack of organisational skills.

Also, consider the psychological impact on you after making a stressful journey, trying to beat the clock and arriving flustered and not on your A-game. Allow plenty of time, plus contingency time, in case anything happens along the way.

Also, be sure to consider the time of day you'll be making the journey - if your interview is at 9am, the satnav estimate you checked at 2pm the day before will be totally inaccurate when you come to make the journey at rush hour in the morning.

3. Get some rest

Arrange your week so there are no big work or personal commitments the day before or on the day of your interview. That way you'll be relaxed, rested, and ready to give your best on the big day.

4. Do your research

'What do you know about us?' is a pretty common interview question. Meeting it with a blank stare or mumbling that 'you were hoping to find out more today' is not the answer an interviewer is going to be looking for.

Doing some research on the company demonstrates that you've prepared and that you're engaged and interested. Also, consider that for your benefit, it'll help you in your decision-making to decide if this is in fact the right opportunity for you.

For leadership positions, we would expect a little more here. Review recent financial reports, assess the current market position of the business, and understand the current strengths & weaknesses of the businesses and opportunities in the industry. And assess how you could improve things for them based on your strengths.

5. Do your research on the people in the process

I have a love/hate relationship with LinkedIn but it can be very useful to build up some information about someone you've not met; before you meet them. You can probably find out where someone has worked previously and possibly people/projects you may know in common which can a great ice-breaker. Finding out a little about your interviewer beforehand can help you build a rapport with them more quickly on the big day.?????

6. Your highlight reel

Prepare a list of your (tangible) professional accomplishments preferably in pounds and pence. I think I read somewhere once that a rather brusque headmistress rebuffed one of her teachers asking for a promotion who was adamant that she had 10 years experience by saying, 'You don't have 10 years experience merely 1 years' experience 10 times over!'???

Don't just show them you've got tenure; highlight what you've delivered in that time.

?Demonstrate the value you've brought to businesses & projects you've worked on

Demonstrate the value you've brought to businesses & projects you've worked on to differentiate yourself from the pack. I'd aim for 6-8 of these and come prepared to discuss them in the context of the new role.

7. Pimp your CV

Firstly, always bring a copy of your CV with you. Secondly, think critically about your history and your experience in relation to the new role. Highlight areas in your CV that you feel strongly demonstrate the competencies required for the role. This may help the interviewer and make their decision-making about you easier.

Interviewing is a skill I'd like to say that all interviewers and companies excel at it, but they don't, so help them to identify you as the prime candidate.?

8. Prepare your responses to common interview questions??

Most things can be improved with practice. Enlist the help of a friend and roleplay responding to interview questions. I'd decide on a list of 10 and practice those in the week prior to the interview. If you're unsure of the questions you're likely to be asked you can find a list of sample interview questions on the Civils Senior Talent resources page.

9. Bolster weaknesses

If there are areas in your CV that are weak or require explanation, prepare to do just that. Few careers (certainly not mine) have a solely positive vertical trajectory with every single decision which was made being the right one.

How you discuss a role that didn't work out is important.

That being said, how you discuss a role that didn't work out is important. OWN IT. Take responsibility for yourself first before blaming others and never badmouth a previous employer. However legitimate your grievance(s) are, they run the risk of coming over as sour grapes. Focus rather on the learning and the positives. How have you improved because of the experience? What would you now do differently in the future as a result?????

10. Be a 'S.T.A.R.'

S.T.A.R. is a simple yet effective interview question response methodology, it stands for:

Situation - What was the situation?

Task - What was the task you had to complete?

Answer - What was the solution you came up with?

Result - What were the results?

Using this method should help you answer competency-based questions concisely and give you an opportunity to show your accomplishments in a well-structured and comprehensive manner.

Don't miss out on your dream role, just because of poor preparation.

Interviewing is a skill and the interview process itself is something of an artificial situation, but don't miss out on your dream role, which you'd be fantastic at, just because of poor preparation.

A solid base of preparation gives you the confidence to perform in the meeting knowing you've given it your best and covered all the bases. And if you don't get this one you'll be even better at the process next time around!?BE TRAINED NOT UNTRAINED FOR YOUR INTERVIEW. ???