JobsAndCareersWithSarahWillingham2016 - 37

ADVICE:

JOB HUNTING

Sarah says...

My number one tip for
❛
preparing for an interview?

YOUR PRE-INTERVIEW CHECKLIST

S

o, you've been invited for an
interview - you're over the
first hurdle! But this isn't the
time to sit back and relax.
You can't just expect to turn up and wow
a potential employer. Making a good
impression involves homework, so here
are six things it's vital to do to help you
sail through the interview...

1

Research the company

First of all, get to know about the
company you've applied to. Knowing
nothing about the organisation is a
guaranteed fail. At the very least, explore the
company's own website. It will give you a
broad understanding of what it does, its
aims and successes, plus you'll get an idea
of its corporate style and culture.

2

Dig deeper

If there's an annual report, check out
recent activities and business figures. A news
page or Google search will allow you to refer to
the company's recent activities and be ready

with insightful questions and comments.
Can you find any information on the person
who'll be interviewing you? Take a look at their
LinkedIn profile if they have one. Knowing
as much as you can about them will give
you an advantage - you can discuss their
role in the company, and how it would
relate to yours.

3

Know about your industry

It's also important to have some
knowledge of the wider industry. Websites,
news searches and online business
publications will help you set the company
in context. Being able to discuss the current
state of the industry, and who the big players
are, will impress your interviewer. If you
know anyone else in the sector, grill them
for inside information.

4

Think up questions

However, this interview isn't just
about the company - it's about selling
yourself, and you'll be a lot more confident if
you take time to prepare. Go through your CV

Research, research, research.
You need to know everything
about the company you
want to work for - where it's
been, where you think it's
going and so on. You might
not need everything you
find out, but I guarantee
you' ll be able to drop in one
little thing that will show
how much you know about
that business.

❜

and anticipate what the interviewer may ask.
Be ready to talk about previous jobs - your
main duties, challenges and successes.
Work out which are most relevant to the
post you've applied for.

5

Do an elevator pitch - of yourself

6

Sort the logistics

Be ready with an answer when the
interviewer says, 'Tell me about yourself,' but
keep it professional - they probably don't want
to know about your family and hobbies. Be
able to sum up your career ambitions. Why
should they hire you and not someone else?

To avoid unnecessary stress on the
day, make sure you know exactly where and
when the interview will take place. Plan your
journey to give you plenty of time, leaving a
margin for any delays (you can even do a dry
run beforehand). Plan what you'll wear and
choose something you know you feel
comfortable and relaxed in. If you're asked to
bring certificates, references or examples of
your work, get them ready well in advance.

J O B S & C A R E E R S /// 0 3 7
JobsAndCareersWithSarahWillingham2016

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