Interview tips

Interview Tips

An interview may seem daunting. After all, it is the final hurdle to securing a job or internship!
But don’t worry, Inspiring Interns have written this great guide to interview technique.

Be prepared…
Research the roleand the company.
Read your CV carefully – make sure you know what dates you did work placements.
Think of some relevant questions to ask during the interview.
Work out how to get to the interview - you don’t want to be late!
Learn thenameof the person you will be meeting.

Researching a company
Employer websites – this will give you an idea of the style and emphasis of an organisation. Look out for the number of employees, annual turnover andrecent press releases.
Newspapers and news websites – it’s a good idea to keep up with recent business developments in your particular industry
Have a think about who the company’s competitorsare and read a
bit about them.

Top tips for interviews
Dress appropriately – wear something that would fit in with the type of role you’re going for.
Give afirm handshake, smile and make eye contact with the interviewer.
Think about your postureandbody language.
Always tell the truth.
Beloyal– don’t moan about previous jobs or employers. It doesn’t reflect well on your personality!
Don’ttalk over the interviewer – ‘listening is the new talking’.

Common interview questions
The question: ‘Tell us about yourself’.
What they’re really asking: ‘What makes you special? Why should we hire you?’
Top tip: Prepare several selling points about yourself. Give a quick overview of yourexperiences and achievements which relate to the position, but remember that above all they are looking for enthusiasmand awillingness to learn.

The question: ‘What are your greatest strengths?’
What they’re really asking: ‘Will you be an asset to our organisation?’
Top tip: Sell yourself. Prepare a number of different examples and be‘confidently humble’.

The question: ‘What are your greatest weaknesses?’
What they’re really asking: ‘How honest are you being about yourself?’
Top tip: Present your weaknesses as a positive attribute. Don’t talk for too long though!

The question: ‘Where do you see yourself in five years time?’
What they’re really asking: ‘Are you committed to this career and can you set goals for yourself?’
Top tip: Don’t imply that your dream career is something totally unrelatedto the job or internship you’re being interviewed for.

Top 10 interview questions
Why do you want this job?
Tell me about yourself?
Why should we hire you?
What is your major achievement?
What do you consider yourself good at doing?
What sort of person are you?
What are your strengths?
What are your weaknesses
How do you know about our organisation?
How would you approach this job?

“Any questions?”
It is important that you have thought about some relevant questions to ask at the end of your interview. Here are some examples:
What is the organisation’s plan for the next five years?
What are the day to day responsibilities of the job?
Who will review my performance?
Can you describe an ideal employee?

Closing the interview
The interview doesn’t end until you leave the building – make sure you leave the interviewer with a good impression.
Smile!
Saythank you to everyone present and shake hands, whilst making eye contact.
Askwhenyou should expect to hear from them.

Success?
Good luck for your interview! If you’re successful, why not read our guide to making the most of your internship?

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Interview tips

by Inspiring Interns on May 13, 2010

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