1. INTERVIEW PREPARATION
Congratulations – your CV has been reviewed by a potential employer and they have expressed an
interest in interviewing you – how do you go about ensuring you are as well prepared as you
possibly can be and hence giving you the highest possible chance of a successful outcome. If your
interview is by telephone or Skype or face-to-face be prepared for each occasion:
Make sure your technology works - make sure you have a good mobile or internet connection and
that your microphone, speakers and camera are working properly, put in a test
telephone/mobile/Skype call on the day of the interview to a friend to double check that the
experience will be perfect for all concerned as nothing annoys an interviewer more than losing
valuable time whilst you get connected or not being able to conduct a good interview as either side
can’t be heard or understood. Try to have your screen at eye height in front of you and make sure
you hold the session in a quiet location where there will be no interruptions with a nice professional
back ground behind you – please dress up for the occasion. Have a notebook and pen with you to
take notes during the interview and be ready on line at least 15 minutes early having already
accepted their invitation to your contacts or invited them into yours. Have a hard copy of your CV
ready with you and make sure it matches your LinkedIn profile.
Make sure you have properly researched the company that are interviewing you and that you know
all there is to know about them, visit their web site, search on Google for news and press releases
from them and their suppliers, talk to people in the trade that might know them and try and find out
as much inside information as you can to ensure you are joining a company that is in good shape.
You need to know how and why they are successful and how you becoming part of their team will
continue and build on that success.
Research the person who is interviewing you through LinkedIn Facebook and Google and make sure
you have memorised their back ground and experience – talking to them about details in their own
career at interview stage demonstrates your interest in them and working with them and your
commitment and thoroughness to the process. You will also find out who you know in common and
might also be able to obtain some inside information via friends and colleagues which can help you
at interview both in terms of their style and how they like to conduct an interview but also through
references to others they might respect who in turn can vouch for you.
Prepare some rehearsed questions / answers such as what are your strengths, what are your
weaknesses – describe a problem or challenge that you solved in the work place and how you
achieved a positive outcome. Be prepared to be asked why you are seeking change – what you look
for in the new challenge – what you enjoy doing and what you don’t enjoy doing. Be confident,
honest and maintain good eye contact with the interviewer. Listen carefully to the questions before
answering them and do not be afraid of asking for a question to be repeated or expanded upon if
you did not hear clearly or understand the question properly. Speak clearly, stick to the topic and
don’t speak for too long, at the same time don’t be too short.

2. Remember an interview is a two way process so have your questions in your mind listed on your
notebook and try to cover off all queries as you move through the interview – nothing impresses an
interviewer more than a candidate that has prepared for the session very professionally and asks
questions. If a question comes up in your mind during the interview write it down and pick up on it
when asked if you have any questions. Do ask your interviewer for feedback on the session and
inquire as to next steps and time lines as you draw towards the end of the session.
In summary - be very prepared in all aspects and ensure you obtain the most from the opportunity
to talk with your future employer and impress them to the point that they want to move onto the
next stage of interview with you.
Best of fortune.
Assuming you found this information of value we recommend you visit this link below for other
articles which will improve your career prospects and outlook.
https://www.moodgroup.co.uk/blog.aspx
Please forward this document to colleagues and friends who you know will also be interested to
know about Mood Group and our services.
www.moodgroup.co.uk
Mood Group Malta Ltd, Company number C63843
Registered Office: Dar iz Zerniq, Notary Zarb Street, Attard, ATD 9045, Malta