Preparing for an interview takes time but pays off, as prepared candidates make better impressions. There are three main types of interviews: telephone, technical, and face-to-face. For all interviews, candidates should research the company and role, understand what will be discussed, and think of relevant experiences. Telephone interviews require speaking clearly and building rapport without visual cues. Technical interviews assess skills and knowledge, so candidates should research the company and role in depth. Face-to-face interviews are the final chance to discuss achievements and qualifications for the role through detailed examples. Proper preparation is key to succeeding at any type of interview.

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Interview Tips
Time taken to prepare for an interview is time well spent. Well prepared interviewees are more likely
to make a positive impression at the interview.
Depending on where you are in the assessment process, you might be invited to attend a telephone-
based interview, a knowledge-based technical interview or a face-to-face interview.
During the interview process the interviewers will consider what your experience and skills
demonstrate you are able to offer the firm. Your interview is as important to them as it is to you. Here
are some valuable tips to help you to succeed.
Whichever interview you are working towards, we would always recommend you start to prepare well
in advance. A good place to start in all instances is to begin to understand the topics which will be
discussed in your interview and to think about how your experiences, skills and knowledge relate to
these.
Some guidance is provided below in relation to the different types of interview
The Telephone Interview
If you are used to speaking to colleagues and clients on the telephone, undertaking a telephone
interview can appear to be relatively straightforward. However, even highly capable candidates can
perform poorly at this early stage, sometimes failing to do themselves justice at all. Therefore,
preparation for this element of the assessment process is as vital as stages much later on in the
process.
For many candidates, the situation can feel rather contrived and impersonal, due to the lack of eye-
contact and ability to build rapport. However, considering and adopting some of the points below can
help you to make a positive impression and, ultimately, succeed at this stage:
Find a place where you will not be interrupted, lay your CV/ any notes out in front of you so you can
refer to them quickly if you need to.
Have a pen and paper in case you need to make a note of anything, such as the question being
asked or something you think you might want to explore later.
Answer the ‘phone with a smile! Smiling can help you to relax and, as a result, you will come across
as more confident, friendly and assertive.
Talk clearly and distinctly and think about your pace; if the interviewer is asking you to repeat yourself
it might be because you are talking too fast.
Try to connect with the interviewer in some way to build rapport. Consider what you might have in
common and draw on this to create a dialogue
Take time to consider your answer, if necessary, and make it clear to the interviewer that this is what
you are doing, rather than just going silent.
Ask the interviewer to clarify what they are asking you if you are unsure or repeat the question back to
them if you want confirmation - listening on the phone can be challenging and interviewers will be
sensitive to this.

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Answer the question that was asked and be careful not to go off the point. Support your answers with
real-life examples that you have prepared from previous experience.
Finally express your motivation for applying for the role coherently and try to end the call on a positive
note; thanking the interviewer for their time.
The Technical Interview
The technical interview is your chance to provide additional evidence about how, in the past, you have
applied you technical skills and knowledge to deliver exceptional work. In addition, they will be keen to
assess your commercial knowledge and industry expertise, including how this can apply in the current
market and economic climate, alongside any relevant or current sector developments. Most
importantly, consider what might differentiate you from their current employees and be prepared to
talk about this in the context of what you have achieved so far in your career.
Before arriving for your technical interview we recommend you:
Know who to ask for on arrival – this will have been communicated to you
Know your recruitment contact's telephone number in case of a delay or problem.
Know the exact address and location of the office you are attending.
Give yourself plenty of time to get to the interview location.
Dress in appropriate business wear.
Know the content of your CV.
Research the company and the position you are applying for.
During your technical interview we recommend that you:
Take time to breathe. This can help you keep your mind focused and reduce potential anxiety
Listen carefully to what the interviewer is asking you; ask for clarification if you are unsure.
Take time to consider your answer if necessary.
Express yourself clearly and concisely.
Be as specific as you can.
Answer the question that was asked and be careful not to go off the point.
Support your answers with real-life examples that you have prepared from previous experience.
Express your motivation for applying for the role coherently.
Ask considered questions about the company and/or the area you will be working in
The Face-to-Face Interview
The face-to-face interview is your final chance to talk about yourself, your past achievements and
experience, and your expectations for the role. So be prepared to draw on your best examples, in
detail, which demonstrate your capability and skills to deliver exceptional work.
Before arriving for your interview we recommend you:
Know who to ask for on arrival – this will have been communicated to you
Know your recruitment contact's telephone number in case of a delay or problem.
Know the exact address and location of the office you are attending.
Give yourself plenty of time to get to the interview location.
Dress in appropriate business wear.

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Know the content of your CV.
Research the company and the position you are interviewing for.
During your interview we recommend that you:
Take time to breathe. This can help you keep your mind focused and reduce potential anxiety
Listen carefully to what the interviewer is asking you; ask for clarification if you are unsure.
Take time to consider your answer if necessary.
Express yourself clearly and concisely.
Be as specific as you can.
Answer the question that was asked and be careful not to go off the point.
Support your answers with real-life examples that you have prepared from previous experience.
Express your motivation for applying for the role coherently.
Ask considered questions about the company and/or the area you will be working in