Man writing application letter

Interview preparation – advice from Admiral Group

The interview is the most important aspect of the recruitment process. It is your opportunity to make a great impression and to find out more about the company that you want to work for and the post for which you are applying. Always remember, interviews are a two-way process and it is just as much up to you to make sure it runs smoothly as the people who interview you.

Again, there are some very basic rules that should be applied before, during and after your interview. Here are some tips to help you:

• Get as much information about the post you are applying for in advance of your interview. You can then formulate your responses to questions asked on the day. Forearmed is forewarned!
• Research the organisation and the business sector to which you are applying. Use company web sites and trade press/business pages of the broadsheets to check for further information if possible.
• Find out in advance who and how many people will be running the interview and whether they plan to conduct any tests on the day.
• Prepare a list of questions to ask on the day. Ask friends to help you with a mock interview and ask them to give you feedback on your answers, body language, eye contact etc. Also, prepare a list of questions that you think they will ask you. These usually include questions about strengths and weaknesses, questions about yourself and your disposition and requests for examples of difficult situations you have been in and how you resolved them.
• When you arrive at your interview - turn off your mobile phone! You should always give your interviewers your undivided attention.
• Arrive around 5-10 minutes early. Make sure of your travel arrangements and route in advance and then give yourself time to compose yourself before your interview starts.
• Dress smartly at all times, regardless of company policy. You can relax into the dress culture of the company once you have got the job. Try to be friendly and positive. Avoid criticising your previous or current employer, it is rarely beneficial and your prospective employer may consider you a potential troublemaker.
• Maintain good eye contact and use positive body language throughout the interview.
• And most importantly, relax, be yourself and be honest at all times - it really is the best policy!

Finally, a good tip is to follow up your interview with a short thank you letter. It's also the ideal opportunity to mention any strengths you may have forgotten to talk about on the day.

Article courtesy of recruitment consultants Admiral Group