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Young People - Preparing for Interviews

Before the day

• Check out where the interview is being held, at what time, and plan how you will get there - do a dummy run if possible.
• Decide what you will wear - look smart and professional. First impressions are crucial.
• Find out about the job or course, company or college, so you can ask the right questions.
• Ask someone to give you a practice interview.
• Re-read the job advert and job description.

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On the day

• Make sure someone else knows where you are going and when you expect to be back.
• Make sure you have everything you need - invitation to the interview, directions, a copy of your CV, a sample of coursework if relevant.
• Go to the reception; explain why you are there and who your interview is with.

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At the interview

• Enter the room when invited
• Smile, shake hands firmly and say Good morning or Good afternoon
• Wait to be asked to sit down, and then sit up straight, don't slouch and don't chew gum.
• Be polite and try to answer questions as fully as you can, not just with a "yes" or "no".
• Ask the questions you have prepared, if they haven't already been discussed in the interview.

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After the interview

The interviewer will inform you of the outcome of the interview. If you didn't get the job the interviewer may give you feedback:

• Listen carefully.
• Think about the questions you were asked and if you could have answered any of them differently.
• Think about whether you need to change your interview technique.
• Remember to thank the interviewer. You never know, there may be more opportunities with that company or college in the future.
• Learn from the experience and use it to help prepare for your next interview.

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Where to find out more

• Excel at interviews (Lifetime Publishing)
• Winning interviews for first-time job hunters (Trotman)
• Great answers to tough interview questions (Kogan Page)
• Be prepared! Pass that job interview (How to Books)

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