Preparation for an interview

1. Be ready for tough interview questions. In addition to talking about your career and job experience, you should be prepared to answer some tough questions. ...
2. Take notes. ...
3. Prepare your own questions. ...
4. Practice. ...
5. Consider your wardrobe.

1. Preparing for tough questions

Some interviewers might ask you about your past role and a question that can seem to come up is "why did you leave your last job?". Remember to keep your answers positive, focusing on the opportunities for growth, change and new challenges. And never criticize a past or present employer.

Another way of employees figuring out if you are dedicated to the job or just in it for a paycheck is by them asking you "Where do you see yourself in 5 years", most employers are not looking for personal goals you want to attain i.e. buying a new car. They want to know whether you are dedicated to progress in the role. They are looking for longer term career goals.

What are your strengths and weaknesses? It's almost a cliché, but this question still often comes up in job interviews. The trick of saying your weaknesses are “working too hard” and “caring too much” won't work. Be honest about where your shortfalls are, and explain how you've been working to improve them or what changes you'd like to make. For example: "I know I can fall behind on emails when I'm very busy. But I've found an app that has helped me stay on top of them."

2. Take notes

Before the interview it is probably beneficial to write down the things you would like to go through i.e. career highlights, long term career goals, and any questions you would like to ask about their company to show you are interested in their company culture too. 

If you write notes from the interview about things that you have learnt about the company whilst you are there, it could present yourself as keen to learn and focused.

3. Prepare your own questions

In most interviews, the hiring manager allows time at the end for you to ask questions. Show that you've done your homework in researching the company, and ask questions that help you determine whether this company is a good fit for your career goals and life.

Just like the previous note, a day before the interview be sure to write down any questions you would like to know about the company or about the job role.

This is also a good time to address questions of work-life balance, opportunities for advancement and department goals.

4. Practise

Preparing for an interview is a bit like rehearsing for a play. Get comfortable presenting a narrative about yourself and your work.

It is important to have written questions beforehand and how you might want to answer them, but it is really important for it to feel natural and not like a script. 

A good way of knowing whether it feels like a script or natural, is to have a friend practise with you. they could interview you and that way you will be able to see if the conversation is flowing or it is like a script.

5. Consider your wardrobe

Choose business-appropriate clothes that make you feel strong, put-together and confident. A good rule of thumb for interviewing is to dress just slightly more formally than the day-to-day attire of the office where you're interviewing. So if the office is casual, dress business-casual. If the office is business-casual, opt for a more formal suit. If the office is business formal, make sure everything about your outfit is on point.

Most important point of any of the above, is the be yourself. It is easy to act like the perfect candidate but companies look for actual personalities, so as long a you are yourself and prepared you will be great!