Performing well at interview

We want the real you to come across at interview. Not a nervous, worried or anxious you. But the you that really wants the job. To help you get the most from the interview, here’s a few handy hints.

Follow the instructions. Sounds obvious, but be on time. Allow plenty of time to get here. Know where you’re going and who you’re going to see. Think about what to wear for your interview and dress for the job. If you’re having wardrobe dilemmas, go smarter - it’s always better to be over rather than underdressed. If for any reason you can’t come dressed smartly (you may be heading to the interview straight from your current job, for example), tell the recruiter why.

Do your research. Read everything you’ve got. The job description, the supporting information, everything. Make sure you know what we’re looking for. Do some fact finding. Use the web, look at our annual reports, speak to people who work here, that sort of thing. The more you know, the better position you’ll be in. Think about questions for us too. An interview’s a two-way process, after all.

Keep to the point. Succinct is good. Try not to waffle. Your interviewer will want to hear about your experience and how you’ve used it to make a difference or add value. Be specific. Don’t overload the interviewer with too much information, or information that’s not really relevant. When it comes to talking about your work experience, think about:

• What was the situation?
• What tasks did you complete?
• What action did you take?
• What was the result or outcome?

And if you’d like to bring examples of what you’ve done to interview, brilliant. 

Take your time. We’re looking for people who really want the job. Be prepared. Don’t just turn up and expect to breeze through. The more effort you put in, the better you’ll do.