Do you have an interview invitation and need to prepare quickly? In the following article, we will share our top tips and guidance for your interview, as well as a preparation checklist.
An interview is a conversation which helps your employers find out more about you.
Your interviewers will ask you a number of questions to see if your skills and experience align with those required for the job.
You will have the opportunity to explore whether you wish to join the organisation and if the role is right for you.
At times, candidates may receive an interview invite from a recruiter expecting to attend an interview the following day.
If you are applying for a job which you are very keen to get, you might feel even more anxious than normal.
You may feel slightly vulnerable and may fear being rejected. However, some basic preparation could help to come across more relaxed and confident.
Research is key
Although you might only have limited time available, it is best to focus on the most important elements. The more you can cover the basics, the more prepared you will feel.
Who are your interviewers?
Your interview invite e-mail should include this information. If you have not received this piece of information, you could phone the person who sent you the invite to find out more.
Once you have the names, you could use LinkedIn to research the background of your interviewers.
Where is your interview?
If you have a virtual interview, you need to ensure that you have the necessary link(s) for accessing the meeting, and your audio and video are working well.
It is best to use a laptop or a PC for your interview (as opposed to a smartphone). If you have a physical interview, you would need to look up where to go and what is the best way to get there (including parking).
What is the organisation like?
Your preparation needs to cover researching the organisation.
Do visit their website and read the ‘about’ pages.
It is also helpful to look at their social media pages as well as reviews (both customer reviews as well as reviews from previous employees). You could set aside some time and take notes regarding the below:
- What is their mission and vision?
- What challenges could they be facing?
- Who are their direct competitors?
- What are their key products or services?
- What is the size of the organisation, and how many people work there?
Prepare examples
At the start of the interview, you might be asked some general questions about your background, education, hobbies or any other part of your CV/ cover letter.
It is a good idea to read your application materials again before the interview. Your interview will likely centre around the criteria and the job description.
It is essential that you take the time to prepare some examples and show that you have the necessary skills and experience.
Do make sure that you avoid giving over rehearsed responses.
It is useful to prepare examples in advance however, it is best to remain flexible.
For more information on how to prepare for examples, please see this article on the National Careers Service’s website.
Some of the most common competencies employers seek include communication, problem solving, teamwork, organisation, flexibility and leadership.
Some of the most common questions you may come across:
- Can you think of a time when you have worked under pressure?
- Describe to me a situation when you have demonstrated excellent communication skills.
- Can you share an example when you have positively influenced a team?
- Describe a way in which you organise your tasks.
- Could you talk us through a situation when you had to develop a solution to a complex challenge?
- Please tell us about your ability to initiate change.
How can you stand out?
When you have researched the organisation and you have collected some examples, do try to think about 3 things which could differentiate you from other applicants.
Have you got lots of experience working in a similar role? Is it your education which could help you stand out? Have you completed any relevant training which could make a real contribution to the role?
What could make your application unique?
You could write a list of your relevant strengths, e.g. skills, experience, background, education, courses, soft skills, etc.
Once you are clear about the strengths, you would need to take a few minutes reflecting on possible weaknesses within your application.
Make a list of possible gaps within your application profile in terms of knowledge, skills, experience, etc.
Do ask yourself the below reflective question:
If any of the gaps were identified in the interview, how could I respond?
Prepare some questions
Many people forget to prepare for interview questions.
Make sure that you prepare 4-5 relevant questions.
Normally, interviewers would expect you to ask a small number of questions (possibly 2).
However, in case your questions are covered earlier in the interview, it is best to have some backup options.
Do consider the following questions:
- What development opportunities are available in this role?
- How do you see the role developing in the future?
- What is the size of the team I will be part of?
- What does a typical day look like?
- What is it like to work in this department?
- What will be the next steps after the interview?
Stay calm
Most people feel nervous at interviews.
Having your interview the following day and having limited time to prepare could increase your stress and anxiety. Do ensure that you eat well and try to go to bed early.
You could have a quick mock practice with a friend or family member if you have the time. For more information on how to prepare for interviews, do take a look at this article.
24 hour interview Checklist:
- Have you prepared for your journey to the interview? (physical)
- Have you got audio and video working on your PC/laptop? (virtual)
- Have you researched the organisation?
- Have you prepared some relevant examples to support your answers?
- Are you clear on what the strengths and weaknesses of your application profile is?
- Have you practiced some self-care to feel calmer?
- Have you prepared some questions to ask from your interviewers?
Explore our other articles to help you prepare for your interview:
- Advice before an interview
- How to Ace Your Interview Presentation
- How to prepare for a job interview
- Top 10 questions to ask at a job interview
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