Interview Preparation Checklist: The Ultimate Guide to Ace Your Next Interview

You have found the perfect role and been invited to attend an interview, but you haven’t attended an interview for a number of years, so how do you prepare to give yourself the best possible chance of interview success? Our blog discusses the various stages of the interview process and how to ensure you are prepared.

Logistical Planning

The first stage before you attend an interview is to ensure you know how to get there and whether the travel will be feasible for you. For instance, if you are travelling two hours by train there and back, will this be sustainable long term? It is important to understand where you will be working and how you will get there. You can then plan your journey in advance. You may even want to do a practice run prior to the interview, so you won’t end up getting lost.

Research the Company

It is a good idea to find out as much as you can about the company, including their products and services, vision and goals - and any competitors they may have. You may also want to conduct some research on your interviewers - as this could provide some key information for building rapport. For instance, if they went to the same school or University, or they have an interest in the same sport as you, you may want to try and incorporate it into the interview.

Understand the Culture

Although it is important to always be professional, it is also a good idea to understand the company culture so you can get an idea of how the interview will be set up. For instance, if you are being interviewed by a small construction firm, you would expect it to be a less formal interview, and more of a conversation. However, if you are being interviewed by a large global engineering company, you should prepare for a structured formal interview. 

Prepare Examples

The best way to prepare for an interview is to study the job spec, and prepare answers and examples. The interviewer wants to make sure you have the skills and experience to do the job, so they are not going to stray far from the job spec. For example, if they ask if you have ever managed a team, you would be expected to have this expertise and discuss when and where you managed a team, how many people you managed and your management style. It is important to go into detail when asked a question, and to avoid yes or no answers.

If you need to improve your interview skills, we can help support you through our one to one consultations. You can order it here or you contact us to find out more about our services. We also provide professional CVs, in both traditional and graphic formats.