Preparation

When you start looking for a new job you may submit numerous applications to numerous adverts. You may also tailor your CV for each of those applications with different bits of information. You may talk to numerous recruiters or employers and attend several interviews. Before long, you have a lot of information swimming around your head!

Therefore, it is important to prepare yourself and get mentally focussed for the interview ahead in order to give yourself the very best chances of securing the interview.

Know your CV inside out

Make sure you have a copy of the exact CV you submitted and read through it thoroughly ensure you are comfortable with every piece of information on it. In the interview you are likely to be questioned on aspects of your CV and you want to be able to discuss it fluidly.

For example, you may have written something like ‘increased revenue by 12% whilst reducing expenditure by 15%’. An employer may read this and ask questions such as ‘How much is that in pounds?’ or ‘So what was your original expenditure and how much is it now?’

The answers to these questions need to come fluidly and they need to be accurate. Your interviewer may have quickly worked out 12% of your original budget and you may tell them a figure for your expenditure now. If they do not add up they may press you further, potentially getting more inaccurate answers, or just note it down as a negative.

Practise

The next aspect to prepare yourself for is the interview. You are going to be out of your comfort zone and in surroundings that aren’t familiar. You will also be nervous. To calm those fears, try going through your travel plans to the venue, look at images of the company offices and go through the interview in a positive manner in your head or with a friend.

Do whatever works for you, but ensure you build a positive image of your interview experience. If you go in confident and talk confidently you will improve your chances of success significantly.

Be Prepared

Finally, confirm all details. Make sure you know where you are going and who you are interviewing with and ensure you have performed ample research. The more prepared you are the more confident you will be on the day of the interview.

If you have applied for the job through Gold Group, our consultants will call you beforehand to check you are prepared and offer advice; if you're worried about anything or want any extra advice about what questions to ask or what questions to expect then just ask.