Being offered an interview for your dream job is possibly the most exciting moment of your job search – apart from being offered a job of course! Yet the feeling is quickly masked by the thought of the interview that is standing in the way.
Although many will disagree, interviewing really isn’t as difficult or as terrifying as it sounds. You have to remember that the ball is in your court – they have reviewed your CV and they want to know more about you.
In this post, we aim to guide you through every step of the interviewing process; from the vital preparation, to the questions you should expect during the interview, to the follow up.
A Two-Way Street
An interview is a two-way street; an opportunity for two parties to come together and have a professional conservation – a ‘conversation with purpose’.
Not only is the interview an opportunity for the hiring company to find out if you’re right for the role, but it is also an opportunity for you to find out if the role is right for you.
The purpose of the interview is for you to sell your skills, experiences and achievements and to demonstrate that you are a perfect fit for not only the role, but the company. If you can do this successfully, then you can pretty much guarantee the job is yours.
Preparation
Preparation is vital! It is important that you step into the interview having done your homework – the more you know the better.
Company Research
What do you need to know – the bare minimum?
It is also a great idea to:
Interview Questions
It is almost impossible to predict the exact questions that will come up in the interview, however, you can prepare for the types of questions that may come up. Earlier this year Glassdoor sifted through thousands of interview reviews to find the 50 most commonly asked questions during job interviews. Here are a few examples;
For the full list, click here.
As well as preparing yourself for interview questions such as these, you should also;
If you can do this, as well as confidently discuss any part of your CV, then you’ve put yourself if a great position.
Your Questions
Don’t forget to think of some questions you would like to ask the interviewer. If there are any aspects of the role you would like to know more about, ask. If there are aspects of the business you would like to know about, ask. Other great questions to ask could include;
It seems to be standard interview procedure to ask any questions that you may have at the end of the interview; however, I feel it is best to ask questions throughout, it shows a great level of interaction and interest.
The Interview
It is important to remember that the interview is a two-way street and not an interrogation, so remain calm and be confident in your abilities.
The Follow Up
The follow up can sometimes be just as important as the interview itself. If the interviewer is stuck between you and another candidate, chances are, the candidate that follows up will be the one that lands the job.
Being offered an interview for your dream role should be an exciting experience and the feeling shouldn’t be masked by the thought of an interview. Ensure you are fully prepared, leave a lasting impression during the interview and follow up – you can’t go far wrong!