Marketing yourself

Interview Skills

Getting invited to an interview often means that you have impressed an employer but the interview is still the biggest obstacle between you and a possible new job. Here are some tips for preparing for the interview and during it.

Before the interview

• Research the employer - find out as much information as possible. It is important to know about the company and how the job relates to their overall goals;
• Research the job - It is important that you understand exactly what the job is and what sort of qualities they are looking for;
• Research yourself - Employers are not just interested in whether you can do the job they want to know about your ambitions and personal qualities;
• Practise questions and answers - Think what likely questions your are going to be asked for example: Why do you want to work here? Or what makes you the right person for the job?

At the interview

• Try to stay relaxed and be confident;
• Sell yourself, be positive;
• Look interested - ask questions as well as answering;
• Be polite and friendly;
• Don't just answer yes or no - try to answer questions as fully as possible.

For more information any matters related to careers contact your local branch of Connexions.