4
Facing up to the
You've made your job application. You've sent off your well-prepared CV and you've been asked to attend
Jobcentre Plus, and spells out exactly what
G
ETTING invited to an
interview means
you've passed the
first test � your
application must have made a
good impression.
Now you need to prepare yourself for
the interview to make sure you make
the best impression.
Before the day take time to find out
about your prospective new employer
and the job.
For example, you could ask the
employer if they have an information
pack � or you could look at their
website.
It's helpful to find out the following
things about the employer:
What they do, make or sell;
Who their customers are;
What sort of organisation they are;
What the job is likely to involve;
How you can best fit your skills to
match the job.
It is vital that you plan properly for
the interview.
Adjustments
Find out about what the interview
will involve to make sure you're
prepared.
If you have a disability, for example,
all employers must make reasonable
adjustments for you so it is possible
for you to have an interview.
If you need the employer to make
particular arrangements (for
example, to help you get into the
building), contact them before your
interview to make sure they can
make these arrangements.
Think about who will be interviewing
you.
If it is the person who would be your
manager if you got the job, the
interview may be more detailed.
If it's the personnel manager, the
interview may be less detailed but
could still be as testing.
Find out how many people will be
interviewing you and what their
positions in the company are.
This will help you prepare for the
kinds of questions they may ask.
Presentation
Find out how long the interview is
likely to last.
This will give you an idea of how
detailed it's likely to be.
Find out whether you will have to
take a test or make a presentation.
You should also plan your journey to
ensure you arrive on time. Consider
travelling to the company the day
before the interview to check how
long the journey will take. If
necessary, ask the employer for
directions, bus routes or details of
where you can park your car.
Plan another way of getting there in
case something unexpected happens
(such as an accident blocking the
road, or if your train is cancelled).
It's also important to create and
project the right image.
Decide what to wear and get your
clothes ready the day before. Aim for
a neat, clean and tidy appearance � if
you look good it will help you feel
good.
Gather together the information
you'll need at the interview. Take a
copy of your CV or application form
to refer to.
Prepare notes or cue cards to help
you if you think you might need a
prompt during the interview.
Bring items the employer has asked
for � for example, references,
certificates or your driving licence.
Re-read the job advert to refresh
your memory and make sure you
haven't missed anything.
Finally, try to get a good night's
sleep on the evening before the
interview.
On the day itself, give yourself
plenty of time to get ready. Make
sure you've got all the relevant
paperwork with you.
If you are delayed, contact the
employer as soon as possible to
explain, apologise and arrange
another appointment.
Aim to arrive about 10 minutes
before the interview time and give
your name to the receptionist or
whoever is there to greet you.
Try to relax and keep calm. Chatting
to the receptionist, or whoever
greets you before going into the
interview, will help calm you.
Remember that the interviewer can
be just as nervous as you.
At the interview, accept that it is
natural to be nervous. You may have
a fast heartbeat, clammy hands and
"butterflies" in your stomach. These
are your body's natural way of
meeting a challenge, and in small
doses it can help you.
You will make an impression in the
first few minutes. It takes this time
for people to assess you and store
this information.
Once you have made a first
impression, it's hardly ever
changed. It's important to make a
good first impression.
If you are nervous, your voice may
sound shaky and squeaky. Practise
deep, slow breathing before you get
to the interview.
This will slow down your heart rate
and help you avoid taking quick,
shallow breaths if you are nervous.
QUESTION TIME: Make
sure you are fully
prepared � that's the key
to creating the right
impression when you
finally come face-to-face
with your interviewer

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