Graduates at Interview

Preparation is Key

Research the Company

If you are invited to attend an interview, you should start your preparation as soon as possible.  You need to appear confident, positive and be able to demonstrate knowledge of the company when you first meet your prospective employer, so there is no such thing as too much homework!

Ensure you have researched the company and gather information that is relevant to the position you have applied for. 

The companies website is always a great place to start – here you will find out about their industry and company history.  Information about the organisations vision or mission statement can give you a real insight into the type of ethics and values they hold as well as their pans for growth and or details of their sister companies/group. 

Plan your route

Find out exactly where you are going and think about how you will get there - if driving, consider the time of day and the availability of parking and ensure you have change for the car park.  

Allow plenty of time to get to the interview- particularly in rush hour traffic – you will be more relaxed if you do a ‘dummy run’.  (there’s nothing worse than driving endlessly around a trading estate and having to ring the company for directions!!!!) 

If using public transport ensure you have plenty of time to allow for delays – if a major delay does occur – ensure you have their phone number to contact them.

CV &  Job descriptions

Make sure you have read through the job description and refresh yourself on the skills and experiences required for the position. 

Consider the knowledge you have gained during your studies in relation to the job description and think of examples to give.  Make sure you know exactly what’s on your CV – especially if you had it professionally prepared!

Most employers will refer to it during the interview and will use the document as a basis for questions.   If you feel more comfortable – take a copy of your CV along to the interview. 

Prepare your own questions

It’s always a good idea to have some questions in mind that you can ask at interview, perhaps from the job description, to show you have thought carefully about the position.

For example; culture, department structure, training and development opportunities available (avoid questions on salary, holiday and hours!!!)

Jot them down on a note pad and take them into the interview…. Don’t try and remember them – you’ll most likely forget when you are concentrating on the questions being asked.

Popular Employer Interview questions

It is also very worthwhile to think about what kind of questions you may be asked at interview.

Your interviewer is looking to identify your strengths and consider any areas of weakness/development that may be required for the role.

Their questioning will be aimed at evaluating your skills and experience in line with the job description. As an example, dependent on the role, they may want to evaluate your ability to cope under pressure or experience of handling difficult situations if it’s a customer facing position. If you have little commercial experince, think about situations you have encounterd during your studies - e.g. coursework deadlines etc.

Below are some employers frequently asked questions;

• Tell me about yourself
• What motivates you?”
• What are your particular strengths and areas you would like to develop?
• What do you most enjoy in your work environment?
• Why do you want to change your current company and role?
• What would you say your colleagues thought of you?”
• “What is your greatest achievement to date ?”
• “Give me an example of a time you encountered a difficult situation and how you resolved it” ....

First Impressions

Consider your appearance - plan in advance what you are going to wear – you are seeking to make a good impression so ensure a neat and tidy appearance. 

Don’t rely on pulling your best suit out of the wardrobe on the day to find it needs dry cleaning!!  Polish your shoes and consider your hair and nails.

You have roughly 20 seconds to make an impression on your prospective employer... make it count!!

At the Interview

This is the best way that you will be able to ascertain if the company is right for you – remember that the interview is a two – way process and try not to get flustered!

It is always good to arrive a few minutes early and to bring any paperwork (copy of your CV, certificates of qualifications or training courses) with you in a document wallet or briefcase.

Remember, the first few minutes really do count – walk in to the interview room with a smile and firmly shake your interviewer’s hand.  During the interview be aware of your body language, keep it open and professional and keep eye contact with the interviewer.  Sit upright and look interested!

Don’t feel you have to rush any answers - you are more than entitled to take a few seconds to think about the question. 

Try to avoid closed responses (i.e. yes or no) and try to qualify these with examples. Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification if you are unsure of what is being asked.

At the end of the interview, it is common practice for the interviewer to ask if you have any questions...good job you prepared some in advance! 

Once you are finished, shake hands again, thank your interviewer for their time and smile on your way out!

Hewett Recruitment and you

Once you have left site, please do give your consultant a call while the experience is fresh in your mind to let us know your impressions.

Your swift feedback will ensure we offer you our best possible service - we can answer any questions that you may have and give you support if you feel there was an area you could have improved on.  

Leave any arrangements for second interview or negotiations in the hands of your designated consultant – that’s what we are here for and we have your best interests at heart.