Here are a few tips to help you cover all areas from sourcing specialist Afshan Waheed.
1. Interview prep – this is the most important thing you can do. Take time out of your busy schedule, it may be hard to find the time but it will all be worth it
- It’s best to do research on the company and the department you will sit in. Look at press articles on the company, make sure you know what is going on currently. Hiring managers love to know that you have done your homework and know what economical state the business is in.
- Research your role, look at LinkedIn profiles of people who are currently doing the job to get a feel of what you will getting involved in.
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Think about why you want the job, 9/10 hiring managers will always ask this question to understand if you really are a good fit.
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Remember that not everything you may want to know is on Google or on the job spec such as team structure, current projects and potential career progression, have a list of questions to ask to challenge the interviewer; this will give them the feel you are really interested to know more and have thought your application through.
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It is vital to go over your CV before the interview – the hiring manager selected you because your CV looked great! Remember some key projects that you worked on and important achievements you made during that time as they are keen to know more than what’s on your CV.
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For a competency based interview (those questions about an example of a time you have used a skill) remember that it is always very easy to lose thought. Always remember the STAR method (Situation Task Action Result) to help you start and finish your answer perfectly.
2. On the day – After finishing your interview prep and getting a good night’s sleep, read through your notes, make sure you have enough time to arrive early, no one likes a late interviewee. Breakfast/lunch is key; you do not want your stomach grumbling while being asked questions! #awkward. Make sure your outfit and everything you need take with has been ironed/packed the night before, it’s never good to be rushing around and feeling unprepared.
3. Waiting to be called in – this is when your nerves are probably at the highest but take a deep breath and a sip of water, read through your notes one more time and most importantly, smile - you will be fine!