After University

An is the most popular way to assess an individual to ascertain if he/she is suitable for a role within a . The interview is normally the second step to successfully obtaining employment with a company, following the submittal of an or . The interview can be the most daunting aspect of searching for work, but can also have the most impact on your and if you are successful in obtaining employment.

An interview is used to assess your suitability for the position that you are applying for. There are several types of interview and the company may elect to use more than one type to select its . Some are more formal than others and it is wise to establish the type of interview you will be attending so that you can be fully prepared. Depending upon the company, the position or you will be working in and the number of people being recruited you will possibly need to go through a lengthy selection procedure. You are already past the first hurdle as your has shown sufficient promise of education and abilities to ask you to attend an interview.

If your prospective is heavily recruiting this can be a way of saving time for you and the company. A telephone interview must be approached carefully as is it easy to be blasé due to the fact that you may be at home during the interview. Normally the process is informal, but you must ensure that you treat it as part of the interviewing process.

This type of interview is used for establishing very quickly the right type of candidate for the company. Normally you will be asked general questions about yourself and why you want to work for this company and in the role you are applying for. A large number of candidates may be weeded out during this process and it is important to make a good impression to get on the second interview short-list. The would normally be from the , although if the role is of a technical or skilled nature, you may be asked specific questions to assess your skill-set by someone else who knows about the role.

A one to one will normally consist of an informal conversation regarding you, your and the role and company. A small or medium sized company will generally conduct their interviews in this way, where the only people present are the interviewer and yourself. Generally this type of interview is far easier than a selection interview as you only have to worry about impressing one person. That's not to say a one to one interview isn't nerve wracking, it can be just as daunting as the others. The thing to remember is to keep calm, smile and to stay positive.

A panel interview can be the most daunting. Sitting in front of two to five people rapidly firing questions at you can easily put the most confident on edge. This type of interview is fairly rare and normally associated with high position roles. If attending one, ensure you are fully prepared for the interview by going through the steps in the ‘Interview Preparation' section. Do not be put off applying for a that requires such an interview, as a company willing to have this many people spend time at an interview shows that the position is and important one and how vital it is that they find the right candidate for the role

This type of is used to find a core set of applicants from a large number of people interested in the position(s) available. Normally located in a within a hotel or company premises, one or two days are spent with other applicants undertaking presentations, group discussions and solving technical or business related issues. will mark individuals on various aspects during the event. It is important to keep your personality in-check by ensuring that you try not to dominate and not to be too shy. Group participation skills are key to a successful result.

A second interview occurs when the first round of interviews has whittled the prospective candidates down to a few that are suitable for the position. Sometimes a second interview may be required for technical, specialist or senior positions so that an interview(s) with the appropriate skills or seniority can finalise the decision on the candidate. As with the first interview (unless the first interview was conducted over the telephone) any of the above types may be used. This interview is significant, as you are almost there. You need to really impress at this point as you may be competing against similarly high-calibre applicants. The second interview is not always as officially undertaken as the first. Some companies use the second interview to get a final view of the candidate and then offer the position. This can then lead on to discussing , and the role and .

Preparation for the is as important as the interview itself. By preparing fully you can ensure that you will be calm and collected on your way to your destination and during the interview, you are ready for any questions asked.

If you are using an employment or , get the full details of the role, the company, location of interview, who will be conducting the interview or your contact when you arrive and also information about the type of interview that will take place.

If you have gone direct to a company, most of the information you need will have been sent to you via a letter. It is suggested that you phone to confirm that you have received it and that you will be attending the interview. During the phone call you can always ask about the type of interview if this has not been mentioned within the letter.

A few days before the interview:

• Obtain as much information about the company as possible. This may include , financial information, clients of the company, and don't forget to find and view the company (most companies will have one).
• Prepare your travel arrangements especially if the location of the interview is in an area unknown to you, make a test trip to establish the best route there the day before your interview. This is very important if you are travelling a long distance by car or you are using .
• Make a list of questions that you would like to ask; this may include ones about the company, the role, location of where you would work, plans that the company may have in the future (they may be preparing for a floatation for example) and any others that are relevant. This will show an interest on your part and that you have prepared well

The day before the interview:

• Ensure you go to sleep early so that you are fresh and alert during the .
• Pick out all of the clothes you will be wearing and check that they are clean and ironed.
• If you are required to take anything to the interview, have the items ready to take tomorrow.
• Read any company literature and the questions you have prepared.
• Read through your to ensure that if any questions are asked about the information in it you can answer confidently.
• Have a printout of your CV, as it can be useful to have to hand during the interview.

The day of the interview:

• Go through your normal routine in the morning, ensuring you are well dressed, have everything you need and know where you are going before you leave
• Leave for the interview at a time to ensure you arrive 30 minutes before the interview. This will allow for delays and enable you to be calm and prepared before you meet your interview(s).
• Before entering the , check that your appearance is fine (straightening your tie etc.)
• Tell the security guard or person at reception that you are here for an interview with (the name of the interviewer) and the time the interview is scheduled for. Ensure you are courteous to everyone you meet at the company as it creates a good impression with potential colleagues.

• Do phone ahead, if you are running late for an , as soon as you can and apologise to your contact/ when you arrive.
• Do shake hands firmly with everyone you meet at the .
• Do be polite and if asked a question which you do not understand, ask for it to be restated (this can also provide a short amount of time to formulate a good answer).
• Do smile and remember to be yourself.
• Do present a professional image, ensuring you do not slouch, interrupt the interviewer(s) and keep questions and answers short and to the point.
• Do not fidget or keep looking at your watch during the interview.
• Do not mention pay unless asked and be careful of the figures that you state.
• Do not use bad language and especially swear words or slang.
• Remember that the interview can also be a vital element to deciding upon your grade or level within the company and also you and .