Interview Skills

Interviews are an important part of the recruitment process for almost all employers. They give the recruiter the chance to assess whether you are suitable for the job on offer and whether you will fit into the organisation. For most small employers, this is the last step in the recruitment process; if you are successful, you will be offered the job. With large employers, you will usually have to attend an assessment centre following first-round interviews. It might all be a very daunting prospect but be confident: They liked your application and you are – literally – more than half way to a job!

Types of interview

  • Face-to-face interviews are the most common types of interview. You will usually meet one or two interviewers though, occasionally, you might be faced by a panel or you might be interviewed by several interviewers in sequence.
  • Telephone interviews are particularly popular with large employers as a first-round interview. They can be conducted by a member of the HR team or outsourced to a recruitment agency. Some employers now also use Skype to avoid too much travel.
  • Group interviews involve a small group of candidates rather than just you. You will either be asked questions in turn or you might be given an issue for discussion in your group.

Preparing for an interview

You will have researched the job and the employer before you made your application but employers will usually expect more detailed and thorough knowledge at this stage. A quick look at the employer website or the graduate brochure won’t be enough, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time to research and prepare.

One of the best ways to check that you are ready is to book a practice interview with a Careers Adviser. We will ask you likely questions based on your application, the job description and our knowledge of the employer and sector. This will give you a chance to practise your answers and receive feedback, including on how you come across. You can book a practice interview by phone or in person.

If you don’t have time to book a practice interview, you can still use the Careers Service resources. We highly recommend our interview DVD Making an Impact.

Don’t forget to make practical preparations such as booking travel or planning your route to the interview. Also, think carefully about what you will wear. Usually, smart business dress is expected. If you are not used to a suit (or equivalent), buy it well in advance and wear it at least once.

On the day

Try to arrive at least 10 minutes early, so you can collect your thoughts. Remember though that you will be on show from the moment you arrive, so be pleasant and create a good first impression with everyone you meet, starting with reception staff. Switch off your mobile phone.

In the interview itself, try to relax and be yourself. You will often read that 93% of communication is non-verbal. This is, in fact, a myth, however, body language does matter: Smile at your interviewer(s), maintain good eye contact and avoid excessive gesturing, which can be distracting.

Almost everyone will be nervous in an interview. This is nothing to worry about. Experienced interviewers will take this into account and help to calm you down. If you feel very nervous before your interview, try to conquer your fear head-on: Imagine yourself answering questions well rather than badly. This will be much easier if you are well-prepared!

Questions, questions, questions…

It is impossible to predict exactly what you will be asked by a specific employer but there are some key areas on which employers’ questions usually focus. Here are some sample questions and tips for each:

About the job

  • Why do you want to be a commercial solicitor?
  • How would you describe the role of a research assistant?
  • What do you think you would be doing in your first year?

Try to find out as much as you can about what you would be doing, the training you would receive, the projects you might be involved in etc. Try to imagine yourself in the job: What would a typical day look like?

About the employer

  • Why have you chosen to apply to us?
  • What do you know about our organisation?
  • In which of our departments would you like to work most?

At this stage, a quick look at the employer website or the graduate brochure won’t be enough. You won’t be expected to recite the annual report from memory but you should be ready to speak about key facts such as the employer’s size, locations, areas of specialisation, client groups or key stakeholders, current projects and/or recent successes, key competitors and what makes your potential employer stand out.

About the sector/wider issues

  • What do you see as the main challenges for our sector in the next 5-10 years?
  • You will have read about X in the press. How will this affect our sector?

Most graduate employers will look for evidence that you are not only motivated to work for them but also have an interest in their sector or industry. If appropriate, read up on recent developments, for example new legislation or technical advances. Make sure you follow the news and pick up on anything relevant but also think about the bigger picture and the influence current affairs might have on the sector and the employer.

About you

Nothing will be more important in an interview than that you know yourself and what you have to offer really well. This includes both your strengths and your weaknesses!

  • Tell me about a time when you worked successfully in a team?
  • Give me an example of when you ……

As a starting point, remind yourself of what you said in your application (always keep a copy!) and be prepared to give more details on anything you mentioned. Also, think of additional examples from your experience which can demonstrate that you have skills and attributes (usually called competencies) set out in the job description.

Asking questions

As well as answering the employer’s questions, you should also prepare some questions to ask. This will demonstrate your interest in the job and, of course, gives you the opportunity to find out details which may not have been included in the job description or on the employer’s website.

Focus your questions on issues related to the job and the employer such as training and support provided, areas for expansion or specific questions on your duties and responsibilities. Avoid questions about salary and benefits or purely practical things such as when you will hear about the outcome of the interview.

After the interview

Nerves make you forget quickly. Try to reflect on your experience as soon as possible after your interview. Take a note of any answers which worked particularly well and any questions you found tricky, so you can ask for advice on these. If you were unsuccessful, you can also ask the employer for feedback.

Usually, you will know the outcome of your interview soon after. If this is not the case, then feel free to contact the employer to ask – unless, of course, they have given a date.

Most employers pay travel expenses although they are not obliged to do so. Submit any receipts promptly, so you can be reimbursed.

Useful resources

Careers Service – website gives tips on preparing for interviews and links to many other useful websites and resources.

Books and DVDs - there are a number of books in the Careers Service library with tips on how to prepare and examples of interview questions. For a full list, have a look at our website. Here are just three:

  • Rebecca Corfield, Successful Interview Skills
  • Susan HopHodgHodgson, Brilliant Answers to Tough Interview Questions
  • Linda Matias, 201 Knockout Answers to Tough Interview Questions

The DVD, Making an Impact is available to watch in the Careers Service. It gives tips on preparing for interviews and shows examples of interviews with some major graduate recruiters. It also includes a useful section on telephone interviews.

Top tips for successful interviews

  • Preparation is key – Make sure you have researched the job, employer and sector thoroughly. You’ll need to know more than at the application stage.
  • Know yourself – Understand your key strengths and selling points and tell the employer about these.
  • Think through likely questions but don’t over-rehearse. Concentrate on the content and structure of your answers but don’t work out every word you will say.
  • Read your application again – Employers often ask questions based on your application. You need to remember what you said.
  • Smile – A nice friendly candidate is much more likely to appeal than someone who looks miserable!
  • Ask some sensible questions – This will demonstrate your level of research and your motivation.
  • Think positively – This will keep your nerves in check and give you the confidence you need.
  • Practise – Book a practice/mock interview with a Careers Adviser. It’s best to try your answers out on us first.

Good luck with your interview!