How to prepare for your Interview

Lots of people will tell you ‘don’t be nervous’ but it’s perfectly normal to be. It is important that you do not let your nerves affect your chances, think about how you can control your nerves and make sure the panel sees you in the best possible light.

 

Interview preparation

It might appear obvious but it is important that you prepare for the day.

• Make sure you are familiar with the job description and person specification.
• Re-read your application form and remind yourself of what you wrote in your application on how you met those requirements.
• Research the Council, find out key facts and information, our values, our approach, our services and think about what you can bring to the Council.
• Think about what type of questions will be asked about yourself and write down some thoughts on how you might answer them.
• Prepare some questions to ask the panel, this is usually your last opportunity in the interview to sell yourself.

 

First impressions

There are a couple of simple steps to take to create a good first impression:

• Arrive in plenty of time and allow for delays etc. Prepare your journey, work out how long  it will take to arrive and be early.
• If you do get delayed, make sure you notify the appropriate person within the organisation as soon as possible.
• Dress appropriately for the interview.

 

During the interview

Make eye contact with all members of the interview panel. Do not just focus on the person who has asked the question you are answering. It is important to engage with all.

• Smile! It suggests confidence.
• Be clear and concise in your responses.
• Structure your answers with 3 or 4 main points of examples from your own experience.
• Do not assume that the panel know the detail of what is in your application form or CV.
• Sell yourself - give real examples of 'how' you have achieved a positive outcome, specify what these were and the benefits. Be clear about what your personal contribution was.
• Remember to use 'I' rather than 'we'.
• Make sure you understand the organisation's mission and can talk about why it is important to you.
• Be aware of your body language. You want to convey that you're enthusiastic, positive and energetic.
• Remember to ask questions as it helps demonstrate that you are keen and want the job.
• Be positive at all times.