First impressions count
Interviewers will start assessing you as soon as they meet you, so your presentation and attitude are important. To make a good first impression:
- arrive on time
- dress smartly
- smile when you meet people
- be professional as soon as you enter the building. The receptionist and anyone else you meet might tell the interviewer what they think of you.
How to answer interview questions
- Speak clearly and vary your tone to show you’re interested and enthusiastic.
- Take time to think about each question before answering so you can give a good response.
- Listen to questions carefully and let the interviewer lead the conversation. If you don’t understand a question, ask for it to be explained or repeated.
- If you’ve had a job before don’t criticise previous employers or co-workers.
- Give examples from your experience that demonstrate your knowledge and skills.
- Show confidence in your skills and be positive about what you have done. For example, instead of using phrases such as “I only have…” or “I don’t have…” tell the employer what you do have to offer.
Questions about your experience
When you answer interview questions about something you’ve done it’s best to use the STAR method (situation, task, action, result).
- Situation– describe what the situation was.
Task – describe the task you had to do.
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