Tips on interview preparation and technique
Having successfully secured the interview, you now need to give yourself the best possible chance on the day.

The Do's

• Preparation is the key; make sure you know about the organisation and the role you are being interviewed for.
• Be sure you know where you are going. Take the company's telephone number in case you are delayed.
• As soon as you arrive you will be making an impression reception so conduct yourself accordingly.
• Dress professionally, be smart.
• Be confident; with a firm handshake, make eye contact and be cheerful (smile).
• Be prepared to ask questions and be enthusiastic.
• Pre-empt the questions you will be asked so you are confident with your responses.
• Make sure that by the time you leave that your questions or concerns are dealt with, so you are able to give the role and organisation your full consideration.

The Don'ts

• Be late.
• Show a lack of interest.
• Be negative about your current or previous employers.

Sample Interview Questions

What do you know about our firm?

An obvious question but can catch candidates off-guard. To answer this you need to have done a bit of research. You do not need to know everything there is to know but showing that you have some knowledge about the firm’s background is a positive to display in the interview.

Why do you want to work here?

This may be tied into “what do you know about the firm” and you need to reply showing what you understand the firm can offer you in terms of job satisfaction and career development. If you are aware of the firm’s reputation for offering experience in specialist fields e.g. the Motor Industry, Tax Planning, Corporate Finance and it is relevant to the role you are being interviewed for, then highlight it.

Why are you leaving your current employer?

This could be a trick question as no employer wants to take on someone they think will leave after a short time if in their opinion the reasons you want to leave will exist within their firm too. This question could also relate to any other positions you have had in the past so you should always have an acceptable and positive answer.

Examples could include the following:

Challenge - You have outgrown the role and there is no further progression you can make.

Location - Either you are relocating or as a result of increased traffic on the roads the journey has become unreasonably long which may be affecting your study time or personal life in some way.

Money - Which may be linked to “challenge” above. If you are progressing with your exams and skills development, you may find that the financial rewards are not increasing as you have outgrown the role and the firm cannot afford someone at your level.

Security- You may be concerned about the stability of your position within the the firm. There may have been a downturn in business and you may be concerned about redundancy.