Search for a job or company:

Advanced Search

Careers Advice

• Where to start?
• Spice up your CV
• Covering letters
• First interview
• Assessment Centres
• Careers Clinic
• Job hunting tips
• Hints and tips video

First interview

The key to any interview is preparation. This is the one time to make a good impression on your potential employer and some general research and basic preparation can make all the difference. Being prepared will mean you are relaxed during the interview and make you come across more confident.

10 top tips on getting through the interview process:

1. Read all the information you received about the interview carefully, noting the nature of the interview, whether you need to prepare anything in advance and how long will it last.

2. Find out the exact location of your interview. Consider how you will travel to your interview, taking into account rush hour and any transport delays. DO NOT BE LATE!

3. Dress to impress!! Unless stated or you are in any doubt always wear a suit. Try not to wear high fashion items and dress conservatively. Make sure all of your clothes are clean and your shoes are polished.

4. Make sure you take the correct items with you. A pen and paper is essential as is a copy of your CV. Take any correspondence you have received from the company with instructions about who to ask for and where to go once you get there. Also remember once researching the directions to get there, make sure you take them with you!

5. Research the company you are being interviewed by. Think about what attracted you to this company and research some information about its size, the products/services it offers and its competitors. This can be done by visiting the company's website or requesting their brochure.

6. Keep up to date. You may be asked a question about current affairs so watch the news and read a good newspaper the week before your interview.

7. Know your CV. Don't get caught out by not being able to answer questions about something you have written on your CV. Read through it before the interview and be ready to explain everything on your CV in more depth.

8. Be polite to everyone once you get there, you never know who may be walking past reception when you arrive.

9. Remain calm and confident throughout the interview and maintain eye contact. If this is something you struggle with, practice with a friend or family member beforehand.

10. Have some questions ready to ask the interviewer, it may be a good idea to research them before you go and write them out. Questions regarding progression and training are often a good place to start.