Interview Advice

Preparation

  • Research the company
  • Understand the job specification thoroughly, including salary details
  • Make sure you know where the company is located and who is going to interview you
  • DO NOT be late – leave yourself enough time to locate the correct office
  • Decide on an appropriate dress code
  • Make sure you are 100% familiar with your CV –it is always a good idea to take a copy with you unless otherwise told
  • Take a pen and paper to make notes
  • Prepare a list of questions relating to company, job itself, career prospects,training, how long company has been established, whether company has any competitors – the more original the better

What to Expect

  • The first few minutes of the interview is vital; - smile, eye contact and strong handshake is always the best introduction
  • Posture – don’t slouch
  • Don’t forget this is a time to sell yourself – be positive, informative and confident
  • Be prepared for a formal interview with maybe more than one person – maintain eye contact with all interviewers and remember to look interested, acknowledging all of them
  • Be prepared – they may ask you what you know about their company and the position for which you are applying for – the better prepared you are – the more impressive
  • You should be ready to discuss your work history and remember to relate your experience to the position you are applying for
  • Give full answers – not just yes and no, giving as much relevant information as possible – but don’t waffle
  • Be prepared to give scenario type examples e.g. most stressful situation and how you dealt with it – remember these are opportunities to sell yourself
  • Emphasise your key skills and qualities – you may even be asked about weakness but remember to turn that weakness into a positive e.g. a perfectionist may be slower but will always be accurate
  • A popular question is “Where do you see yourself in X years’ time?” Try not to be overly ambitious when answering this question – any secret desires to be a zookeeper should be kept hidden at this stage!
  • Always leave on a good note – thank them for their time and let them know how interested and suited you are for the position
  • and remember - ENTHUSIASM CAN BE THE DECIDING FACTOR!
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