Interviews can be stressful; it is something that many of us do not enjoy and try to avoid! For some, the thought of being interviewed can be very daunting. Some people will put off interviews for so long that they miss out on opportunities.

Interviews are necessary for us to maximise opportunities and to enable career progression. In fact, one interview can change your life significantly! Gaining confidence in this area and learning how to use your assets and skills to impress an interviewer is vital if you are to succeed in your chosen area of employment.

The way interviews take place has changed over time. With more employers opting for multi-media tools for interview online such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams as well as face-to face options. This has never been more common in recent times following the recent pandemic. Employers began using these methods initially for safety reasons, some have continued with this form of interview due to them often being considered more time efficient, especially when working their way through a list of shortlisted candidates. Many candidates are often choosing an online interview rather than face to face, especially at the first interview for the same reasons.

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail”.

Benjamin Franklin

How to prepare for an interview:

Despite the different interview options, many of the basic principles of successful interviewing remain the same. The real skill in interviewing is preparation – and giving some consideration to what happens afterwards.

The interview itself will only be as successful as the preparation you have put in place, not just about the questions you will be asked, but also how you have prepared yourself practically for the interview. Communication with the employer pre and post interview, can help make you a memorable option in their decision making when looking to hire somebody who will fit in well, with their company.

Not planning your route, turning up late, not planning your outfit properly and rushing will not set you up for a good start to the interview. In fact, it is likely to impact on the way you conduct yourself in the interview. Feeling stressed on the day or just before your interview is not going to help you. Your mindset is key and a peaceful, organised mentality will assist you greatly.

A good start is crucial as the employer will have a good idea as to whether they consider you as a viable option for their position in the first few seconds of meeting you. If you turn up unprepared, late, badly dressed and rushed, it is likely that your employer will have already made their mind up about you based on this alone. Do not leave planning until the morning of the interview and be organised the night before. You will sleep better and feel fresh, more rested and prepared for the day ahead.

Pre-interview In-Person Interview Checklist

Plan your journey:

Make sure that you have considered the travel time, the route, traffic on the time of your journey and any road works.  It is worth using an app like Waze or Google Maps to plan ahead. If you are traveling by public transport, plan your tickets ahead of time, check for rail or bus delays and set off earlier than needed. Stop for a coffee when you get there. This will give you an opportunity to relax and read through any last refresher notes prior to the interview.

Make sure you have taken note of the interviewers contact details before setting off. This way you can contact them in case of emergency. Do not leave them wondering where you are if there is a problem on your route due to unforeseen circumstances. Be proactive and let them know as soon as you hit an issue. Hopefully, by setting off early you will avoid the need to use it but at a last report it may save you.

Interview Tips:

• Arrive early in person or online/ check internet links work ahead of time and contact the employer or their admin if you experience any problems
• Prepare the room ready for online interview, what can they see behind you? No clutter or mess, this is off putting and may make them wonder about your organisation and preparation skills, set the right eyeline and make sure they can see your face properly
• If you have children or pets, try to make sure that they can not be heard in the background it is worth asking a relative of friend to mind them for the duration of the interview (dogs barking and children crying can be a distraction for yourself and the interviewer!)
• Wear smart, clean professional clothing, avoid being too dressed up or down (ironed shirt and trousers is usually a winning outfit with smart shoes, avoid trainers or flip flops if meeting in person!)
• Take your notes with you, if you arrive early this will give you a chance to have a quick check before you get there
• Make a confident first impression, look the employer in the eye, smile and shake hands, offer them a printed copy of your CV
• Be conscious of your body language throughout the interview, try not to slouch or avoid eye contact, smile, and show interest
• Try to relax and actively listen
• Think before you speak, don’t rush your answers, a healthy pause before answering a question is fine
• Prepare a list of questions to ask at the interview, you could ask about parking, the office, management structure, the team, this shows you have thought ahead
• Send a thank you email post interview, thank your employer for their time
• Seek feedback, this shows a willingness to actively chase and engage with the employer after the interview and that you are also willing to learn and reflect, this will ultimately assist you with future interviews if necessary
• Speak to your Select Social Care Recruitment Consultant! We have in depth experience in your area of employment and can help you with any interview specific questions or help you to consider questions that they may ask you for that specific role
• We will send you an interview guide with any invitation for an interview, please read this before interviews, it may help you to prepare more specifically

Good Luck!

From the team here at Select Social Care