FORMAL JOB INTERVIEW GUIDE

THE WEEK BEFORE INTERVIEW

1. Check out the company

Research the company and its background beforehand. Search for information online. Find out
who will be interviewing you, and review the job description in detail so you understand it inside
out. It’s also worth researching news or activities relating to the specific industry, as this shows
interest. These tips will help you with your pre-interview homework.

2. Dig into the job description.

Spend some time going through the job posting line by line and thinking about how your
experience and skills equip you to excel at the job. In particular, for each responsibility or
qualification listed, try to come up with concrete examples from your past that you can point to
as supporting evidence that you’d be great at the job.

3. Practice Answering Interview Questions

Taking the time to review typical interview questions will help give you a framework for your
responses. It will also reduce stress because you won't be scrambling for an answer during the
interview. Practice interviewing with a friend or family member ahead of time, and it will be
much easier when you're actually in a job interview.

4. Prepare your questions

When asked by the interviewer if you have any questions, have a few ideas up your sleeve. This
demonstrates that you’re prepared, enthusiastic and committed to the role and the company.
Try to think of less obvious but interesting questions that will set you apart from other
candidates.

5. Figure out what you’re most nervous about being asked.

Assume that whatever you’re dreading will indeed be asked, and create a plan for how you’ll
handle it. Then practice your answer out loud over and over again, word for word, until you’re
comfortable with it.

6. Plan your journey

Spend time prior to the interview working out how you’ll get there. Look up public transport
routes and timetables, or find out where you can park. Plan how long the journey will take. Do a
practice run, if necessary. Aim to arrive about 15 minutes early.
 7. Get Interview Outfit Ready

Regardless of the type of job you’re interviewing for, the first impression should be a great one.
The right interview outfit conveys an understanding of the company culture and professional
environments in general and shows that you respect the hiring manager and want to make a
good impression.

8. Stay focused

Get yourself into the right state of mind. In order to give the interview your total attention, you
don’t want to be preoccupied with other things that need doing that day. Your goal is just to
give a good interview that shows why you’d excel at the job and what you’d be like to work with
day to day.

THE NIGHT BEFORE OR MORNING OF THE INTERVIEW:

1. Bring the Right Things

It's important to know what to bring to a job interview — a portfolio with extra copies of your
resume, a list of references, and questions you have for the interviewer. Be sure you have
everything you need ready to go. If you’re job searching in earnest, it’s a good idea to prepare a
bag with all your materials so that you can be ready to interview whenever an opportunity
arises.

2. Sleep well

Don’t cram any last minute interview preparation in just before bedtime, as this could disrupt
your sleep. Relax before bed to ensure you get a restful night’s slumber.

3. Eat a healthy breakfast/lunch

Fuel yourself with slow-releasing carbohydrates prior to your interview, such as porridge for
breakfast or whole meal sandwiches for lunch. These will keep your energy levels topped up for
longer, so you stay alert and don’t suffer any energy slumps during the interview.

4. Stay calm and confident

Naturally, nerves will begin to kick in, but try to stay calm and confident. Take deep breaths and
practice positive, self-affirmation thoughts in your mind. If you’ve done adequate research, you
shouldn’t have anything to fret about.

5. A final read through

 Give your research and preparation a final glance before the interview, to keep it fresh in your
mind. Now isn’t the time to be doing any new research.

6. Don’t forget printouts

Make sure you’ve got printouts of your CV with you, as well as any other supporting
information, like references or a portfolio. Pop a notepad and pen in your bag just in case you
need to write anything down.

7. Dress appropriately

Make sure you dress appropriately for the job interview. You must look professional. Try
checking out the LinkedIn profiles of the company’s employees to get an idea on how they
dress. Don’t leave ironing clothes to the last minute – it’s best to do this the night before, so you
feel as organized as possible.

ON ARRIVAL AT THE INTERVIEW

1. A friendly, professional greeting

When you enter the interview building, greet reception staff in a friendly, professional manner.
If possible, find out the name of the receptionist so you can break the ice with a personal
greeting. Introduce yourself and explain that you’re there for an interview and provide the name
of the interviewer/s.

2. Wait professionally

Adopt a professional approach when you’re sat waiting for the interview, using positive,
confident body language. Now isn’t the time to check your social media accounts or WhatsApp
your friends. Instead, switch your phone off before you enter the building and leave it alone
until afterwards. If there are any corporate brochures to hand, flick through these while you
wait.

3. First impressions count

It’s a fact that first impressions count, so as soon as the interviewer approaches you, ensure you
come across as personable, professional and courteous. Stand up straight, smile, make eye
contact and extend your hand. Say hello and introduce yourself, stating that it’s a pleasure to
meet them, and thank them for taking the time to see you today. Attention to detail can go a
long way to securing your dream role