Interview Preparation and Planning
Getting invited to an interview means you’ve passed the first hurdle and now you need to prepare to make sure you don’t waste the opportunity.
Here are points to consider when planning for an interview:
- Make sure you know how to get there and plan your journey
- Be familiar with your C.V. and/or application form and the job description as this may provide the basis for many questions you are asked
- Find out about the company or the organisation
- Be able to talk about yourself Think carefully about your own questions you have
Possible interview questions
- Tell me about yourself
- Why do you want to work here?
- What do you consider yourself to be good at doing?
- What interests you most in your work?
- What motivates you?
- What are your strengths/weaknesses?
- How would a previous employer describe you?
- How would you best describe yourself?
- What do you think you could bring to this company?
- How do you get the best out of people?
- Would you be prepared to undertake further training?
- What would you look forward to most in this job?
- What do you think makes a good team member?
- Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
- Why should we give you the job?
- When are you available to start?
- Do you have any questions?
There is no guarantee that you will be asked these questions at an interview but thorough preparation will give you the confidence to do your best.
After the interview
While the interview is still fresh in your mind, think about how it went including:
- How was it overall?
- What went well?
- What went badly?
- Were there any questions you found difficult? Why?
If you do not hear from the company, telephone asking for feedback.
Useful websites
Job Site
What Will They Ask?
Careersbox - Interview Techniques
Tests and exercises: Psychometric tests
What is Psychometric Testing?
Psychometric tests are structured tests, taken in exam-like conditions, which aim to measure objectively a person's ability, or certain aspects of their personality.
Most psychometric tests which measure ability, and virtually all accredited psychometric tests which measure aspects of personality, are devised by occupational psychologists. Their aim is twofold: to provide employers with a reliable method of selecting the best applicants and to design tests carefully so that they are fair to all applicants.
All psychometric tests, except for personality tests, are strictly timed.
Aptitude/ability tests
These are formal, timed tests, taken either online or by filling in a printed answer sheet. They usually take the form of multiple choice questions. You will be given full instructions before you start the test and there will be some example questions to try, with no time limit. Many employers now use online tests as an early selection method.
Personality questionnaires
These are not tests, but may have a time limit. There are no right or wrong answers - the tests are intended to give the employer a profile of your interests and working style.
Practise Aptitude tests can be found at the following websites:
How to Guide
Assessment Day
For further assistance with interviews, please contact a member of staff in the careerzone
How to contact the careerzone
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