Interview preparation is a fine art that needs mastering if you are going to realise success at the interview
So you’ve just got the great news that you’ve got an interview for your dream job. Well done! However, when the excitement dies down, it can turn to nerves. It’s a daunting prospect to go in, sell yourself, answer tricky questions and do all you can to secure this role. What can you do to prepare and gain confidence?
Prepare tailored answers to the job description
The first thing is to go through the job description and requirements, pulling out key words, and thinking how these relate to your experience. Think about specific examples of how you have fulfilled these criteria:
Have you led a team to succeed on a significant project?
Have you created an effective marketing strategy that created more engagement?
What interview questions are they likely to ask based on the specification?
Write down possible answers to each requirement.
Research the company thoroughly
Secondly, research the company thoroughly:
Do they have a key mission/vision statement?
What are their core values?
Do they have annual reports on their website detailing their recent achievements and failures, growth objectives?
Think about how you might benefit the company with their goals for growth and prepare to discuss these with an emphasis on how your skills and experience can add value
Finally (and crucially) – book a practice interview
Practice, practice, practice!
Finally (and crucially) – book a practice interview. Running through the possible questions you’ll be asked by someone who does this for a living is a fantastic opportunity to work through your nerves, finesse your answers and receive valuable feedback before the real thing
This is where Interviewpals can help! We offer a unique mobile app which gives you the opportunity to connect to a global network of industry professionals with hiring experience from all sectors, seniority levels and backgrounds to provide you with a tailored mock interview, giving you precious interview preparation.
Through the app we provide an platform simulating real conditions and interview questions (unique to the roles to which you have applied) in a relaxed environment allowing you to familiarise yourself with the process, content and context of your interview, reducing your anxiety, and giving you the opportunity to practice in a risk-free setting. Following the end of the mock interview, we give you access to the video recording plus the interviewer’s score card which you can use to make any necessary adjustments, from body language to your answers and preparation.
So sign up to the app today, and help secure the role you deserve!
Rachel Garman is the Information and Research Officer at University College London Careers. Her latest blog for UCL can be found here
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