Preparing for an interview
Interviews – how to make them work for you!
Why do some people get every job they go for? Because they shine at interviews and here is how to join them.
Attending interviews can be stressful but remember the interview is as much about you finding out about the company and what it has to offer, as the company finding out about you and what you have to offer.
Before the interview
- Remember that the skills required in a good interview are not the same as those required for the job, so practice your interview skills.
- Research the company, visit their website, check the construction journals, and ask for a company brochure before attending the interview.
- Prepare questions. Ask about expansion plans, where the interviewer sees the job going, what the team is like, etc.
- Be ready to give examples of how you used your skills, such as teamwork, etc.
- Practice interview techniques – if you are a student you can get free advice, role play workshops and mock interviews at university careers centres visit: bemyinterviewer.co.uk .
- Ensure your CV is up to date with no unexplained gaps, etc. Consider highlighting the areas that will be of interest to the interviewer in your covering letter
- Take a file with documents highlighting your achievements
- Make sure you know where the interview is being held, who you are seeing and at what time.
- Plan your journey, taking into account rush-hour traffic, road works, finding a parking space etc.
- Arrive with enough time to compose yourself
- Appearances are important, so make sure you dress smartly
- Relax and answer questions with confidence.
And don’t forget body language is also important so:
- Maintain eye contact.
- Don’t slouch or fidget.
- Take a few deep breaths relax and be natural
Remember the interviewer is hoping that you are the right person for the job, just as you are hoping to get the job. Do prepare and practise. It will be worth it.
How to prepare your CV
Your CV is usually the first impression a prospective employer gets of you, so make it a good one.
Most companies will usually have a CV evaluation process and some of the categories that could be covered are:
- Experience
- Skill
- Location
- Education/qualifications
- Personal qualities
- Specific/other
It is therefore important to try ascertain what you believe is important to them and consider adapting your CV to suit each job you apply for, so that you effectively reflect the skills, etc. that you know the employer is looking for.
For example, if the company has recently advertised for Civil Engineers, with three years main contracting experience to work nationally, make sure that you state in your covering letter that you have the required experience and with whom.
If you are applying for your first job after university/college, it is important to emphasise your qualifications, together with any part time work, work experience or team activities that you have undertaken whilst at university/college.
The information in your CV should be detailed enough to give the employer a good idea of your capabilities, but not too detailed that it detracts from what you are trying to get across. A good CV will usually be no more than 2 pages long, well presented, with the information formatted in a structured manner that is easy to follow.
Please find below a number of useful CV templates websites;
- www.direct.gov.uk (search CV templates)
- www.handsoncv.co.uk
- www.cvtips.com
