Interview Advice Types of Interviews Commonly asked questions   Interviews are intimidating for any jobseeker but especially for graduates who do not have a lot of experience in the professional working environment.  However if you have been invited to an interview, there is a reason for it.  Now is your chance to show the potential employer what you can offer!  Your cover letter and CV or application form has impressed the company and now they want to learn a bit more about you.  Every interview you attend will be different and you will gain experience from them all so, it is important to go to every interview you’re offered in order to practise.

Interview Advice

What is the point of the interview?
Interview preparation
Interview do’s
Interview don’ts
Interview appearance
At the interview
After the interview
Sample follow up e-mail

What is the point of an interview?

The point of an interview is to see if your skills, experience and personality match the requirements of the job.  Most commonly interviewers will be looking at:

• Your communications skills.
• How you present yourself.
• Your enthusiasm.

A company will have an idea of who you are from your application or CV but the interview allows them to see how you come across in person. The interview is also your chance to find out if the job is a good fit for you too – ask yourself if this is a position that you really want.
 

Interview preparation

• Research the company – find out about what they do, have they been in the news recently, do they have any new products etc.
• Review your answers for common interview questions (see commonly asked interview questions section below).
• Have three or four questions ready that you would like to ask the company.
• Take an extra copy of your CV and references with you.
• Make sure you know where you are going and plan how long it will take you to get there.  Allow yourself 30 minutes extra time for unexpected delays.
• Think about your personal brand and how you want to come across – you won’t get a second chance to make a first impression.
• Reread your application form.  You may need to go into detail about the information you have put down, so it is best to go over your answers in advance. 
• Reread the job description so you feel at ease about the requirements of the position.
• Relax and to be calm - you have been chosen to come for an interview, so already there are things about you that the company is interested in.
• If you are unable to attend an interview let the company know as soon as possible - you must maintain a high degree of professionalism.

Interview Do’s

• Do dress professionally – ideally wear a suit.
• Do ask the interviewer to repeat the question if you don’t understand.
• Do show interest in the company and position.
• Do ask questions - this shows enthusiasm and the ability to think on your feet.
• Do thank the interviewer for their time and ask what their timeline is for a decision.

Interview Don’ts

• Don’t be late.
• Don’t leave your mobile on.
• Don’t interrupt the interviewer when they are speaking.
• Don’t be negative.
• Don’t ramble on and on – keep your answers succinct.
• Don’t go into great detail about money.

Interview Appearance

Even though as a graduate you may not have extensive work experience, it doesn’t mean that you aren’t required to look professional.  It is always better to overdress and impress, than to not be dressed suitably. Buy a suit you feel and look good in as feeling well groomed and dressed will boost your confidence and this will come across in the interview.

At the interview

It is important for you to focus on how to present yourself so dress to impress - looking professional and well groomed gives an excellent first impression. Your body language also says a lot about you, so remember to:

• Make eye contact, have a firm handshake and, most of all, smile! 
• Sit upright with your arms and legs unfolded to encourage you to sit still and poised.
• Speak calmly and confidently as communication is one of the key skills that employers look for - avoid speaking quickly or mumbling.
• Listen to the interviewer and the questions being asked – make sure you understand the question so you can answer it accurately.
• Be aware of the length of your answers. Don’t answer shortly with yes’s or no’s and waffling on is unacceptable.  Find a balance, be concise and back up each answer with a short and relevant example.
• Ask questions.  Come up with suitable questions to show the interviewer that you have done research on the company and that you are enthusiastic about them and the role.

After the interview

• Continue to mind your manners as you leave the building.
• Reflect on your answers and analyse what was well communicated and how you would or could have answered any questions differently.
• If appropriate, drop the interviewer a thank you note.  You do not need to go over the top, just a simple “thanks for the interview, nice to meet you and look forward to hearing from you.” 
• Be careful with follow-up calls and emails.  It is a positive thing to sound eager and interested, but not so positive to sound forceful and desperate.
  

Sample follow up e-mail
This is a sample thank you letter to give you an idea of how to write your own letter.

Dear (Name of Interviewer),

Thank you for taking the time to discuss the (name of position) at (name of company) with me. After meeting with you and finding out more about (name of company), I am further convinced that my background and skills coincide well with your needs.

I really appreciate that you took so much time to acquaint me with both the role and the company. I feel I could learn a great deal from you and would certainly enjoy working for (name of company)

I am enthusiastic about the possibility of working with you at (name of company).  The position sounds like an ideal match for my skills and experience.  Please contact me at (phone number) if you have any further questions and I look forward to hearing from you.  Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

 Your name

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Types of Interviews

Face to face interview
Telephone interview
Group interview
Panel interview
Sequential interview

Face to face interview

This is the most common type of interview.  This is when there is a one to one meeting involving the candidate and the interviewer.


Telephone interview

A telephone interview is becoming increasingly popular among companies as a method to preliminary screen candidates. It is equally important to make a good impression during a phone interview as it is in a face to face interview.


Group interview

A group interview usually has a presentation about the company followed by a question and answer session. The candidates take turns to answer questions and it is a chance for the company to meet the candidates and to observe their behaviour in a group situation.


Panel interview

A panel interview is made up of two or more interviewers who take turns asking you questions.  This measures how you interact with different people, especially your future bosses, work colleagues, or both.  Acknowledge the entire panel when answering as this will show confidence and good communication skills.


Sequential interview

This is usually when you meet with several interviewers one after another.  When you meet with each individual interviewer they typically will focus on their own area of interest.  During sequential interviews it is important to answer each interviewer as thoroughly as the previous one even if they ask very similar questions.

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Commonly Asked Interview Questions

Questions the interviewer may ask you about university
Questions the interviewer may ask you about yourself
Questions the interviewer may ask you about the job and company
Questions the interviewer may ask you about your technical experience

Prepare well thought out responses to each of the following questions, as it will help you to organise your answers for any potential questions asked during your interview

About University

• Why did you choose your university?
• Why did you decide to enter the field of technology? or What motivated you to study a technology degree?
• How do you feel your course has prepared you to enter the commercial world?
• Describe an achievement you have had at university.

About You

• Tell me about yourself.
• How do you handle pressure?
• Would you rather work in a team or by yourself?
• What are your strengths?
• What are your weaknesses?
• Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult situation.  How did you handle it?
• What motivates you?
• How do you motivate others?
• Where do you see yourself in five years time?
• What are your hobbies or personal interests?

About the Company and the Job

• Why should we offer you the job?
• What attracted you to this position?
• Why do you want to work for this company?
• What makes you think that you would be good in this role?
• How would you hope to develop in this role?
• Why are you leaving your current role? (if applicable)

About your Technical Experience

• What IT systems have you worked with?
• Which technologies have you used that would be particularly relevant for this job?
• Do you have experience in this sort of role?

Questions to Ask the Employer

Questions you may want to ask the employer about the company
Questions you may want to ask the employer about the role
Questions you may want to ask the employer about training and development

You will have a chance to ask the employer any questions you may have.  Preparing a few questions in advance will show the employer that you are serious and are taking a keen interest in their role.

About the Company

• What is the company culture like?
• Are there any offices elsewhere?
• Which technologies does the company use and what new technologies do you see your organisation adopting in the next few years?
• Which direction is your company moving in?
• Who are your main customers?

The Role

• What would a typical day be like for me?
• Can you tell me more about the role itself?
• Who are the people I would be working beside and what do they do?
• Who would I be reporting to?
• Is there anybody else doing the same role?
• Will there be any travel involved in this position?

Training and Development

• What are the long-term prospects of the position?
• What is the likely career development over the next few years?
• What possible training could I receive in this role?
• What opportunities are there to further my qualifications?

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