There are lots of different types of interview:
- One-to-one
- Video
- Telephone
- Panel
- Group
Some include tests and tasks to do during the interview.
Before, try to:
- Look at the company’s website and find out as much about them as you can. Google them!
- Think about the questions they are most likely to ask you and prepare the answers you would give
- Practice with someone you feel at ease with. Being asked questions and replying out loud will help you judge how your answers sound, and you can adjust them if necessary
- Arrange some smart clothes and shoes to wear. Making a good impression is key to a successful job interview. It is respectful and shows you are serious about the job
- If you are unable to attend the interview once it has been arranged, or you are going to be late, call the employer to let them know
At the interview:
- Arrive in plenty of time – allow for possible delays on the journey. It is better to be early if possible
- Turn off your mobile phone
- Be prepared to walk - your interview might start 100 metres from the door
- Be nice to everyone you meet – they might get asked their opinion of you later!
- Smile when you go in, look the person in the eye, be prepared to shake hands and only sit down when asked to
- Speak positively and enthusiastically; try not to mumble
- Answer questions fully – aim to provide all the information that is relevant to the job but avoid talking negatively about previous employers
- Think before answering – better to pause for a moment and say something sensible than rushing in with the first thing you think of!
- Don’t be afraid to ask the interviewer to repeat a question
- It is always good to ask a question at the end. It gives you the opportunity to find out more about the job and shows you are keen! It helps if you prepare questions in advance. Try not to ask questions about money
You are likely to be asked questions covering the following areas:
- Yourself – personal skills, qualities, experience, education background, interests
- The job you are applying for – why you are applying, future development opportunities, expectations
- The company itself – what do they do, how long have they been running, where are they based, how big/small are they, their ethics and values
Top tips for the interview
- Arrive in plenty of time – you can immediately show an employer you are reliable and good at time keeping.
- Think about the journey - even if you get a lift to the interview, make sure you have checked how you would get to work on your own. Is it a reasonable journey by public transport? This website can help you plan your journey: www.intalink.org.uk
- Be enthusiastic and open-minded - maybe you applied for this job because you couldn’t get your first choice. Don’t let the employer know. They will want to offer the job to someone keen.
- Show an interest – do your homework. Prepare your answers and make sure you know about the job you are applying for and find out as much as you can about the company and the industry. The company’s own website is a good place to start - or Google them. This will allow you to show how much effort you have made e.g. “I see from your website that you have other offices – would I have the chance to visit these?”
- Mock interviews – Run through your interview answers. Say them out loud to friends and family or come along to your local SfYP Young People's Centre for mock interview sessions. Remember it's perfectly normal to feel nervous
Talk to an SfYP Adviser
Young people who are not at school or college can come to their local SfYP young people's centre for help with progressing into education, training or finding a job or apprenticeship. Find your nearest centre here: