Prepare more than one C.V. See CV Reference checklist

Ensure your C.V./resume is current and appropriate for the interview

Consider doing a targeted C.V. for each interview

Have copies of your references available at interview. Only give in if asked

Consider if you will need a personal portfolio of your work at interview

New employer will want to understand why you want to change your position

Consider your body language

Consider a range of questions that you will be asked

Consider that questions may be set to discover your reaction, not just the answer

Prepare answers about:

Why you left your last job. See do’s & don’t list

Why you are interested in this job/company

How your existing skill base is appropriate

Consider how to approach open ended questions like:

How you dealt with sacking someone

How you dealt with a trick problem/co-worker/changed someone’s mind

Consider drawing on examples outside the workplace/studies/voluntary work

Consider how you can appear focussed and dedicated

Prepare questions for you to use at the interview end:

How the panel can see you integrating into the organisation

What key objectives the successful candidate will be expected to achieve

Appraisal/job evaluation schemes in use in the organisation

Job development within the organisation

The timescale for filling the vacancy

Questions raised by your research

Only if prompted: what the pay package consists of

Research your target employer/business/institution in depth so that:

You can demonstrate   knowledge/answer questions

You can show you know about all the critical areas of the organisation

Remember that oral/presentation/interpersonal skills are paramount

Find and attend mock interview workshops

Practise being interviewed with friends/colleagues

Consider your phrasing of answers. Avoid ums and ahs. Use pauses

Rehearse answers to rude or condescending questions/remarks. Never hit back.

Prepare concrete examples of relevant work that you have done

Prepare examples to illustrate your problem solving skills

Prepare evidence, if possible, of your skills in interaction with colleagues

Consider how tactfully to pitch technical answers to a non-technical panel

Make a list of your strong points. Consider how to use them without boasting

Be ready to respond to questions like:

What are your weak points

Why did you not get on in your existing job

Why didn’t   you present employed promote you

Because first impressions are CRITICAL:

Consider you dress for the interview:

Always dress smartly, men in a suit, women in formal modest business attire

Research dress code for the organisation, but err on side of formality

Give great attention to dress details/shoes/socks/tights/make-up (minimal)

Check directions/transport links/parking to interview site

Have a phone number to alert company in case of unavoidable delay

Telephone pre-interviews (screening interviews)

If the organisation uses these:

Choose a time that suits you, when you can perform your best

Remember that it is a ‘real’ interview so be professional and assured

Watch out for over-informality, but be polite and courteous

Be aware that the interviewer may be taking notes during pauses

As in any interview be consise, answer question without rambling

Be ready with your prepared question/s for interviewer

Find out the name of the person that will interview you