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CV Writing Tips

How can I be successful in an interview?

The interview is your chance to express information about yourself and of your ability to do the job on offer. Preparing well in advance for an interview will ensure you get the most of this opportunity to sell yourself to a prospective employer.

Do Your Homework

  • Ask your Diverse Employment recruitment consultant to give you background information about the company.
  • Go to the company website and read all about them! Print out some of the information and highlight relevant and interesting facts and figures. If you don’t have access to the internet, ring up the company and ask for a company brochure.
  • If you make it your business to learn about the company, it shows you are genuinely interested in working for them.
  • Find out the format of the interview – is it with one person, a panel of people, does it involve any assessment exercises.
  • Understand the role you are attending the interview for and study your CV

How do you sell yourself in a job interview?

  • Know the job description and the responsibilities that go with the role.
  • Understand how your skills and experience fit the job description
  • Be honest about what training you may need and be enthusiastic to receive any that’s provided
  • Make sure you take any qualification certificates or documents that are asked for.
  • Know your own CV (or at least the version you sent this company) and work history inside out.
  • Make notes on the points you want to emphasise during the interview which are particularly relevant to the job description.
  • Try to anticipate the questions they will ask. Think about any awkward questions that might be asked, and how you will answer them.

How can you make a good impression in an interview?

  • Prepare some questions to ask the interviewer. Asking questions demonstrates that you are interested in the role.
  • Find out how to get to the interview and how long it will take. You should plan to arrive 10 or 15 minutes earlier than requested.
  • For the interview, dress appropriately.
  • Prepare ideas on how you would contribute to the employer’s organisation
  • Be confident and offer a strong handshake when you meet the interviewer
  • Take the interviewer’s lead on when to sit down
  • Take care when answering questions

What not to do in a job interview?

  • Put your coat or bag on the desk
  • Don't talk too much
  • Don't be too familiar
  • Chew gum during your interview
  • Interrupt the interviewer while he or she is talking
  • Ask about salary and benefits at the first interview, unless prompted
  • Talk negatively or criticise previous roles and employers

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