How to prepare and perform well in interviews So, you have secured yourself an interview. It could be for a college course, apprenticeship or part time job. Here are 4YP’s top tips for You can start by browsing the through it. What are they company’s website and trying working on? What have success. to find the answers to the been their successes? following questions: If you have a college interview, RESEARCH What does the company do? it may be helpful to have an Do they produce anything? Employers tell us their pet hate idea of the career direction Who are their customers? is people coming to interviews you would like to take once without having researched the How big is the company? you have finished the course. company. You want to avoid Are they just based in the UK These career websites are or international? Where are this embarrassing situation by great for careers research. putting in some time before their offices? your interview to find out a bit If the company has a news Prospects more about the company. section, take a good look icould

You can see more information about us here www.4ypuk.com The next part of your research is • Where do you see yourself in the future? working out how you are going to • What are your strengths and areas you get to the interview. would like to develop? Look up where your interview is taking place • How would your friends and family describe using google maps. How are you going to you in terms of work? get there? You should aim to arrive at least 10 • What kind of situations are difficult for you? minutes early. • What motivates you? Bus times () • Tell me what you know about this company? Train times • Before you go, check for disruptions and leave plenty of time. QUESTIONS you might want to ask… You can ask the employer what So, the day has arrived, and you • Give examples of previous experience • What would a typical day look like? will happen in the interview: are ready for your interview. Here • Talk about yourself positively and • Check how long the interview will last • How many people are employed in are some tips to help you make a enthusiastically this section/department? great first impression. • Are there any practical exercises? At the end of the interview • Do people stay at this company a • Be friendly and polite to everyone you meet, • Do you need to bring anything with you? • Thank the interviewer for their time long time? from the cleaner to the receptionist Now you have done your • Leave with a confident handshake and a • What are the prospects for future • Greet your interviewer with a smile and a research, you can start thinking smile and say you look forward to hearing development in this job? handshake about how you might answer from them • Sit up! Do not slouch or sit too far back those tricky interview questions. So hopefully, by following this advice, you Many employers and colleges will base their What to wear • Don’t cross your arms; you can come across will be on your way to making a great interview questions on your application form as defensive impression at your interview. Even if you are • Check you have something suitable to or CV. Be prepared to expand upon what you not successful, you can use the experience to wear. Check it fits well, it is smart, ironed • Make good eye contact and smile have written. improve for next time. Don’t be afraid to ask and clean. Check your shoes are clean and • Try to not fidget, bite nails, bounce your the interviewer for feedback! Look back at the job description and the key polished. leg up and down or say ‘errmmm’ or ‘you skills and personal qualities they said they Good luck! • Check your hair is clean and tidy. know’ or ‘like’ too much! were looking for. Don’t wear overpowering • Get the interviewer to rephrase a question if 4YPUK Team Note down each key skill and personal quality deodorants or you don’t understand what they have asked and think of a way you can demonstrate this. perfumes. ‘I’m sorry I didn’t quite understand the Use examples from school, voluntary work, • Avoid question’ or ‘I am sorry could you repeat the work experience, sports, hobbies. inappropriate question?’ You can’t anticipate every jewellery question an interviewer might ask, but here are a few common ones • Check your breath! you can practice: Don’t eat anything too strong smelling • Tell me about yourself (such as garlic) the Useful Links • Why do you want this job? night before. Example My First CV Template Click Here Top Ten Employability Skills Click Here Would you like a careers interview over the phone or via video?

Do you go to one of the schools/colleges listed below? Are you considering your next steps? You will be able to talk with a qualified Careers Adviser for an impartial, 1-1 session to help make decisions on your next steps - that could be getting advice on what to study, careers guidance, making applications, writing CVs or searching for that dream job!

Participating Schools/Colleges All Saints • The Academy of Central Bedfordshire Central Bedfordshire College • Manshead CE Academy • Priory Academy • Queensbury Academy Redborne Upper School • • • Etonbury Academy Funded by our school partners and our research project with The Careers Enterprise Company

Do stay in touch and let us know what you want to read about… and remember, you can always contact us to arrange a careers guidance appointment over the phone / video call! Email us on [email protected]