Interview Preparation - The Basics

Know your Industry

Ensure you fully understand the industry in which you are seeking employment. Use the internet to research related industry associations, job descriptions and career paths and know what the expectations would be of you within that industry.

Know the Company

Research the company through the internet and by asking questions. Find out whether the company has won any awards, their history, new developments e.g.: new brand names they may have and use the information as a basis to ask questions during the interview. Showing that you have researched the company is a good way to show your commitment to getting the job.

Know Yourself

The big one! You must know yourself and what you have to offer to an organisation. Understand why you are here, where you want to go and what you have to offer. Think: What am I good at? What would my friends say I am good at? What am I not so good at? What part do I play within a team? Why would I hire me?

Pre-Interview Checklist

Have you…

• Worked out how to get to the interview and how long it will take you to get there? You should never be late to an interview. Always plan on arriving no more, or less, than 10-15 minutes prior to the scheduled time.
• Determined what format will the interview take?
  • Will it be one-on-one or a panel of interviewers? What is the interviewers name(s) and title(s)?
  • If it is via video-conferencing (Skype, Lync etc) have you made sure you have a good internet connection? Is your device (laptop, tablet etc.) fully charged and the program functioning properly? Do you have a good headset with microphone? Are you in a quiet environment and is the back-drop professional (i.e. what can the interviewer see behind you)?
  • If it is via the telephone, is your phone fully charged? Can you get good reception in the location you intend on taking the call? Is it in a quiet environment where you will not be disturbed?
• Worked out what you are going to wear? You need to look the part and present yourself professionally. Always look neat, clean and tidy, even if the dress code at the organisation is informal. Dress for success!

In the next issue of ‘Becoming a successful Le Cordon Bleu Graduate’ we will look at the most commonly asked interview questions.

Becoming a successful Le Cordon Bleu Graduate articles:

• Your Resume
• Interview Preparation
• Interview Preparation The Importance of References (or Referees)