Interview Skills/Preparation talks about how you can be more prepared for your next interview. For more information about how we can help you apply for and prepare for interviews please call: 0121 707 0550 or e-mail: info@apprenticeshiprecruitment.co.uk

2. BEFORE YOUR INTERVIEW
• Research the Company
• Plan for the Interview
• Plan your journey
• Make list of questions you want to ask
• Decide and prepare what your are going to wear
• Gather together the information you’ll need at the
interview

3. RESEARCH THE COMPANY
If you are invited to an interview you should spend some time
researching the company as this will give you confidence
should you be asked any question on what the company
does.
It will also allow you to ask the employer questions.
You could contact the company to ask for an information pack
or you could look at their website.

4. RESEARCH THE COMPANY
It’s helpful to find out the following things about the
employer:
• What they do, make or sell?
• Who are their customers?
• What sort of organisation are they?
• What is the job likely to involve?
• How can you best fit your skills to match the job?

5. PLANNING FOR THE INTERVIEW
• Find out what the interview will involve to make sure you’re
prepared
• Contact the employer if you need them to make particular
arrangements for you – for example, to help you get into the
building, if you have a disability.
• Find out how the long the interview is likely to last
• Find out if you will have to take a test or make a presentation
• Find out the dress code (if possible) but if you are not sure
just make sure you look professional and presentable with
fresh, ironed clothes and clean, smart shoes

6. PLAN YOUR JOURNEY
• Find out the distance to your interview
• Consider travelling to the company the day before to
check how long the journey will take
• Find out the bus routes or details of where you can park
your car
• Plan another way of getting there in case something
unexpected happens

7. CREATE THE RIGHT IMAGE
First impressions is one of the most important things!
How you look and what you wear will be vital, so it is important
to look professional, even if you are applying for a casual job.
• Your clothes should be neat and clean
• Keep your shoes in good condition
• Your hair should be neatly styled
• For women: makeup should be subtle
• Nails should be clean, neat and of reasonable length

8. BEFORE YOUR INTERVIEW
Male
Suit Navy or Black. Belt
Shirt Long sleeve, White shirt or co-ordinated with suit, with
black tie. Keep it simple
Shoe Smart, comfortable, shoe, preferably black. The shoe
should match the colour of your suit. Dark socks.
Jewellery Watch or wedding band. Earrings should not be worn
and chain should not be on show.
Hair Clean and neat professional look, low cut.
Nails Clean and neatly trimmed.

9. BEFORE YOUR INTERVIEW
Female
Suit Navy, Black or dark grey
Skirt Good length so that you are able to sit comfortably
Shirt White shirt or colour co-ordinated blouse
Shoe Smart, comfortable, conservative shoe, no extra high
heels or high platform, no trainers or snow boots.
Jewellery Not excessive.
Hair Clean, neat and not brightly coloured.
Make-up Light makeup, no heavy eye shadow or lip liner.
Nails Neutral nail colour, good manicure and clean.

10. GET WHAT YOU NEED
Gather together the information you’ll need at the interview
• Remember to take a copy of your CV or application form to
refer to and prepare notes or cue cards to help, if you think it
might need a prompt during the interview.
• Take items the employer has asked you to bring along - for
example: references, certificates or your driving licence.
• Re-read the job advert to refresh your memory and to make
sure you haven’t missed anything.

11. BODY LANGUAGE
“Having the best CV and all the right answers to testing
interview questions won’t get you anywhere if your body
language gives an entirely different message.”
• Research has shown that tone of voice and body
language accounts for 65% of what’s communicated,
words 35%.
• Body language can give away our feelings, regardless
of whether we keep our mouths shut or not.

12. BEFORE YOUR INTERVIEW
• Firm handshake - A good handshake should be
vertically palm to palm, with a firm grip, while
maintaining eye contact
• Keep your body language open and relaxed - Closed
hand movements and crossed arms give the
impression of being defensive. By sitting comfortably
with your back against the chair you will appear
confident
• Good eye contact is essential during an interview

13. BODY LANGUAGE
Positive Body Language:
• Responsive/Eager: Leaning forward, open arms, nodding
• Listening: Head tilted, constant eye contact, nodding
• Attentive: Smiling
Negative Body Language:
• Bored: Slumped posture, foot tapping
• Rejection: Arms folded, head down
• Aggression: Leaning too far forward, finger pointing
• Lying: Touching face, hands over mouth, eyes averted, shifting
position,
• Ignoring/Not Interested: Glancing around

14. VOICE
It is important to project yourself confidently and clearly.
Practice and try to be aware of the following:
• Use a range of tones, avoid monotone
• Pause before speaking
• Speak slightly slower than normal
• Don’t mumble or gabble excitedly
• Keep your hands away from your mouth as you
speak
• Watch your pitch and dynamics (high-pitched voices
are tough on the ears)
• Let your voice show your enthusiasm and keenness

15. WHO TO ADDRESS
• Always look at the person questioning you
• Direct your answer to the questioner
• Glance around to engage the whole panel
Hints and Tips :
• Listen to and understand what the interviewer is
asking or saying to you
• Don’t hurry to speak (usually out of nervousness,
sometimes out of overconfidence) they won’t be
able to fully hear what has been said if you rush

16. HOW TO ADDRESS
• There is also the danger that you hear what you want to
hear rather than what is actually being said
• Avoid preconceptions; give the other person your full
attention
• Wait for them to finish what they are saying, be open-minded,
not prejudiced
• If you’re not sure what the interviewer means, ask for
clarification; it doesn’t mean you are stupid! In fact just
the opposite

17. HOW TO ADDRESS
You want to present yourself in the best possible light
throughout the interview process:
• Keep to the point
• Be clear
• Know the appropriate jargon
• Speak with confidence
• Keep your answers positive
• Be honest and open with replies
• Give plenty of work related examples
• Be enthusiastic

18. HOW TO EXIT
Leave as smoothly and politely as possible:
• Do not add any afterthoughts
• Thank the Interviewer or panel for their time through
the Chair
• Don’t let the success of your future depend on trying
to find out how you interview on the day
• Take time to practice
• Practice develops performance in all things;
interviews are no exception

19. INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
An employer will ask you a lot of different questions at
an interview to find out about you and your skills.
It is always best to prepare.

20. INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
1. Why do you want to work here?
Mention the following:
• The good reputation of the firm
• Any other positive information you have about them - for
example: their training record or their equal
opportunities policy
• The job will give you the opportunity to do work that
interests you

21. INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
2. Have you done this kind of work before?
• If you have, tell them the skills and experience you have
and how you can use them in this job.
• If you haven’t, describe other work experience that is
relevant to this job or which will help you learn this job
quickly.
• Emphasise your interest and your enthusiasm to learn.

22. INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
3. What did you do in your last job/voluntary work?
Describe the following things:
• Skills and duties relevant to the new job
• Your responsibilities
• How you worked with others
• If you worked with customers - say how you worked with them
• How long you were there
• Whether you were promoted
• Responsibilities you volunteered to take on

23. INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
4. What kinds of equipment can you use?
• Name the types of equipment you can use that are
relevant to the new job
• Mention any relevant qualifications or training you have
had
• Tell them the length of time you have used this
equipment

24. INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
5. How long have you been out of work and how do
you spend your time?
Describe the following:
• What you have done to look for a job
• Any voluntary work you have done
• Any further education, study or training you have taken
part in your hobbies and leisure activities – if
appropriate
Try to link what you did to the skills and experience the
employer is looking for.

25. INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
6. What makes you think you are the right person for
this job?
Tell the interviewer about the following:
• The skills and experience you have which are relevant
to the job
• The personal qualities that you bring to the job

26. INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
7. Why have you had so many jobs?
You could say the following things:
• You wanted to widen your experience in different types
of work or in different companies
• Many of the jobs were temporary
• You would rather be in work than out of work

27. INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
8. Why have you only had one job?
You could say the following things:
• You had several jobs within your last company
• The job offered you the opportunity to develop
• You enjoyed the work

28. INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
10. Why should the employer take you on?
Be ready for this question and answer confidently and
positively:
• Describe your skills and experience and how relevant
they are to this job
• Tell them you are enthusiastic and willing to learn
• Tell them you are hardworking, reliable and capable

29. INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
11. Aren’t you overqualified?
Emphasise the following:
• You are looking for something different
• You can take as well as give instructions

30. INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
12. How do you get on with people?
Tell the interviewer:
• How you have worked as a team in the past
• How you get on with people at all levels - give examples
• How you have provided good customer service, if this is
relevant - give examples

31. INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
9. What makes a good team member?
Describe the skills needed, for example:
• Good communication skills
• Flexibility
• The ability to adapt to change
• The ability to cooperate with other people
• Having a good sense of humour
• Give examples of how you showed these in previous
work situations or leisure activities

32. INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
10. How do you cope with pressure?
• Describe pressures in previous jobs/school/college
using a recent example - such as: how you coped with a
deadline that had been brought forward or how you
completed a rush order or dealt with staff shortages

33. INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
11. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• Strengths: They may want to emphasise particular skills
relevant to the job by giving examples
• Weaknesses: start by describing parts of your last job
which you found difficult and then explain how you
overcame these difficulties or be brief but honest - for
example: ‘I can sometimes be a little too enthusiastic’

34. INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
12. What would you like to be doing in five years’ time?
• Explain that you would ideally like to be working for the
same company but to have developed within it.
13. When would you be available to start?
• As soon as possible. Do not put any barriers in the way.

35. INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
14. Do you have any questions?
One or two of these may be appropriate:
• Do you offer on-going training and development?
• What will my first job be?
• How soon will I hear the result of my application?
• Does the company carry out performance reviews and
how often?

36. PREPARATION FOR INTERVIEW
Task 1
List 10 questions that you might be asked in an interview
situation?
Include questions about the job ,working conditions, candidate.

37. PREPARATION FOR INTERVIEW
Task 2
Write you answer to these questions in exactly the
way you would say the answer.

38. MOCK INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
Why do you feel you are the best person for this job?
Answer
Feedback
What skills would you bring to this company?
Answer
Feedback
Give me an example of when you have worked as part of a
team?
Answer
Feedback

39. MOCK INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
Give me an example of when you have been trusted to do
something?
Answer
Feedback
What do you believe makes you a good team player?
Answer
Feedback

40. MOCK INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
Get someone to ask you some interview questions and
then ask yourself these questions
• How did it feel?
• How did you think you performed?
• Did you fulfil your aims and objectives of the interview?
(if no, what?)
• What point(s) do you need to develop? (if applicable)

41. ARE YOU READY
• Think of 3 ways in which you would be able to find out
information about the company
• What 5 questions could you ask at interview?
• What information would you need to take with you for
the interview?
• When you have arrived at the interview who would
notify that you are there?
• Why is it important to arrive at least 15 minutes before
your interview?
• What should you do in those 15 minutes before the
interview?

42. FOR MORE INFORMATION,
ADVICE AND GUIDANCE
For more information about how we can help
you apply and prepare for interviews please:
Call: 0121 707 0550
E-mail:
info@apprenticeshiprecruitment.co.uk