Skip to content

How to succeed at interview

Allen Associates, News & Blog

Everyone responds to interviews differently, and some find the process more stressful than others. The key is to prepare thoroughly and the following tips should help:

  • Be clear about the job specification, especially the skills and experience required
  • Familiarise yourself with your CV so that you can talk knowledgeably about every aspect of it and answer in-depth questions relating to the different sections
  • Try to find out who will be conducting the interview, how it will be structured and how long it is likely to last
  • Put yourself in your interviewer’s shoes. Try to come up with a range of questions you think they are likely to ask, especially challenging or awkward questions, and think about how you would answer them
  • Find out as much as you can about the company – for example, visit their website, research their competitors, read what they are saying and what’s being said about them
  • Prepare a few relevant and intelligent questions to ask the interviewer – for example, about the company’s plans, the job on offer, working environment and culture and any training or career opportunities
  • Find out exactly where the interview is being held, how to get there and who to ask for on arrival. Allow yourself plenty of time!
  • Dress smartly and conservatively.