The interview
You've got an interview! You may well have forgotten that you applied for that particular job, so it is a pleasant surprise. Now what?
They probably want you to phone and confirm that you'll be attending. Do that straight away. And if you later find that, for a really good reason, you can't attend, then tell them. A lot of employers are finding that they shortlist 6 candidates but fewer than half turn up. The missing ones may well have got work already. But if you can't attend, the employer can bring in another candidate. Do some homework on the company, so that you know at least what they do.
How are you going to get there? How long will the journey take? If in doubt, do a dry run. The last thing you want to do is get lost or arrive very late. And while cycling may be the cheapest way to get there, it's better to catch a bus than arrive soaking wet and dishevelled.
They probably want you to phone and confirm that you'll be attending. Do that straight away. And if you later find that, for a really good reason, you can't attend, then tell them. A lot of employers are finding that they shortlist 6 candidates but fewer than half turn up. The missing ones may well have got work already. But if you can't attend, the employer can bring in another candidate. Do some homework on the company, so that you know at least what they do.
How are you going to get there? How long will the journey take? If in doubt, do a dry run. The last thing you want to do is get lost or arrive very late. And while cycling may be the cheapest way to get there, it's better to catch a bus than arrive soaking wet and dishevelled.
Decisions
For some jobs there may be a test. This is particularly true for admin jobs, where you may well be given a set of tasks to assess your computer, literacy and numeracy skills. Take your time over these. Better to be accurate and rather slow than make a mess in a hurry. If you're faced with such a test and you don't understand the instructions, or the computer doesn't work (it has happened!) then ask whoever is nearby for help. You'll look a bigger fool if you sit there helplessly.
You could be interviewed by one person, if it's a small company, or by anything up to half a dozen people. Large organisations do it by the book; they have a list of questions which they must put to each candidate, and the interviewers take it in turns to ask them. Unless you are very relaxed, there are two dangers for the candidate. You could be tongue-tied, feeling your mind going blank; or you could chatter inanely, knowing you're doing it but unable to stop. If you lose your thread, stop and ask the questioner to repeat the question. Take comfort from the fact that the other candidates are probably doing the same, and the interviewers can see beyond it. You will almost certainly be asked if you have any questions. It's fine to ask what the hours and pay are if they haven't already told you, but don't quiz them about holidays, breaks etc. You could show an interest in the company by asking about their products or services. You could ask about the scope for training and development.
Very occasionally you could be called back for a second interview. This happens if the interviewers want to bring in someone higher up in the firm to decide between two or more candidates, or because they want to set more difficult tests.
Is it legal? Suppose you discover at interview that the employer is actually breaking the law. Perhaps the pay works out at less than minimum wage; or they are demanding that you do "voluntary", unpaid hours over and above what you are being paid for, or discriminating by age, sex or disability. If you are signing on you don't have the luxury of turning down the job on the spot. But report the circumstances to your advisor straight away, providing documentation if you can.
The interviewers are unlikely to tell you there and then whether you've got the job. You'll have to go home and wait by the phone. There are employers who don't bother to inform rejected candidates that they haven't got the job. Most will let you know by letter or phone-call. In larger organisations someone in HR may offer to give you feedback, i.e. tell you why you lost. Do you want to know? It's supposed to be constructive, and it could help you to do better at the next interview. But sometimes the interviewer is simply trying to justify a decision that was not about your shortcomings. It's okay politely to decline.
- What to wear. For men, a suit if you have one. But lots of men don't have suits any more, so it's a matter of being as smart as you can. Remember that you need to conform to the employer's expectations. Some younger people take the view that an employer should take them as they are, and refuse to change the way they look. That is not a sensible attitude. Do not wear jeans or any kind of headgear. Remove any facial metalwork. Have a haircut. Look like someone they might want to employ. Women also need to look smart, and avoid any distractions like low-cut tops and very short skirts. Wear minimal make-up, no perfume and very little jewellery. It's okay to wear trousers providing they are dark-coloured and smart.
- What time to arrive. Arrange to be there at least 15 minutes before the appointed time. There are two reasons for this; you need to be able to catch your breath and get yourself in the right frame of mind; and the interviewers may be running early and be glad to put you straight in.
- Would you like a coffee? While you wait, a kindly receptionist might make this offer. Our advice is to say no. Imagine if you spilled it. And nerves will already be putting pressure on your bladder.
- Need a cigarette? If you're a smoker, try not to smoke after you've showered and dressed. You can last for a couple of hours, and you don't want to go in smelling of tobacco.
For some jobs there may be a test. This is particularly true for admin jobs, where you may well be given a set of tasks to assess your computer, literacy and numeracy skills. Take your time over these. Better to be accurate and rather slow than make a mess in a hurry. If you're faced with such a test and you don't understand the instructions, or the computer doesn't work (it has happened!) then ask whoever is nearby for help. You'll look a bigger fool if you sit there helplessly.
You could be interviewed by one person, if it's a small company, or by anything up to half a dozen people. Large organisations do it by the book; they have a list of questions which they must put to each candidate, and the interviewers take it in turns to ask them. Unless you are very relaxed, there are two dangers for the candidate. You could be tongue-tied, feeling your mind going blank; or you could chatter inanely, knowing you're doing it but unable to stop. If you lose your thread, stop and ask the questioner to repeat the question. Take comfort from the fact that the other candidates are probably doing the same, and the interviewers can see beyond it. You will almost certainly be asked if you have any questions. It's fine to ask what the hours and pay are if they haven't already told you, but don't quiz them about holidays, breaks etc. You could show an interest in the company by asking about their products or services. You could ask about the scope for training and development.
Very occasionally you could be called back for a second interview. This happens if the interviewers want to bring in someone higher up in the firm to decide between two or more candidates, or because they want to set more difficult tests.
Is it legal? Suppose you discover at interview that the employer is actually breaking the law. Perhaps the pay works out at less than minimum wage; or they are demanding that you do "voluntary", unpaid hours over and above what you are being paid for, or discriminating by age, sex or disability. If you are signing on you don't have the luxury of turning down the job on the spot. But report the circumstances to your advisor straight away, providing documentation if you can.
The interviewers are unlikely to tell you there and then whether you've got the job. You'll have to go home and wait by the phone. There are employers who don't bother to inform rejected candidates that they haven't got the job. Most will let you know by letter or phone-call. In larger organisations someone in HR may offer to give you feedback, i.e. tell you why you lost. Do you want to know? It's supposed to be constructive, and it could help you to do better at the next interview. But sometimes the interviewer is simply trying to justify a decision that was not about your shortcomings. It's okay politely to decline.