Current Undergraduates

Interviews

Once you have an interview you have a chance. The potential employers would not waste their time if you did not. The secret of success at Interview is preparation , and I have compiled some brief notes to help you get ready. The Prospects Web site maintained by AGCAS has a Comprehensive Guide.

Firstly you need to do your homework. Its easy to research information about companies, as you can browse the web site or simply ring them up and ask them to send you copies of their annual report, sales literature etc.
You can try to anticipate the type of questions you will be asked. The Prospects Web site has a good checklist.

Some golden rules, which may appear glaringly obvious, but are frequently broken:

make sure you arrive at the venue 15 minutes before you are due to be questioned, check transport, location etc beforehand.
smile and be polite to everyone, shake hands firmly and maintain good eye contact.
sit comfortably in your seat, try and relax as much as possible.
show an interest in them, flattery is the best possible route to success, but do not overdo it.
talk about yourself confidently, but not arrogantly.
make sure it is made clear when, and by what means, you will receive the results of the interview.

The bottom line is to try avoid shooting yourself in the foot, so try and avoid these Interview Own Goals.

There are also a few Professional web sites with some good advice on what to and what not to do. The link provides access to one of them.

Lastly, a list of unusual and somewhat hilarious techniques used by interviewees and listed in a survey of U.S. Human Resource/Personnel Officers. If you are thinking of using any of these techniques, come and see me, we need to discuss your self-awareness and one or two other things concerning your mental health.