Prepare for an interview

Preparation is what makes the difference in most interviews. Here's a simple plan.

Before the interview

• Read the job advert again and note the three or four things the employer needs most.
• Learn about the company. Look at its website and social media pages. Know what it does and where it works.
• Prepare your examples. For each main requirement, think of a time you did it well: what the situation was, what you did, and what happened.
• Plan your journey. Find out how long it takes to get there and aim to arrive ten minutes early. For an online interview, test your data, camera and microphone the day before.
• Have your documents ready: your CV, ID, certificates and licences, in case they're asked for.

Questions you'll probably hear

• Tell us about yourself. Give a two-minute summary of your experience and why you want this job.
• Why do you want to work here? Use what you learned about the company.
• Tell us about a time you solved a problem. Use one of your prepared examples.
• What are your strengths and weaknesses? Be honest, and say what you're doing to improve.
• What are your salary expectations? Know the going rate, and give a range.

During the interview

• Greet everyone, listen carefully, and take a moment to think before you answer.
• Keep answers to a minute or two, and give real examples.
• It's fine to ask for a question to be repeated.
• At the end, ask one or two questions of your own, such as What does a good first three months look like in this role?

After the interview

Send a short thank-you message the same day. If you were placed through Go2Work, let us know how it went. We'll follow up with the employer for you.