Your CV has helped show a potential employer you could be right for them, but now you need to prove you are the best person for the job at an interview.

Research your potential employer

Good preparation can help you feel much more relaxed and perform better. Research the company you are applying to – visit the website and try to understand key corporate messages and themes. What does the company do? What are its products and what technologies does it use? Who are its competitors and major clients? Are there any press releases about recent sales or contracts?

Often the first question you’ll be asked is what you know about the company. If you can answer this well you will be off to a strong start and will feel more confident about the rest of the interview.

Prepare questions and answers

Think about the questions you could be asked and prepare responses. Why do you want the job? What are your strengths and weaknesses? What could you bring to the role?

Just as the interviewer will prepare questions for you, make sure you think of some questions for them – this makes you look interested, informed and enthusiastic about the role.

Use specific examples

If you are asked a general non-technical question – for example how you managed risk in a project – it is much better to refer to specific examples of how you have managed risk rather than give theoretical, textbook answers.

Refresh your skills

Sometimes our clients tell us candidates aren’t familiar with certain basic skills which are important for the role they are applying for. To avoid this try to refresh some of simpler parts of your experience and skill-set as well as the more technical elements.

Double check your supplies

Turn up prepared with a copy of your CV and the job specification. Take ID and certificates of your qualifications if you’re asked to. If you are presenting, check what equipment is provided and that it is compatible with your presentation.

Plan your journey

Being late will make you stressed, which is never a good start to an interview. Plan how you will get there – check the route, how long it should take and if you are driving find out if there is on-site parking. At Christy Media, we are familiar with most of our clients’ sites so will be able to give you advice.

Make a good first impression

Turn up smartly dressed even if the role won’t require it on a day to day basis. The way you present yourself at an interview makes a statement about your work – so even if the company is a jeans and t-shirt kind of place, wear smart business-dress to the interview.