So you've got a job interview.
Nice one.
Now you've got to sit opposite someone you've never met and explain why they should give you a job.
No pressure.
If you're feeling nervous, that's normal.
Especially if it's your first interview.
But here's the good news.
You don't need to be some ridiculously confident person who loves talking about themselves.
You just need to be prepared.
01. KNOW WHO YOU'RE TALKING TO.
Before your interview, spend ten minutes looking at the business.
What do they actually do?
Where are they based?
What sort of people do they employ?
You don't need to memorise their entire company history.
Just know enough that when they ask, "Why do you want to work here?", your answer isn't:
"Because you're hiring."
Even if that's technically true.
02. SORT YOURSELF OUT.
You don't need to turn up in a three-piece suit unless the job calls for it.
But make an effort.
Clean clothes.
Clean shoes.
Hair sorted.
And arrive on time.
Ideally, a few minutes early.
First impressions matter.
03. THEY'RE GOING TO ASK ABOUT YOU.
And yes, it can feel awkward.
"Tell me about yourself."
Possibly the most annoying question ever invented.
But they're not asking for your life story.
Keep it simple.
Something like:
"I've recently finished college and I'm looking to build my experience. I've done some temporary work, which has helped me get used to working in different environments. I'm reliable, happy to learn and looking for something I can progress in."
That's a perfectly decent answer.
04. NO EXPERIENCE? USE WHAT YOU'VE GOT.
If you've worked through GRAFTD, talk about it.
Explain what you've done.
The different teams you've worked with.
How you've followed instructions.
How you've handled busy shifts.
How you've dealt with new situations.
If you haven't worked yet, talk about college, sport, volunteering or other responsibilities.
You don't need to invent a management career at 18.
05. HAVE A COUPLE OF EXAMPLES READY.
Employers love asking things like:
"Tell me about a time you worked in a team."
Or:
"Tell me about a time you dealt with a difficult situation."
Think of two or three real examples beforehand.
Explain what happened, what you did and how it turned out.
They don't need to be dramatic.
Helping organise a college event counts.
Working with your rugby team counts.
Sorting out a problem during a shift counts.
06. ASK THEM SOMETHING.
At the end, they'll probably say:
"Have you got any questions?"
Don't just stare at them.
Ask something useful.
"What would a normal day look like?"
"What training would I get?"
"What makes someone successful in this role?"
It shows you're actually interested.
07. DON'T PANIC IF YOU MESS UP.
Forgot what you were saying?
Take a second.
Didn't understand the question?
Ask them to repeat it.
Nobody's expecting you to deliver a TED Talk.
Just be yourself, answer honestly and show you're interested.
AND IF YOU NEED A HAND...
That's what we're here for.
If you've been working with GRAFTD and you're preparing for an interview, give us a shout.
We'll help you think through the questions, work out how to talk about your experience and get yourself ready.
We're not going to promise you'll get the job.
But we'll help you give it your best shot.
THE BOTTOM LINE.
Do your homework.
Turn up looking presentable.
Be honest.
And remember, getting an interview means they've already seen something they like.
NOW GO SHOW THEM THEY WERE RIGHT.
Tell us what you’re applying for and where you’d like a hand.