Blogs: Lee offers his interview advice

Post 2, December 2012

Lee Rosborough studied sport journalism at the University of Brighton and is now on the hunt for his dream job

It's there! In black and white, an invitation to an interview from the job you applied for a few weeks back.

You've responded with a carefully worded email to confirm your attendance and now it's up to you to get to work with the pre-interview research. So, what should you cover?

To avoid being caught redfaced you will need to know exactly what the job entails, a lot of background on the company and some stuff about its competitors, too.

When you've done that, and here is the important bit, start to plan what you bring to the table, why they should employ you over the next person and why you want to do the job.

Try and memorise a few lines for each of the above questions but be careful not to make your responses robotic, rehearsed or pre-planned - this is never good.

Take care in getting the right balance to give interesting, informative answers that show the real you. You've probably heard it a million times but failing to prepare really is preparing to fail.

Now you've done all your preparation, you're ready to go. On the day of the interview, dress smart, shine your shoes (if you're a guy, have a shave) and do some final research. If you are travelling by train, take your notes with you and read through them a few times.

Making sure you have left plenty of time for your journey, aim to get to the interview venue about 10-15 minutes before it is due to start. You don't want to be rush and risk being late, but being too early and having to wait around isn't ideal either.

Nerves will be floating around, but that's a good sign. Everybody gets nervous - it's about knowing how to tame those nerves. Have some polite conversation ready for the receptionist, smile a lot and be sure to ask for water - all of these will help to calm the nerves.

Whilst in the interview, back yourself. Give a firm handshake, maintain eye-contact and speak clearly. If there is more than one interviewer, try to aim your responses equally between them and do not shy away from asking questions; this shows initiative and interest in their company and the role itself.

Ensure you are showing your full personality, no doubt the people interviewing you will be working closely with you if you are successful so you need to come across as personable.

When the interview is coming to a close they may ask if you have any additional questions for them. This is the point your research really pays off. Ask them what they love about the company, anything you feel they didn't cover or simply use this part to add anything you feel you can to sell yourself that extra bit.

Once all questions have been taken care of, thank them for the opportunity and after another firm handshake and big smile, your interview should end on a pleasant note.

Now all you can do is wait... but if you don't land the job don't be too disheartened; any interview experience is good experience and you will come back better the next time!