5 Things to Remember for your next interview

Congratulations! You wrote a stand-out CV, applied for a position which appealed to you and have now been offered an interview. If it has been a while since you have had an interview or you are applying for a role outside of your previous career, then the thought of attending an interview can be overwhelming.

So, what happens next?

Here at PDR, we believe that preparation is key to success. This is why we have thought about our top interview tips and put together the 5 things to remember for your next interview.

1. Dress for Success

We don’t necessarily mean that you have to wear a full suit and tie to every single interview, but making sure that you are dressed appropriately for the role and company you are applying for is very important. Making sure that you are professionally presented can help potential employers see that you are going to take the job seriously.

2. Research the Company

Ideally, you should research a company before applying for a position there. By researching the company in general terms, you will be able to find out what their values are and feel confident that they align with your own. You may also be able to gain insight as to what they expect from their employees and what they are like to work for.

3. Research the Role

Make sure that you know exactly what you are applying for before you arrive for your interview. Take the time to research key skills and responsibilities associated with the role. This will help you to prepare for any role-specific questions you may face.

4. Be on Time

Although the interviewers will have seen your CV, their first impression of what you are actually like as a person will come during your interview. Making sure that you are on time sends a message to potential employers that you are taking the opportunity seriously and are a reliable individual.

5. Prepare Some Questions

Almost all interviews will end with you being asked whether or not you have any questions. Although it might be tempting to say no, it is actually often better to have a couple of questions prepared ahead of time. Good things to ask about include:

Day to day responsibilities
Career progression opportunities
Other companies, departments or individuals you may be required to collaborate with
The aims and targets of the company over the next few years and how your role would fit within this