There are many school leavers who for whatever reason chose to enter the workforce immediately after completing the Leaving Certificate. There are also a number who choose to defer entry to university/college and take a year out during which time they may seek employment in order to fund their education. The prospect of looking for that first job can be a daunting and often a scary experience – there are so many things to do - application forms to complete, CVs and cover letters to write and after all of that there are interviews to attend. The interview is generally the aspect of the whole process that jobseekers worry about most. The purpose of this article is to provide school leavers with some tips for that all important interview – these are also applicable to students looking for summer or part-time work.

Interviews can be really scary but if you are well prepared there is nothing to worry about. The interview is an opportunity for the employer to meet you and get to know you better, so that they can decide if you would be the best person for the job. It is important to remember that they are not trying to catch you out – they just want to learn more about you so that they can make an informed decision about your suitability for the job.

What can I do to prepare for the interview?

Just like an exam the key to success at interview is preparation. The more prepared you are the easier the interview will be and the less nervous you will feel. The first part of that preparation is to find out as much as you possibly can about the company and the job you are being interviewed for – use as many sources of information as you can for example marketing brochures, the company's website or if you know someone who is already working in the company speak to them. Read the job description a couple of times and make a note of any aspects of the job you do not understand – you can ask for clarification of these at the interview when you are give an opportunity to ask questions. If you are lucky enough to know someone who is already doing the job speak to them – you should ask them what the day to day activities/tasks of job are, what they enjoy most/least about the job and what the challenges of the job are. The company will not expect you to know everything about them - a couple of pieces of factual information will be enough.

The second important aspect of your preparation is to know and be able to talk confidently about your education and any work experience you have gained. A common mistake amongst school leavers and graduates is assuming that the experience they have gained while undertaking voluntary work, working part-time or working during the summer is irrelevant. This is simply not the case – all experience is relevant as it equips you will skills such as team work and communication skills which are essential in any work environment.

You should be prepared to answer questions such as:

– Tell me about yourself (your answer should focus on your education and any work experience you have gained).

Make sure that you are smartly dressed for the interview – you want to make the best possible first impression so avoid wearing jeans and trainers, keep jewellery to a minimum and avoid wearing too much make-up.

Give yourself plenty of time to arrive at the interview location. Try to arrive at the interview venue 10 – 15 minutes before your interview is due to start. Become familiar in advance with the route you will travel. It might be a good idea to make a trial run the day before the interview, to get an idea of how long it takes to get there. If for some unforeseen reason you are going to be late, remember to telephone the company and let them know.

Turn off your mobile phone before you enter the company's premises – there is nothing more off putting during an interview than the applicant taking a call mid interview and it can destroy your chances if getting the job. When you arrive at the company treat the receptionist or any other member of the company's staff with the same respect you would give the interviewer. Interviewers often ask the receptionist for their impression of the applicants and if you have treated the receptionist badly they will have no hesitation in telling the interviewers this.

When you greet the interviewer(s) make sure to do so with firm handshake and a smile. You want to appear friendly and confident.

At the interview itself, remember the following points:

• If you are asked to complete an application form, do so neatly.
• If you have been asked to bring qualifications or certificates with you to the interview remember to do so. You should also bring along a copy of your CV and any other information that you feel might be relevant to your application.
• Do not smoke or chew gum during the interview.
• Make regular eye contact with the interviewer(s).
• Listen carefully to questions and get the interviewer to repeat them if necessary.
• Avoid answering questions with a “yes” or “no” answer. Always relate your experience to the question being asked.
• Remember to make the interviewer realise that they need you in their organisation – sell yourself, your abilities and your experience in the best possible manner.
• And finally be yourself. Your goal should only be to do your best. The less pressure you put on yourself, the less nervous you will be, and the more able you will be to demonstrate your skills and qualities.

There are many people who find that by investing in interview coaching they can significantly improve their chances of getting the career they want. An interview coach will work with you to ensure that you are properly prepared for the interview, that you can answer difficult questions and that you present yourself in the best possible light..

Article by Michele Hynes of Hynes Employment Consulting. Phone: (087) 7591438