Interviews are conversations, not interrogations
As a graduate, nailing interviews down is essential, and there is a tonne of resources available to help you come up with the perfect answers to all the interviewer's questions. However, it's crucial to keep in mind that interviews go both ways, and as a candidate, you need to determine if the role is the right fit for you.
Interviews are a two-way street, not an interrogation, and you should leave feeling informed and confident about the job. Keep the interview feeling like a conversation by focusing on both asking and answering questions. If they enquire about your experience, for instance, reply and then ask where this experience will be most useful in the position. This will demonstrate your interest in the business as well as let you know how you will put your knowledge to use.
You should leave the interview knowing:
- What the interviewer wants
- What the team is like
- What your working day will be like
- Tools you’ll use for your job
- Career progression and Training
You don’t need to wait for the dreaded “got any questions for me?” by keeping the conversation flowing throughout. Prepare a list of questions for the second interview, or any follow-up calls, if you find by the end that there wasn’t an opportunity to ask all your questions. Remember that ultimately, it’s your decision to make, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of an offer but make sure it’s the right fit for you. In order to ask the appropriate questions and make the best decision, go into the interview with confidence and knowledge of the company and the position.
Great questions to ask in an interview:
- Can you tell me more about the day-to-day responsibilities of the role?
- How could I impress you in the first three months?
- Are there opportunities for training and progression within the role/company?
- Where do you think the company is headed in the next five years?
- Can you describe the working culture of the organisation?
- What do you enjoy about your job?
- Can you tell me more about the team I would be working in?
Interviews may seem daunting but head on over to our advice page for loads of tips and check out our employer profiles that will tell you all you need to know before an interview!