Researching the Interview

When preparing for a job interview, there are a few basic facts you will need to know about the interview itself:

How to get there.
The interview format.
Who will interview you.

If these details have not been supplied to you, then you must do some research to make sure that you are fully informed before the big day.

1. How to Get There

This piece of information is vital, as it will enable you to decide how you will travel, and what time you will need to set off. You should plan to arrive about an hour in advance of your interview time; no matter what form of transport you take, there may be delays that are completely out of your control.

When visiting large organisations, you should also find out how long it will take to get to the interview office or building from the reception. It's also worth checking to see if you have to undergo any security arrangements that may add time on to your journey.

If possible, make a practice journey to the interview location. Knowing exactly where you're going on the day will help you to feel more confident.

2. The Interview Format

As we saw in the previous section, the style of the interview can take many forms. One company may combine a presentation with a panel interview, whilst another may carry out an initial telephone screening followed by a series of tests at an assessment centre. It is essential to know the format your interview will follow so that you can plan your preparations appropriately.

3. Who Will Interview You

Knowing who will be interviewing you and their position in the organisation is a useful tool in the interview process. Interviewers will feel flattered and impressed that you have taken the time to find out (and remember) their names and this will able you to establish a rapport more easily. In addition, knowing where the interviewer (or interviewers) fit into the organisational structure will allow you to anticipate the types of questions they may ask, and will help you to prepare appropriate responses. The following list shows some examples of the skills and abilities that different interviewers may be interested in: