This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
How to Prepare for an Interview
Preparing for Interview is all about 3 things
Why Me?
Why This Role?
Why This Company?
Nearly every question you get asked in the interview can be rephrased as one of the above
questions. If you have researched and prepared answers to these 3 questions, then you are well
on the way to being ready for interview. Don’t leave this prep work to the last few panicky
minutes. Do it well in advance in a relaxed way. This will help you be calm on the day. Make notes
on each question. Practise answering all three questions. Make notes so that you can read over
again just before your interview.
Why Me?
This question needs to be answered in the context of the Job Description & Requirements for the
particular role. You need to bring everything you say in the interview back and relate it to the
requirements of the actual job description. Go through the job description line by line and match /
map your CV to it – background, experience, education and training. As the interview progresses
you need to be able to tick off the job requirements on the job spec by showing how you clearly
meet them. Have previous work examples, key projects worked on, real life scenarios from your
career to back up your story. The why me story addresses the key issue for your interviewer of
your ‘technical competence’ for the role.
Why This Role?
You could have applied for 100 other roles so why is this one your perfect role? Be clear about your
story. It should be consistent and lead seamlessly and naturally to this particular role. Telling is
not selling. The interviewer should see clearly that this role is your next perfect career move. You
need to show a clear progression between career moves particularly this current one. Again
prepare and practise your answers to this question. The why this role story addresses the key
issue of ‘your motivation’ to the interviewer for the role.
Why This Company?
Research is key here. Find out everything you can about the company. Check out their website.
Talk to anyone you know who currently works or has worked within this company. Review
recruitment rating websites. Understand their ethos and culture. Be clear why this particular
company is right for you at this particular point in your career. Check out the LinkedIn profiles of
your interviewers, know the company’s main competitors, their products / services, any recent
developments. The why this company story addresses the key issue of your ‘cultural / corporate
fit’ to the interviewer.
Prospective employers are trying to find out if you have the right motivation for the role, the
technical competence to do the role and are a good fit for the company’s working culture.
Practical Checklist
- Do a dry run interview by phone or face to face with your Bua Bua consultant.
- Go to Bed early the night before even if not tired.
- Book time off work before your interview – we recommend at least a couple of hours. Ideally you would not work before the interview so as to be fresh / focussed.
- Leave plenty of time to get ready and then travel to the interview. Be 100% clear on your
exact travelling arrangements. If unsure do a dry run days in advance. - Dress appropriately ‘as they do’ for the interview. If in doubt this means a smart suit /
outfit, polished shoes and well-groomed hair. If possible, get someone to look you over
before leaving for interview to pick up any last minute tidy ups. - Breathe deeply, slowly and stay calm. Feel your feet on the ground and become aware of
your breathing in and out. This will help you stay present and focussed. - Remember to smile at everyone you meet including the receptionist. First impressions
count. Smile, Smile and Smile some more even if you are terrified. - Be honest throughout. Don’t lie and keep answers clear and don’t waffle. Take your time
before answering. - Listen to your interviewer for verbal clues “on what they require”. The question often
contains the answer. - Ask prepared questions at interview to show your interest and that you have thought
deeply about and are motivated by the opportunity.