Delivering a great interview for work experience

In these slides…. What’s the interview all about? What do you need to do? Preparation On the day And finally…

What’s the interview all about? Home truth – very few interviews are perfect! COMMUNICATION is key! Interviewer wants to learn about you They want to help and to look good too They recognise that it’s your first real work experience It’s a conversation: Why are you interested in this placement? What do you want to learn from it? How will it help you?

What do you need to do? Be yourself! Relax – just enough Leave them with a positive impression And SMILE!

Preparation Be ready to say something/talk about yourself Make some notes ahead of the day What you’re doing at school – like/dislike Hobbies/outside interests Career, university or future work aspirations Why this placement What you want to learn from it Practice before you get there – hear yourself say it Better still – get someone else to ask you some questions – it’s a rehearsal

Preparation Research the company where your placement will be What’s their business? What are they known for locally or nationally? Plan your journey Have a contingency plan Allow double the time you think it will take to get there Ensure you have contact number/emails with you Money – have some Umbrella/rain coat – have one!

Preparation Plan what you will wear Try it on! Iron it! Boys – trousers/shirt Girls – appropriate skirt length, hair, make up, jewellery Retail – logos/brands – take care Your questions Have some….. Maximum of 3

On the day Interview is like a good film – beginning, middle and end Lose/put away the technology No gum! Posture/body language – stand up straight Smile - again Strong voice Speak clearly and slowly Listen to the question – if it’s not clear, ask Don’t ramble – answer succinctly And breathe!

On the day Talk positively about yourself – Use positive language What you have done What you have achieved Before you go for the interview spend time with people that have energy and are positive

And finally…. This will be just one of many interviews in your careers It’s a learning experience There is no such thing as failure – only feedback They are not expecting perfection And on your way there….. Listen to some great, upbeat music – it really does work Good luck