Tips to help secure your next career

In today’s competitive job market, it can be difficult for interviewees to get the edge they need to impress potential employers, especially if they have been out of work for a long time. With UK unemployment at a 14 year high, interview skills are now more important than ever. A4e in East Barnet Road, Barnet, has been supporting and advising the long term unemployed for more than 20 years.

With this in mind employment expert A4e has put together its top tips for interview success.

• Preparation. Find out as much as possible about the company, its past and future plans, as well as the position you want. Company websites are invaluable for this kind of research.
• Be prepared. Practise answering likely interview questions. Prepare examples of your skills based on past achievements, and try to use your answers to prove that you can benefit the company. For example, by improving customer service, you could help them make more money by improving efficiency and increasing sales. Other key company objectives include reducing costs and solving problems.
• Facts. Whenever possible, use numbers to back up your answers, such as the record number of customers you served in a day, the per cent you exceeded your quota, or the number of new accounts you generated.
• Time. It is very important to be on time for the interview. On time means ten to 15 minutes early.
• Clothing. Dress appropriately, in business attire. It is better to be overdressed than underdressed.
• Personal. Find out the interviewer’s name before the interview (call ahead to find out if necessary), use it during the interview and maintain eye contact.
• Duplicate. Remember to bring an extra copy of your CV and a list of references.
• Courage. During the interview take a little time to think through your response before answering so that you can answer the question fully. Make positive, upbeat statements and especially avoid negative comments about past employers.
• Closing. At the end of the interview, thank the interviewer and repeat your interest in the position. This leaves the interviewer with a positive image of you and keeping you front of mind.

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