Affinity Group Limited

Now that your winning CV has been short listed make sure you’re prepared for your interview.

Being confident and successful at an interview doesn't come naturally to everyone, it doesn't mean you can't get the job you want - a little common sense preparation can make a difference.






Research the company and the role that you are interviewing for.

Prepare a list of questions to ask at the interview regarding the role, the team and the company.
NB: Do not ask question about salary.

Set aside some time to review your CV thoroughly, think of examples in each role or project which demonstrate particular areas of competence and achievement (concentrate most on those in the last three years).

Think of what challenges you had to be overcome and how you did it. Note what you learnt as a result. Write key points down as a prompt to yourself. You'll be surprised at how much you've forgotten and how much clarity you can gain in a short time.

Stand back and reflect on the work you've done above and identify what this catalogue of experiences says about you both positively and developmentally.

"Marketing" or "Selling" yourself. Some people think of these as "dirty" words, conjuring up images of falseness or inappropriate self-promotion, it’s not; the message here is a simple one - you will do best if you can convey an honest, positive and powerful impression of what you can do and what you have done.

Plan your route in advance and know where you are going. You don't need the added stress of arriving late to an interview. If you are late make sure you phone and advise the interviewer of this.

First impression count and you don't get a second chance to make one, always turn up for interviews looking professional and well-groomed. Even though the role you are applying for may have a relaxed dress code.

Good interviewers want you to be relaxed, it makes their job easier and they know candidates operate more effectively this way, so expect some introductory chat, and don’t think that this isn't part of the process though! Try to read the interviewer and operate appropriate to their cues.

They will probably explain the process and set the boundaries for the interview with you but if they don't, or you if you feel rushed, then it's perfectly legitimate to ask some useful questions like - Can you briefly take me through the process, How much time do you expect us to spend today