Text Only

Interviews and Assessment Centres

You have got an interview. Congratulations, you are 90% of the way to getting the job you want! Something in your CV or application form created an interest in you - the employer wants to meet you and find out more about you.

Preparation for an interview is essential; failure to prepare is preparing to fail. It does not matter how many interviews you have had in the past, every one should be treated as a stand-alone event.

GO Wales is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

One important step should include finding out about the company which you have applied to. The location of their offices, where you will be interviewed, what you are going to wear and thinking about answers to questions you may be asked, are all part of the preparation steps you should take. Interview advice is available from Radio 1 which is well worth looking at. You should be able to find plenty of information at your university Career Centre.

Now you have prepared for the interview, you need to think about what you are going to wear. You need to remember the importance of Dressing for Success - how you look and behave during the interview are essential issues to consider. Remember it is how you perform on the day that counts.

Types of Interview

You need to be prepared for being interviewed in a variety of ways. There is the traditional one-to-one face-to-face interview but you may be interviewed by a panel . You may be interviewed by telephone or even video. The latter is often used if you are applying to work overseas. It is now increasingly common for the interview to be centred on competency-based questions.

Assessment Centres

Some organisations may want to assess your potential through a series of tests as part of their selection process. This may take place before your interview, or at a later date if you have been shortlisted. There are several ways this process may take place. You may be asked to sit a psychometric personality or aptitude test. You may have to make a presentation or attend a social gathering. Target Jobs has plenty of advice.

We would also encourage you to visit your University Careers Website. University Careers Websites have a lot of information for their graduates which may be of help to you.