Interview Hints

Investigate the options

An interview gives an employer the chance to meet you and check your suitability for the job. It's also your chance to find out more about the work, the terms of employment and the employer.

You are not a complete stranger to the interviewer. He or she will have seen your CV and, if we have arranged the interview, your SkyBlue contact will have recommended you.

Remember: you're on the shortlist. This means that they already like what they have read and heard about you!

Your interview might include some kind of written or technical aptitude test. Your SkyBlue contact will be able to warn you about this and help you prepare in advance. (If you're not working through us, you should telephone beforehand to ask exactly what it will involve and how long it is likely to last.)

Prepare

SkyBlue people are usually better prepared than most for interviews, because we're here to help. If you are worried, or think you need more training or preparation, talk to us.
Before the interview, make sure you know as much as possible about the employer, and the job. We'll tell you what we know, and you can also ask around, check the company's website, read industry magazines and local newspapers.

It sounds obvious, but be certain you know when and where the interview is, and that you can get there on time - ideally no more than five minutes early. Don't be late.

Think what you need to get out of the interview. Prepare some questions to ask, about the team you'll be working with (how many people, how their roles will affect yours), about the opportunity for extending a contract, about other locations - whatever is important to you and fits the post.

Be yourself

Your CV has done its job in getting you to the interview. And as your CV is a reflection of you, then it makes sense to be yourself when you meet a prospective employer. It's also much easier to feel and look confident when you are not trying to play a role, and confidence is one of the most important things employers are looking for.

Dress smartly, but be comfortable too: it's easier to be confident when you look and feel good, so make an effort but don't overdo it.

It's vital to be enthusiastic. Show that you're keen, in the way you talk, listen, and react to the questions. Look at the interviewer, not at the floor. Smile, and relax. Be honest, open and friendly in your answers, and think before you speak.

What sort of questions will they ask me?

All interviewers have their own style. Some can be tough, even hostile. Remember they're just trying to see how you react under pressure. What you'll be asked depends on the kind of job you're going for, but there are a few things you can expect.
You'll probably be asked to explain things on your CV, about your current or last job, or why you left a previous position.

You may be asked technically challenging questions, about how you would achieve a certain result or solve a problem. As long as you know the answers, these questions are simple!

If you don't know exactly, make it clear that you're not sure, but try and say what you would do in the circumstances. Who would you refer the problem to? Where would you find out? It might be worth adding that you would follow the company policy - and perhaps ask what the policy is.

You might also be asked questions about your own strengths and weaknesses. It's worth thinking about these, but stick to professional matters, and don't get personal. Perhaps you can identify areas where you'd like to develop your skills, or situations that you feel you handled well.

If you don't understand something, ask. "I'm sorry, I don't understand the question" is much better than guessing and getting it wrong. Similarly, if you get the chance after any kind of test, ask about anything you were unsure of. It makes a good impression and shows a willingness to learn.

Writing a better cv

Your curriculum vitae (CV) is the way you tell a prospective employer about you, your work experience, qualifications, skills and interests.

If you're looking for work, a good, up to date CV is vital. You can look for work through SkyBlue simply by filling in the CV form on this site, but we'd always recommend you write a more comprehensive CV, and keep it up to date.

Take time to lay it out clearly and try to keep it to two sides of A4 paper. Double check for spelling mistakes or errors. Get someone else to read it; your SkyBlue contact will be happy to help.

Finally, always be honest, accurate and clear. Your interviewer will check up on qualifications, and anything that is not true will become apparent at interview.

Personal details

Begin your CV by clearly setting out your name, address, and contact details. Use your name as the heading rather than 'curriculum vitae' or 'CV'. Include your mobile phone number and email address if you have them.

Discrimination can occur when applying for a position, so there are a number of areas where the information you provide is optional. This includes your date of birth (unless under 18 or over 65), marital status and number of dependants. 

Employment history

Starting with your current or last job, list all your employment. Don't leave gaps. If you took time out to travel, or have a family, then say so. For each job, give the following information: 

  • job title 
  • employers name 
  • starting and finishing dates. 
  • a brief description of your responsibilities and duties 
  • achievements and results of the job 

If you've been involved in short term contract work, then say how long you've been doing that, and list the major projects or companies you've worked for.

Education, training and qualification

Starting with the most recent, list all formal education. Give the name of the school, college or university, and list all exams passed with dates and results. List any other training courses that are relevant to the job or you have attended, as employers like to see candidates who are adaptable and willing to learn.

Additional information

Give details of any other skills that you've acquired, not directly required by this job, such as computer skills, languages or special qualifications like HGV driving or St.John's ambulance.

Your interests and hobbies can go in here, too. Tell your employer if you are involved in sports, arts or membership of any societies. Try to show something about your personality, and demonstrate things that will be important in your work, such as leadership skills, organisational ability or health and fitness.