Job Application Guides
You’ve applied, you’ve been shortlisted and now you’ve landed the interview.
But what now?
Walking into an interview might feel intimidating, especially if it’s your first. The good news? Preparation is everything. It’s your secret weapon to feeling calm, confident, and ready to impress.
1. Research the Company
Why it matters:
Employers want to know that you care not just about the job, but about their company. Doing your homework shows motivation and maturity.
What to look for:
- What does the company do or sell?
- What are their core values or mission?
- Have they been in the news recently?
- Do they support any community or sustainability initiatives?
Bonus tip: Look at their website’s “About Us” section and social media accounts. Write down 2–3 facts you can mention in the interview.
Example:
“I saw that your company supports local food banks, which really stood out to me because I’ve volunteered in a community kitchen.”
2. Practice Common Questions
Why it matters:
Interviews are like performances, rehearsal helps! The more you practise, the more natural your answers will sound.
How to practise:
- Ask a teacher, career advisor, or friend to do a mock interview.
- Use the mirror or record yourself answering questions like:
- “Tell me about yourself”
- “Why do you want this role?”
- “What are your strengths?”
Use the STAR method for experience based questions:
- Situation
- Task
- Action
- Result
Tip: Practising out loud is more effective than just thinking through answers in your head.
Bring the Right Documents
Why it matters:
Being prepared shows professionalism and helps the interview run smoothly.
What to pack:
- Copies of your CV (at least two)
- A list of your qualifications or certificates (GCSEs, predicted grades, etc.)
- A notebook and pen
- Questions for the interviewer (see below)
Example Questions You Can Ask:
- “What does a typical day look like in this role?”
- “What kind of training or support do new employees get?”
- “What qualities make someone successful in this job?”
Why it matters:
You don’t need a designer outfit, but showing up neat and professional tells the employer that you’re serious.
Quick tips:
- Go for smart casual or slightly formal trousers, polo shirt, plain blouse, simple shoes
- Avoid loud logos, ripped jeans, or anything too casual (e.g., joggers, flip-flops)
- Keep accessories and makeup tidy and minimal
Dress how you’d expect someone in that job to dress on their best day.
5. Plan Your Route
Why it matters:
Turning up late can leave a bad impression, being early shows reliability and confidence.
What to do:
- Check how long the journey takes in advance.
- If using public transport, look up delays or cancellations.
- Aim to arrive 10–15 minutes early.
- Know who to ask for when you arrive.
If the interview is online, test your camera, microphone, and connection the day before.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for an interview isn’t just about ticking boxes, it’s about stepping into the room with confidence, ready to show that you’re eager, capable, and prepared to learn.
Even if it’s your first interview, remember:
- Employers know you’re just starting out.
- They’re not expecting perfection, they’re looking for potential.
- Preparation = confidence = success
