1. Control your nerves

If you are going for an interview it is only natural that you will feel nervous. Being scrutinised by a potential new employer can be daunting, but what is important to remember is that nerves can act as a barrier to your success.

Nerves can manifest in a variety of ways but one of the main things to overcome is the nervous silence. Candidates that become withdrawn and quiet, answering the bare minimum and leaving uncomfortable silences will be regarded as unenthusiastic and an employer may mistake your nerves for disinterest in the role.

2. Know what you are applying for and where

This is an extremely common early stumbling block for an applicant. Employers often ask questions regarding why you want to work at the company, or they may ask what you think the job role involves, and it is these questions that require you to have done your homework.

Studying the job ad often doesn't give much away. You must remember that there are other tools at your disposal. The company website; you can find out what projects they have recently undertaken, learn what goals are important to the business, see if they have any recruitment videos or press material. Google is your friend, and you can often find a wealth of information if you care to look.

I recently sat in on an interview where a candidate had done the leg work, and it was impressive. They had researched the company, researched the project, researched the industry and this candidate shone out of all of the others. Those who could only recite the jargon in the job ad paled in comparison and really let themselves down.

3. Always ask a question

When an interviewer asks if you have any questions the worst thing you can possibly do is say 'No.' This is a candidate's opportunity to show enthusiasm and understanding for the role, and those that ask insightful questions can really steal the show at interview.

Prepare questions in advance. Even a question as simple as asking what facilities are available for parking will show an interviewer that you can see yourself working there, and this is one of the most positive impressions a candidate can hope to leave. A lack of questioning will make a candidate seem less engaged.

4. Make yourself heard

No matter what style or approach your interviewer takes, the one thing they want is to hear what you have to say. Try to avoid giving short answers, elaborate fully and use all opportunities you have to express interest and enthusiasm for the role. Give examples and make reference to aspects of your CV to show where your previous experience would help you advance in this job.

I have sat in on interviews where the interviewer did most of the talking and while that can throw a candidate off, there is always an opportunity to sell yourself. Even in the closing moments when you are thanking the interviewer for their time, you can still add a few closing remarks to convince them of your passion for the job and company.

5. Dress appropriately for the job

It is important when going for an interview to dress appropriately. Candidates often range from the very smart- full suit and tie, to the oddly causal- jeans and trainers, but the casual dressers are always going to be compared to those who are more suitably attired. Often a happy medium can be found by aiming for a shirt/blouse and smart trousers/skirt (not too short).

There may be exceptions to the rule of smart, and it is also key to remember the company when choosing your outfit. One of my colleagues once ran a high street retail company and she would be the first to reject those who hadn't embraced the fashionable nature of the role at hand.

Why do application forms still exist?

You’ve given the employer a 2-3 page window into your working soul through your CV. It has your interests, your goals, your qualifications and a beautifully well-written covering letter. But they still want an application form. Why, you ask?

An application form also gives the employer the opportunity to request specific information that they want to know, that might not appear on your CV. This allows them to have all the facts about their applicants to enable them to make an informed decision.

Criminal Record

THE LAW: The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974

Criminal convictions of no more than 2.5 years in prison become ‘spent’ or ignored after a period of rehabilitation. The rehabilitation period varies from each offence.

To find out more, visit the Criminal Records Bureau website

YOUR OBLIGATION:

Employers can find out whether you have a conviction so it is best to be honest.

You should check the individual company’s stance on employing people with a record when deciding whether to put it on your CV. Even if you do not put it in your CV, if it isn’t ‘spent’ you should definitely disclose this information at an interview.

Professions such as teaching, legal and medical organisations have more stringent policies regarding the employment of people with criminal convictions. Regardless of whether the conviction is ‘spent’ you will still need to declare it to these employers.

Disclosing your criminal record gives you the chance to explain the circumstances of your conviction and let the employer know that they no longer apply. You need to reassure the employer that they are not under any risk by employing you and focus on how you have learnt from your mistakes. It might also be a good idea to note any achievements you have undertaken since the conviction.

PRECONCEPTIONS:

People may believe that anyone with a criminal past has a severe disadvantage in the job market and is likely to be unable to find work.

A jobseeker with a conviction will not be considered fairly against those with no misdemeanours.

THE REALITY:

A criminal past is not necessarily an issue to an employer as long as it does not affect the job you are hired for.

Jobs should not discriminate based on any of the information you provide at an interview or on your CV. However, there will be some jobs you won’t be able to obtain with a record.

How a criminal record will affect your job prospects will also depend on the severity of the crime. A minor offence that you committed when you were a lot younger might not affect your chances whereas a major offence committed in the recent past will have implications on your employability.

For more advice on criminal records visit: http://www.crb.gov.uk

Disabilities

The Law: The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA)

The employer has a duty to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to premises and working practices to ensure you are not at a substantial disadvantage compared with others. This covers the recruitment process and your terms and conditions under employment.

Rights covered by the DDA include: your chances for promotion, transfers, training and benefits, unfair treatment compared with other workers, harassment, victimisation and unfair dismissal.

YOUR OBLIGATION:

The decision rests entirely with you. It is not a legal requirement that you disclose your disability at an interview or on your CV.

However, if your disability requires the need of support during an interview, it is best that you let the company know in advance so they can make the preparations. This could mean anything from interviewing you in a room that offers wheelchair access, to having an interpreter present.

Giving false information on forms that ask about disability and health is also not advisable. This could lead to you losing your job. It is important to remember that just because they ask, does not mean this has any negative implications. The question is largely asked to ensure that the appropriate health and safety measures are in place.

PRECONCEPTIONS:

Many people believe that disabilities ultimately can have a negative impact on gaining employment.

Jobseekers are perhaps more likely to choose not to disclose their disability rather than share it and risk ‘losing a job’.

THE REALITY:

Don’t assume that an employer will view disability negatively or as a reason not to employ you, as this is not the case. The Employment Equality Act means that an employer cannot discriminate against someone with a disability.

As most companies operate equal opportunities policies, these are very positive towards accommodating those members of the workforce with a disability.

If you choose to disclose your disability in an interview, it gives you the chance to fully explain it positively. Your disability may have forced you to gain skills which are beneficial and useful to an employer. So use it to your advantage, people won’t see it as a disadvantage, and if you do, you aren’t doing yourself any favours.

I have a friend who is a colour blind graphic designer. His boss knows, and he is great at his job. This is my personal proof that having a disability doesn’t have to stop you doing something you love.

For more information, please visit http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/Pages/default.aspx

Ok, so you’ve sorted out your CV and they want you back for an interview. Here at FreeMyCV.com we’ve rustled up some tips to make sure you look as good as your CV...

Research: It is important to research the company before you go to the interview. Find out about their history, what they believe to be their mission statement, how the company works and what exactly they do. This is a very common question in an interview, so do your homework!

Familiarise yourself with your CV: Make sure you know your CV inside and out; you should do anyway, but giving it some extra time will only make you more prepared. The interviewer will ask you about certain aspects of your CV so be ready to explain previous jobs, why you may have job gaps and any special qualifications in more detail.

Ask Questions: In the interview there will be an opportunity for you to ask the interviewer any questions you may have. Whatever you can find out beforehand that you might want to know is always useful, but don’t be afraid to ask questions. Think of a few insightful questions before you go in, and if they haven’t been answered in the interview, ask! It will show that you are interested and thinking ahead.

Body Language: You might feel like a bag of nerves, but you don’t have to show it. Eye contact is important as it emphasises confidence. Try and avoid sitting with your arms and legs folded as this creates a negative impression. It might be the kind of thing your mum would tell you but it is sterling advice, so sit up, don’t slouch and you’ll instantly look more professional!

Know your weaknesses: You should be able to reel off a list of your strengths but your weaknesses? Not really the kind of thing you want to admit to your new employer, right?! The key is to find things that are not directly related to the job you are applying for. You must be honest in identifying your weaknesses, but always emphasise that you have taken steps to improve on these things. If you tell your interviewer you have no weaknesses, they won’t believe you!
 

Remember, no amount of organisation is too much, if it means securing your perfect job!