Technical & Engineering Interview tips

An interview is your opportunity to build on the skills and experience you have outlined in your CV, impress the interviewer and convince them that you are the right person for the job.

Preparation

Preparation is key. As an absolute minimum, you need to:

• Read the job description carefully
• Find out as much as you can about the organisation - brochures and websites are good sources of information
• Re-read the version of your CV that you have submitted
• Think about your key experiences that match the job description
• Confirm who you are meeting and their position in the organisation
• Ensure you know how to get to the interview venue and allow yourself plenty of time to get there

Techniques

• Re-read the job description to establish the core competencies the role requires. You can be sure that you will be asked a number of questions relating to these
• Use a firm handshake and maintain eye contact
• Speak clearly when answering questions
• Answer briefly but try to avoid 'yes' or 'no' answers
• Don't worry about pausing before you answer - take time to think about your response
• Don't embellish or waffle answers. If your mind has gone blank, simply ask to come back to that question later in the interview
• Be prepared for hypothetical situation questions
• Be prepared for the unexpected question designed to see how you would cope in less predictable situations