Applying for a job and getting through to the interview round is the first big step towards the new job. Well done! Now it is time to prepare for the big day. Here are 10 essential tips that will help to relax and shine on your interview day.- Review your CV beforehand and ensure you are 100% familiar with it. If not you, who is? To feel more confident you could even bring along a copy and have a look over it before the interview.
- Make sure you practice your answers to questions that could come up. Also, think about questions you can ask, e.g. about the NAO working environment or studies. Be prepared to answer questions around the eight core competencies and make sure you can give examples from your study, work or any other relevant experiences.
- Review the NAO and its work. Have a look on the NAO website about recent publications and familiarise yourself with one or two studies. Be ready to talk about them.
- Dress for Success: get your smart dress or suit out. It looks professional and will make you feel confident.
- Make sure you know the directions and allow yourself some extra time to get to the NAO. Have a look online and familiarise yourself with the timings of trains and the way to the office (the NAO London Office is right next to Victoria station, not too difficult to find!) Also, have contacts ready in case you are running late and let the NAO know about this.
- Take things with you that make you comfortable and help you to relax: a little mirror to check yourself before the interview, some water for a dry mouth, some cash in case your oyster card isn’t working, mints to freshen up or even a spare tie or tights (just in case). Don’t bring an entire suitcase.
- Notepad and pen are important. Be prepared to take small notes, to write down spontaneous questions or little reminders. It looks professional and will help you to remember everything important from the day.
- Remember that everyone else is just as nervous as you are. Talking to other candidates might help you realise that you are all in the same boat.
- Try to get a good night sleep before you come to the interview.
Last but not least, don’t forget you have a great chance in getting the job. You have been invited to the interview and already proved that you are an interesting candidate. People believe you are capable, so believe in yourself!
Apply now – applications close 28 February
If you want to apply for our 2015 graduate training scheme, you can still do so until Saturday, 28 February 2015. Head over to our graduate recruitment site for further information.
If you’ve got any questions around the application process, please leave a comment below. You can also contact our recruitment team by email, via our Facebook page, or on Twitter.