For Candidates - Interview Tips

Research shows that people make their mind up about someone in the first few seconds of meeting with them. So it's best to get off to a good start from the outset and we at Horizons Language Jobs are here to help!

Greet your interviewer standing, with a strong, firm handshake and a smile! Good body language is vital. Sit up straight with both feet on the floor. Speak clearly and confidently. Try and maintain a comfortable level of eye contact throughout.

No matter how well qualified you may seem 'on paper' for a job, when recruiting, an employer will still be interested in your personality and presentation. Indeed with more than one suitable applicant for a role, interview performance is often the deciding factor

Here are our top five tips to help you through any interview:

  • Familiarize yourself with the journey to the location of the interview, to ensure you arrive in plenty of time. If driving, do a 'dummy run'. Anticipate and leave plenty of time in case of delays, especially on unknown routes.
  • Be familiar with your CV and be prepared to answer questions from it. Similarly, ensure you have read any job description thoroughly, if you are not 100% clear about any point in the job description then ask your Horizons Language Jobs consultant, we are here to assist!
  • Be ready to ask questions that you have prepared beforehand. This can demonstrate you have thought about the role, are interested and have done some research on the organization.
  • LISTEN to what is being asked of you. Think about your answers to more difficult questions and do not give irrelevant detail. Give positive examples from your experience to date but be concise.
  • Think of ways in which your experience/ education will benefit your potential employer and be prepared to explain, this is your opportunity to sell yourself!

Finally at the end of the interview always ask for feedback as to how you have performed, ask about the next steps/ timings in the interview process and lastly thank the interviewer for their time and reiterate your interest in the position and company.