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We Are Youth Friendly Employers
Tops & Aspire recently signed the Good Youth Employment Charter which means we are youth friendly employers, dedicated to putting young people at the heart of what we do.
Together we can provide work opportunities with fair pay, great training, and interesting work that helps young peoples careers and confidence grow.
Find out moreInterview Tips:
Research
A common question in an interview is “Tell me what you know about our company?” & “What is your understanding of the role?” This can be embarrassing or awkward if you are not fully prepared prior to the interview.
- Look at the company’s website, and read through their “About us” section. This will give you an overview of the company, and a broader picture of the organisation.
- Make sure you have a copy of the job specification. Make sure you fully understand the role and what it entails.
First Impressions:
First impressions can be lasting, so it is important that you make yours count.
- Plan your journey; make sure that you know the correct address and time to be at the interview and how you are going to get there. Aim to arrive 15 minutes early.
- Ask for your interviewer by name.
- Ensure you are dressed smartly and presentable for the interview. Keep jewellery and make-up to a minimum, remove any facial piercings (eyebrow, nose, lip) that can be taken out, and if possible cover any visible tattoos (e.g. wear long sleeved shirt).
- Give a firm handshake.
Application Forms
If you have been asked to complete an application form or return any documents, make sure this is completed prior to your interview and has been returned to the relevant person.
The Interview
An interview is not only about the answers to the questions, it is also about your communication skills, the tone of your voice, attitude, and body language.
- Take a minute to think about the answer to the question; expect the unexpected. Ensure you provide enough information to the interviewer on each answer, but keep your answer to the point.
- Ensure that your body language is positive and open; do not cross your arms for example. Positive body language is to smile, leaning forward in your chair and maintain good eye contact through the interview.
- Relax and enjoy the experience. Nerves can play a big part in an interview, it is understandable to be nervous, but don’t let them get the better of you.
Questions
At the end of an interview you will be asked if you have any questions. You should always have a couple to ask. Such questions are a way for the company to measure your interest in the position and organisation.
- Prepare at least five questions to ask (knowing that an interviewer may cover some of these during the course of the interview).
- Ask questions to which you really want the answer
- Ask specific questions (it is best not to ask about salary or benefits until you have been offered the role)
After the Interview
Following an interview, you should be clear as to the next steps.
- Before you leave the interview, if the interviewer has not told you when you can except to hear from them ask: “How should we proceed from here?” or “When might I hear from you?”
- After the interview, make notes about what happened; this information will become crucial if there are follow up communications.
- A thank you email is a nice touch. The E-mail should be brief, but express your appreciation, reconfirm your interest in the job, and that you look forward to hearing from them.
Good Luck!
