Soon to be Marketing graduate Ally Coulson is starting to prepare for her first graduate interviews and took time out to blog for us about how she prepares and what crucial bits of information you should know before going to interview.

Her first recommendation is to understand the company, what they do, what they are proud of, who they work with and where you fit it, this will help you to construct answers which not only answer the question but show an understanding of them and why you want to work for them, something all employers want to know.

Then go back to the job description and person specification, cross reference your CV (if you edit your CV on a regular basis go back to the version you sent to them, if you now have new examples you should reference these at interview as the employer won’t know about them) and highlight everywhere you meet or exceed their requirements and list examples you can use to prove this. This is particularly effective for phone interviews where you can refer to notes quickly if they are laid out well.

Remember, anything you have done is experience, whether at school, college or university, in a paid or unpaid internship or in paid full or part time work, everything counts, read more about Ally’s internship experience with CEB in the Liverpool Business School Career Planning Guide here: https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/worldofwork/worldofwork_LJMU_Only_docs/Liverpool_Business_School_Guide.pdf

Now think about that role across the sector, look at other companies who recruit for similar positions in the sector, do they look for the same things or does your company seem to want more than others? This may also give you ideas for extra skills relevant to the role not included in the job description to discuss at interview.

Research the industry, do you understand the industry and its requirements? Who works in the industry, what are the latest trends and biggest news? This can give an employer a good impression of your passion to work in the industry if you can refer to emerging trends they too may be looking at.

Think of the kind of questions you expect to be asked, will they test your competency to complete the role or will they look for understanding of the role, industry and company? You can find out more about this in our Preparing for Interviews mini-guide, available from: https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/worldofwork/worldofwork_LJMU_Only_docs/Preparing_for_Interviews.pdf

Finally, prepare some questions to ask your interviewer, focus on development and opportunities not pay and holidays to show that your development is your main interest at that point.

If you have an interview coming up, or have had a few but feel like you aren’t getting the most out of them, book in to speak to an Employability Adviser by calling 0151 231 8099 (Option 1) or come along to one of our Preparing for interview sessions details can be found at: https://worldofwork.ljmu.ac.uk/events/

Just looking for your next step and want advice about where to turn? Call in to either zone and we’ll be happy to help out!