Despite all the technology in the world, you still have to go through the interview process. But what should you do on the run up to the day?

1. Research the company

   You are most definitely going to be asked what you know about the company. This is a standard interview question for any industry and you need to be prepared to answer it. Reading the website is the first stage of this research, but companies today expect more than a brief outline. Try and find some news that would relate to the position you are applying for, have they recently won any awards or released some exciting PR? Also look at their social channels as this will give you a good insight into their latest accomplishments, the type of company they are and also any office news, like a fund raiser or charity event that you could mention. By including snippets of ‘real life’ events that have taken place within the company shows you are genuinely interested in becoming part of that team.

    

2. Prepare some questions to ask the interviewer

   Asking questions at the end of an interview shows you are engaged with the interview process and have a deeper interest in the company and the possibility of joining their team. Questions you should not bring up in a first stage interview include pay, bonuses and holiday entitlement. Instead, try and find out about the team structure, their latest product launch or their future plans for the company.

    

3. Read and digest the job spec

   The interviewer / interviewees will have a copy of the job spec during the interview. Make sure you have read and digested the information provided. The questions will most likely relate back to the ‘Key Responsibilities’ section of the spec, so ensure you are aware of these and have examples of where you have previously demonstrated them skills.

    

4. Plan your journey

   Never turn up late for an interview. Whatever form of transport you decide to use to get to your interview, ensure you allow enough time. Plan the route you will take, print off a map if needed and perhaps make a trial run of the journey if you are unfamiliar of the area.

    

5. Plan your outfit

   First impressions count, so plan your outfit the night before. You do not want to be searching around in the morning for your other sock, as this will heighten your nerves. Make sure you dress appropriately for the role you are being interviewed for, not every position requires you to wear a suit to an interview, but keep it smart.

    

6. Eat breakfast

   You do not function on your full potential without breakfast. As said, it is the most important meal of the day. Eat something light that will keep the stomach growling at bay and will get your mind in gear for questioning.