Category Content - Preparing for Interview

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5 Key Steps to a Successful Interview

Do your Research

  • Learn about Superquinn before applying for any vacancies. Visit a few stores before your interview to really get a feel for the Superquinn spirit. Read through all the info on this website.
  • Read the job description fully and make sure you apply for the role that best matches your experience.
  • Ensure all details on your CV are present and correct.
  • Know who you are meeting, where and at what time. Allow plenty of time to get to the interview location.
  • Remember, you only get one chance to make a first impression!

Know your skills

  • Match your experience against the requirements of the employer and to ensure there is the closest fit possible. Work out a list of qualities or skills the interviewer will be looking for. For example, customer focused, teamwork, flexibility, ability to work under pressure and communications skills may vary in importance for each job.

      • Plan your interview

      • You must be able to answer the list of requirements, with examples drawn from your own experiences. Have plenty of concrete examples to draw on and know what you want to highlight to ensure a successful outcome.
      • When you have prepared examples for all the requirements you will have a good idea of what you have to offer the company and what the interviewer will be interested in hearing about.

      Practice

      • Role-play a practice interview with a friend. Get them to give you feedback.
      • What does your body language say?
      • Are you giving coherent and relevant answers?
      • Practice talking aloud to yourself in front of a mirror.

      Be attentive to your personal presentation

      • Dress appropriately for the job and sector. If in doubt, formal business attire is recommended.

      Golden rules for answering questions

      • Reply to the question that is asked, not the one you might like to answer - in other words, listen. Undoubtedly there will be questions that are difficult to answer too.
      • Always be positive. Even when things have gone badly for you, try to think positively about what you have learned from the experience.
      • Promote your strengths - leave others to identify weaknesses.
      • Maintain eye contact with the interviewer.
      • Be ready to recognise simple questions calling for a brief answer.
      • Be prepared to expand on something, which seems to interest the interviewer.
      • Ask for clarification - don't pretend to know something that you do not or try to answer a question you have not understood.
      • Speak clearly but not too fast.
      • Try to avoid mannerisms - don't fidget.
      • Be enthusiastic, but most of all be yourself.
    • At the end of the interview you will have a chance to ask questions. Have one ready.

        • Good Luck!