How to succeed at interview
The key to a successful interview is
preparation. Almost without exception, the candidate who has
done the most preparation will be the person who gets the
job.
Prepare your answers:
You can never know exactly what you
will be asked, but there are numerous questions which consistently
come up at interview and by using the internet and doing your
research in to the Space job or Aerospace job that you've applied for
you can have a bank of answers ready for most questions. There
will always be questions that surprise you, but if you’ve thought
through your work history, prepared examples and know your CV inside
out, then you should be able to answer everything competently.
Research the Space or
Aerospace company:
In almost every interview situation,
you will be asked, at some stage, to confirm what you know about the
Space or Aerospace organisation to which you are applying. The
detail and complexity of your answer depends on the role you are
applying for and the level of seniority, but it is critical that you
demonstrate that you have done your homework and understand the
company, the market and the competitor landscape in the aerospace
sector. Their website is always a good research tool and if you
have time, call the company and ask them to send you any relevant
corporate communications.
It is astounding how many people turn
up late for an interview, because they got lost. Know the
address, print out a map and if possible do a trial run so you know
exactly how long it will take to get there. Always take the main
reception telephone number with you, in case of an emergency, and
give yourself plenty of time.
Once the interview itself arrives, make
sure you follow the lead of the interviewer. Don’t try to use
all the examples you have, just keep to the point and ensure your
answers are relevant.
An interview isn’t all about being
reactive. Try to get the interviewer to tell you what skills
they are looking for early on and make a mental note of any
information that they give you. This way you can tailor your
answers accordingly and ensure you say what they want to hear.
Finally, an interview is as much about
first impressions as it is about your skills and experiences. Be
enthusiastic, positive and professional, give a firm handshake, look
the interviewer in the eye and smile! Click here to return to
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