How can you prepare?

Read all of the information that is sent to you! Make sure you perform any work or research that is requested and complete any tests well in advance. Not reading the email they’ve been sent properly or checking attachments and links is probably the number one mistake students and graduates make.

Research the company

Read the organisation website, social media and key literature so you are familiar with what they do and the latest company news. Find a product, service or technology they offer that you find interesting and can relate to and do your best to understand what it does and how it works.

Half an hour solid research is the minimum you should do and if you genuinely cannot find anything that interests you in that time then you should probably consider whether you are applying to the right role or company for you. Any time spent researching in this way is time well spent which will give you greater confidence on the day. A lot of graduates do not do enough research on the companies they apply to, so if you have and can talk about it this will immediately impress any interviewer.

Travel and last minute problems

Plan your journey to make sure you arrive early and you are as relaxed (and unsweaty!) as you can be e.g. take a taxi rather than walk from the hotel or train station unless you know exactly where you are going. If you are travelling on the day make a note of alternative trains/driving routes in case there is a problem. Employers will normally understand if you are late due to unforeseen disruption as long as you inform them as early as possible.

If you are unwell or there is a personal emergency let them know as soon as you can. They would rather reschedule you to a later date than have you pull out or turn up distracted and not able to give your best.

Print it off

Print off everything you’ve been sent. Create a crib sheet with key facts/latest news from their website, examples for the interview (to jog your memory of when you demonstrated certain strengths/skills) and any specific questions you have. Write down or print off your travel plans e.g. train times, the company contact number and their address including postcode as your taxi driver might be relying on satnav or your phone may have no signal or run out of battery. Finally also print off a copy of the CV you sent when you made your application.

Final comments

Always call or email the organisation if something is unclear about the assessment day. They are usually more than happy to help.

If in doubt dress formally – the interviewers may not care but you don’t want to feel the odd one out if everyone else is wearing a jacket and you aren’t. You can always take it off if it turns out the dress code is more relaxed.

Finally don’t forget to bring your identification so they know it’s you!