Top Five Interview Tips

Placement interviews are always daunting and if like me, you’re a second year applying for your placement year,  I’m sure you’re fully aware of the stress that can come with it. However exciting being invited to an assessment centre is it is also extremely scary.

Image taken from Rilee Yandt under the Creative Commons License

Here is some advice that should help, whether this is for an assessment centre or a placement interview:

Research

This speaks for itself, try and know the company inside out. This doesn’t just mean what the company does but also facts, figures and any news related story which is related to the company. Make sure you are aware of any PR campaigns which the organisation is running, and know your favourite PR campaign from 2013/2014.

Preparation

Competency questions are frequently used for interviews, so make sure you are prepared for these. Think in advance about times you have been in a group, something you are proud of and something which you have implemented. These experiences can be from work experience, university or life in general.

Be confident

Group tasks are very common in assessment centres. Confidence usually shows enthusiasm which employers love, don’t stand in the background make sure you participate. This doesn’t mean you have to be the leader, just make sure your voice and opinion is heard.

Dress to impress

This again goes without saying; however I have been surprised to see what some people wear to job interviews! It is always better overdressed than underdressed; if you dress the part it is more than likely that you will feel the part.

Portfolio!!

This is one of the most important factors – it may be common sense but make sure you do not forget it. Spend the time updating your portfolio with any relevant experience. It is almost an expectation that Leeds Metropolitan students will take their portfolio to an interview – as well as it being a massive opportunity for you to sell yourself. Do not wait for the interviewer to ask to view your portfolio, make sure you show them at any relevant opportunity! 

This post was written by Hannah Palmer, a 2^nd year PR student who is currently interning at Prohibition PR where she is the Editor of Student Wire. Her previous experience includes Opportunity Peterborough, Wolfstar Consultancy and Peterborough United Football Club.