Advice Centre for SurveyingJobs.com

Interview Advice

1. Research

You need to show a specific interest in the company you are interviewing with, so make sure you've done your homework on the sectors they work in, their main clients and their most interesting or high-profile projects.

2. Treat your interviewer as an equal

Don’t think of an interview as a "test” for you to "pass” or "fail” – think of it as a meeting between two professionals to find out whether working together could be better for both parties. Do not give the impression that you are "too good” for the company (if you think that, you shouldn’t be there at all!) but be confident, assertive and don’t be afraid to be honest about concerns you have. Set out what you can offer them, as well as finding out what they can do for you, and look for common ground in your ambitions and approaches to planning.

 3. Dress professionally

Planning is a professional industry where employees are expected to dress professionally – doing so shows that you understand the importance of professionalism. Make sure your shoes are polished, your clothes fit correctly and that your accessories are subtle. Men, always wear a suit and tie.

 4. Present yourself well

Speak clearly and slowly – people speak faster than they realise when they are nervous, so if you do feel nervous take a breath in between sentences. Demonstrate open, positive body language and don’t fidget. Make eye contact with the interviewer.

 5. Ask questions

You should always have some questions for your interviewer to show your interest in the firm. Prepare a minimum of five questions, about the role itself as well as the culture of the company and the working environment. You do not need to wait until the end to ask these questions, the best interviews flow naturally so ask questions when they are relevant to the conversation.