Interview preparation

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Step 1 - Before you apply

• Read the job ad carefully to ensure you meet the requirements. 
• Supply examples showing that you have the required skills, qualifications and experience. 
• You may need to supply your resume, which might be called a curriculum vitae (CV). 
• Make your resume stand out. Tailor your details to highlight experience relevant to the specific job you are applying for. Be concise. 
• You may also have to complete an application form, usually online. 

Further information:

• CV writing tips (zety.com)
• List of key skills to include on a CV (zety.com)

Step 2 – Interview preparation

• If you’re invited to an interview, the employer will expect you to be familiar with the company and what they do.
• In Scotland, the interview can be a two-stage process where you have a first interview followed by a second, final interview. If you're applying from outside Scotland, the employer may hold the first interview through Skype or a similar platform.
• During the interview, the employer will normally ask you to supply practical examples that show how you have applied your skills and experience in a work environment.

Step 3 – Follow up

• When you apply for a job, you may only receive a response from the employer if you’re successful in getting an interview.
• If they’re interested in interviewing you, an employer will typically contact you by email or phone within two to three weeks after receiving your application by
• If you’ve been invited to an interview, normally you’ll hear from the employer about whether you got the job within a week or two after the meeting.
• If after the interview you don’t hear from the employer, follow up by email or call them to ask when they’ll be making their final decision about the position.