AllPortsmouthJobs is custom made to assist people find jobs in Portsmouth or to find jobs near Portsmouth. With the recruitment market now more competitive than it has been for some time, you need to give recruiters even more reasons to pick you when you get to the key stage of being invited for a job interview.



The first 30 seconds of a job interview are very important. Here are a few helpful tips on what to expect and things to think about for your job interview.

Job Interview checklist

1. Ensure you double check the time, date and location of your job interview


2. Plan the route the day prior, eg if you are being interviewed for a job in Portsmouth you could get a route map from google maps so you can pin point the place to be before hand, or even make a trip there the day before to avoid any stress on the day


3. Research the position and company before the interview, a few minutes spent typing the company's name into Google will be time very well spent. Read the company's about us page and any news articles you can find. Your interviewer will be impressed if you have a reasonable understanding of the company and its background


4. Re read through the job advertisement to refresh your memory as to what the job involves and what the recruiter is looking for


5. Re read your CV and have a hard think about exactly why you think you'd be a great candidate for this job

Look Good, Feel Better

Rightly or wrongly, looks can make a difference, be smart and look professional. Bear in mind the company you are applying to - how do your potential future co-workers dress for work? If you already dress in a similar way then you're on the way to fitting in at your desired new job!

Be on time!

It is key to keep in mind that you never get a second chance to make a good first impression, so make sure you're prepared. Aim to arrive 20-25 minutes before your interview time, that way if your bus is late or you get stuck in traffic you'll still arrive bang on time. If you arrive early, you could wait nearby at a restaurant or have a quick stroll around the locality thinking about what you plan to say in your interview. Aim to arrive at reception exactly 10 minutes before your scheduled interview time.

Look the interviewer in the eyes and smile

Eye contact is important to get right while on your interview and can make a real difference in how you present yourself. If you always look away when speaking to someone, you may well be seen as lacking confidence or not interested or worse still being dishonest. So always answer the questions with eye contact, but don't stare so hard it looks odd!.

Be enthusiastic and positive

During your job interview always be positive. Do not be unenthusiastic or mention any bad points about previous employers. Focus on your achievements and optimistic views, remember to smile and be attentive.

Finally, don't give up your job hunt!

Alas no matter how prepared you are the reality is that you are unlikely to be offered every job that you'd like to get, however perfect you think you may be for it.



If you do not get the job after an interview it is a good idea to run through the interview with someone and try to have them to discuss any areas where you could have done better. There will be more jobs to apply for in the future and any failed interviews should be looked upon as part of a learning process.



Don't forget that performing well at an interview is a skill and it can be learnt and improved with help and practice. There are plenty jobs in and around Portsmouth - the main thing is to find the right one for you!

AllPortsmouthJobs wish you the best of luck with you job hunting!