MAKING

THE RIGHT
IMPRESSION
INTERVIEWS AND ASSESSMENT CENTRES
CONTENTS
General
4 What is being assessed?
5 Do your research

Interviews
6 Types of interview
8 Interview questions
9 Structure your answers
10 During the interview
11 Body language

Assessment centres
12 Assessment centre activities
14 Assessment centres out of hours

Additional considerations
15 Dress code and etiquette
16 Disclosing a disability
17 Preparation checklist

Afterwards
18 After the interview or assessment centre

2
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations! You have submitted a successful
initial application and have been invited to the
next stage of the recruitment process. So, what
happens now?
Whilst being an exciting time, being invited for an interview or assessment centre
can sometimes seem a little daunting. This guide is designed to help you with the
next stage of the process and provide you with an idea of what to expect, how
to prepare and how to make sure you perform to the best of your ability.
This stage of the recruitment process can take a variety of different formats,
each of which is designed to assess your suitability for the role and company.
Don’t forget, this is also your chance to check out the organisation and get
a feel for whether they are the right fit for you.

Interviews
There are many different types of interview undertaken by recruiters, including
face-to-face, telephone and more recently, video. Interviews typically last for
between 45 minutes and 1 hour and may involve one or more interviewers
representing the recruiting organisation. Interviews may form part of a longer
assessment centre and are designed to help the employer understand you, your
values and your experiences in greater depth.

Assessment centres
These are common practice amongst graduate recruiters and consist of a variety
of activities spread over a longer timeframe, from half a day to a couple of days.
Activities generally include a combination of individual and group tasks and each
one is designed to assess a particular set of skills relevant to the role you have
applied for.

Support
The Careers and Employability Service offers a range of ways to help you
prepare, including workshops and our Drop-in Service where you can talk to one
of our advisers. We work closely with a variety of local and national organisations,
some of whom offer mock interviews on campus for students. See page 19 for
further details of the support available to you.

3
WHAT IS
BEING
ASSESSED?
Interviews and assessment centres are a
way for you to get to know the employer
and vice versa. They will be looking for
certain things on the day to see if you could
do the job and if you would be a good team
fit. The organisation wants you to do well,
they would not have shortlisted you if
they did not believe you had the potential
to succeed.

Ability
Can you do the job? They will have read your application and know
your qualifications, but they will want to be given more in-depth
examples of your skills and previous experience. Be prepared to
discuss your application further and consider additional examples
you could give that differ from those in your application.

Willingness
Do you want to do the job and what is your specific motivation for
applying? Be positive and demonstrate your interest and knowledge
of the role and organisation to convey your competence
and willingness to do the job.

Team fit
Are you a good fit for the team? Be prepared to demonstrate
how you work with others in a team setting. Smile, relax and above
all be yourself. Allow the interviewers to see your professional
personality and how you interact with others in the workplace.

Unique selling points

What makes you stand out from the crowd? Have you engaged
with the organisation previously? Do you have skills and experiences
that other candidates do not have? If so, tell the interviewers
about them. Be confident, no candidate will have exactly the
same experiences as you so use this to your advantage.

What should you assess?

It is also an opportunity for you to find out more about the
organisation and assess whether or not you want to work for them.
Be prepared to ask questions and make the most of opportunities
such as a tour of the premises or networking with current staff
or recent graduates.

4
DO YOUR RESEARCH
It is essential that you undertake thorough research prior to your interview or assessment
centre. Focus your research to ensure that you are fully prepared and give yourself the best
chance to make the right impression with your prospective employer.
You should already have done some research when completing your Where to look
initial application, so the research you carry out for your interview
• Corporate websites – In particular the ‘About us’ and
is aimed at enhancing your existing knowledge and allowing you to
‘News’ sections.
demonstrate this at interview. It is important that you understand
the organisation you are applying to but also have a thorough • Social media – LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook.
understanding of the role and what you can offer. • Trade and specialist publications – Focus on trade organisations
and professional bodies.
• General press – Search for recent news articles on both local
The organisation and sector and national websites.
• Get a better understanding of the products or services the
• Competitor websites.
organisation offers and understand their place in the sector.
• Search online for any tips provided by previous candidates
• Identify any competitors and establish what they offer in
applying for the same role as you. Great places to look include
comparison to the company you are applying to.
www.glassdoor.co.uk and www.ratemyplacement.co.uk.
• Familiarise yourself with the company’s culture and ethos.
What is their mission statement and how can you show that
you are able to match their values? The role
• Find out about any notable achievements or awards the company • Re-read the job description and person specification. Highlight
has received or is working towards. the key skills and competencies that they are looking for and
• Some larger organisations have dedicated websites or sections consider what examples you could use from your own experience
for graduate recruitment. Look out for any additional information to evidence these.
you can find here such as graduate profiles and case studies. • Review the application you submitted as you are likely to be asked
• Look at the company structure so that you can identify key to expand on some of your answers. The questions you answered
management personnel and their roles within the organisation at the application stage may also give you an indication of the
and consider how your role fits within this. employer’s priorities for the role and what you may be asked
at interview.
• Understand the history of the company as this can help you
get a better understanding of their future.

5
TYPES OF INTERVIEW
There are a variety of different types of interview that you may encounter during the
recruitment process. Below are some of the most popular formats and advice about
what to expect.

Telephone interviews Video interviews

Employers generally use telephone interviews when they have Video interviewing is becoming increasingly popular with graduate
received many applications for a position. Typically, first round employers. It can increase efficiency in the recruitment process and
interviews consist of telephone interviews. Make sure you use allow employers to identify the best candidates from a large pool of
a positive tone of voice to demonstrate your enthusiasm and applicants. They generally fit into two categories - live and recorded.
create a good first impression.
Live video interviews - These are most typically conducted using
• Be prepared for unscheduled calls; remain friendly but software such as FaceTime and Skype and involve a live connection
professional when answering calls to unknown numbers. between you and the recruiter.
• If using a mobile phone, ensure it has a full battery and strong Recorded interviews - Recruiters use specialised platforms such
signal. Keep your charger nearby. as Sonru and Spark Hire, which ask the applicant to record answers
• If you have a personal voicemail make sure that it is professional to pre-set questions that appear on the screen. Candidates are given
and clear. a set amount of thinking time before they record their response,
• Avoid temptation during your phone interview; do not eat, which is also subject to a time limit. Recordings are then reviewed
smoke or have any background noises as telephones can by the employer.
amplify these sounds. Artificial intelligence - Some recruiters are starting to move
• Tell your housemates or family that you have an interview at a towards using artificial intelligence to assess video interview
specific time. Being interrupted in the middle of an interview may performance. Software such as HireVue is being used by large
give the impression that you have not adequately planned the graduate recruiters and analyses your video interview, looking
situation. Avoid public spaces where noise is unpredictable. at areas including body language, tone of voice and key words.
• Some people like to dress formally for telephone interviews The software’s algorithm indicates to the recruiter the top
as a reminder to remain professional and create an impact. candidates who they can then spend time reviewing in more detail.
• Prepare some notes in advance. However, don’t be tempted to Preparation
read out answers to prepared questions as your voice will sound You should prepare as you would for any other interview, ensuring
different when you are reading and interviewers will be able to tell. that you have researched the organisation, fully understand the role
to which you are applying and can clearly demonstrate your relevant
skills and experience (see page 5).
Face-to-face interviews
• Prepare your environment – Ensure you are set up in a quiet
Face-to-face interviews are still the most common form of
room with a strong internet connection and good lighting. If
interview. Remember to highlight your strengths all the way
necessary, remove anything distracting that can be seen during
through and maintain a positive attitude throughout.
the interview such as posters, logos or anything that you wouldn’t
• Look back over your application and the job description. want the employer to see.
Can you anticipate any questions the interviewers may • Make sure that your Skype name and email are professional.
ask you? Do you have other examples to use?
• Check your tech - Download the software you will need to use in
• If you have been told who your interviewer will be, carry out advance and check that it works on your device. You may wish to
some research via LinkedIn to find out about their background, practise using the programme so that you are familiar with it and
responsibilities and areas of interest. can identify any issues you may need to address beforehand.
• Think about your body language and your appearance (see pages • To boost your confidence, you may want to practise recording
11 & 15). You want to come across as professional and friendly. yourself. Pay particular attention to the tone and pace of your
• You may have a one-to-one interview or a panel interview, voice, and ensure you are maintaining good eye contact with
consisting of a chairperson, potential line-manager, specialist the camera and using open body language.
or HR representative, for instance. • Look out for practice questions and any tips or advice that the
employer may provide ahead of the interview.
• Ensure that you take the time to carefully read and understand
the instructions. Some recorded interviews may give you the
chance to re-record your answer whereas others may only allow
one attempt.
• Dress smartly from head to toe, you will feel more confident and
not have to worry about employers seeing your pyjama bottoms!
6
In addition to different interview formats, you may also encounter styles of interviews
aligned with the sector you wish to enter. These have different features.

Technical interviews • Be organised - Ensure that information is carefully ordered and
clear to understand. You may also want to consider the size of your
If you are applying for a position in certain industries, for example
portfolio and how you will transport it to and from the interview.
Engineering, IT or Law, you may encounter a technical interview.
These interviews test your knowledge, understanding and ability • Be prepared – Talking about your work is something that you
to apply the specific technical skills required for the role. Alongside need to practise, so think about each item in your portfolio and
specialist questions, you may even be asked to complete a task to what you might say.
demonstrate your abilities. • Be selective – Employers are not likely to spend very long looking
at your portfolio. Focus on quality and not quantity and include
• Know your subject – Brush up on your knowledge of the specialist
work you are really proud of – partly because they are likely to
area. This could mean reviewing useful course materials or
impress the employer, but also because these are the projects
conducting additional research. You are likely to be asked
you’re most likely to be able to talk about with passion.
information about your course and how it relates to the job role.
Make sure you focus on the topics that relate to the employer’s • Be relevant - Keep the job specification in mind when organising
area of work. your portfolio and do some research to ensure that it both
reflects your talents and is in a style relevant to the organisation
• Be prepared to talk about projects you have worked on – Give a
you are approaching.
brief summary of the focus of your project, challenges you faced,
how you overcame them and what the results were. Ensure that
you articulate what you learnt from the project which supported Academic interviews
your technical or wider professional development. Be prepared
Interviews for academic roles are likely to take place in front of a
to answer questions as employers could use your examples to
panel and may have a presentation component, depending on the
probe further for technical understanding. Some employers
type of role you’ve applied for. If it is for a research role, often called
suggest bringing a portfolio where individual and group project
a ‘Post Doc’, you will need to show a range of academic publications
evidence can be included to support your verbal explanation.
and demonstrate that your research interests fit with the group
• Prepare examples of relevant work experience - Employers are or department you are applying to. If it is a teaching role, then
also interested in seeing how you have practically applied the being able to evidence teaching experience and qualifications
skills you have learned. Consider any work experience you have will prove beneficial.
that can evidence your technical ability.
• Be proactive about the panel - Try to find out the names of
• Demonstrate your passion – Don’t forget to show your
the panel in advance so that you can research them and their
enthusiasm for that subject area. Consider why you are
academic work accordingly.
interested in working in that industry and why you chose
to study your degree course. • Be knowledgeable - It is desirable to have good knowledge of the
department. Read their website, prospectus or talk to existing
• If you don’t know the answer, don’t be tempted to rush in and
employees. Ask questions about the aims of the department
guess. Employers may not always expect you to have the correct
regarding research and teaching.
answer but are often more interested in your thought processes
and how you approach a problem. Be logical and don’t be afraid • Be innovative - Demonstrate how your research fits in with the
to ask probing questions to help inform your answer. strategic development of the department and wider institution.

Example questions:
• Identify the critical points along a buried pipe running down Interview presentations
a hill. (Civil Engineering) If your interview has a presentation component, you may be given
• Write a C program to compare two linked lists. (IT) the topic in advance of the interview, or it could be given to you
• How is a merger/acquisition structured? (Law) on the day. The purpose of a presentation is to assess your public-
speaking abilities and test your knowledge. You will typically be
asked to present for 5-10 minutes, with some time afterwards for
Portfolio interviews the panel to ask questions.
For some sectors, such as Engineering or the Creative Arts, • Be structured - Make sure your presentation is easy to follow.
a portfolio of your work may be required. These come in many Have a clear introduction, selection of main points and a conclusion.
different formats including print, web and multimedia and provide
• Be aware of body language - It can be difficult to build rapport in a
the interviewer with evidence of your skills. At interview, you need
short time but your body language can say a lot – smiling, making
to be prepared to talk about the work you are presenting and, where
eye contact and good posture will convey confidence. Make sure
appropriate, your influences.
you are not making excessive use of notes.
• Be clear and concise - You may have limited time, but this doesn’t
mean that you have to speed through your points. Speak clearly,
concisely and try to use accessible language as opposed to jargon.

7
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
Interviewers ask a variety of questions to gauge whether you will be a positive addition
to their organisation. The following are the most common types of questions you are
likely to encounter.

Generic interview questions Specialist or technical interview questions

These questions usually come first in the interview to help you If you have applied for a specialist job, in Law or Engineering for
feel at ease and to provide a better understanding of why you example, you may be asked questions related to the specialism.
have applied for the role. Conveying your knowledge and
Examples include:
enthusiasm about the position will be essential.
• What impact do you think the Legal Services Act will have
Examples include:
on city firms?
• Tell me about yourself. • What are the main disadvantages of off-shore wind farms?
• What do you know about our company?
Tip: Familiarise yourself with any areas of knowledge relevant
Tip: Try to keep some structure to your answers and focus to your chosen sector and position. Re-visit the job description
on including information that is relevant for the job. The and person specification to check for any specific requirements.
recruiter doesn’t need to hear your entire life story, just See more advice on technical interviews on page 7.
the parts of most interest.

Unusual questions
Strength-based interview questions Some employers design seemingly unusual questions that test
These questions encourage you to demonstrate your skills your logic, reasoning and/or moral values. These questions are
and unique selling points. used to assess how you perform under pressure and how you
solve problems.
Examples include:
Examples include:
• What can you bring to the role?
• What has been your biggest achievement? • How many basketballs could you fit in this room?
• Describe the colour yellow to somebody who is blind.
Tip: If asked, don’t be afraid to talk about your weaknesses. Use this
as an opportunity to reflect on your personal development and Tip: If you get one of these questions, try to embrace the fun aspect
demonstrate how you have overcome challenges. of it. Think about your answer logically and explain your reasoning;
there is no wrong answer.

Situational or competency-based
interview questions Questions for the interviewers
These questions focus on your skills and experiences. The examples Most interviewers will give you the opportunity to ask questions
you provide should be aligned to the requirements outlined in the at the end of the interview. This is your chance to find out specific
job specification. ‘Describe a time when…’ or ‘Give an example of…’ information about the role and the organisation, as well as
are typical openings for competency-based questions. demonstrate your interest and enthusiasm. Take care not
to ask questions you could have easily found the answer to.
Examples include:
• What are the key priorities for this role within
• Give an example of when you have displayed initiative. the first 3-6 months?
• Tell me about a time when you led a team to success. • What training opportunities are available?
Tip: An effective way to answer this type of question is to use the • What do you like most about working for
STAR method. This provides a framework which can help give this company?
structure to your answer. Learn more about STAR on page 9.

8
STRUCTURE YOUR
ANSWERS
Ensuring you effectively structure answers to interview questions not only allows you to
present your skills and experience clearly, it also helps you pace yourself when answering
and gives you a bit of thinking time. It is important that you evidence your skills, aptitude,
knowledge and experience in relation to the question being asked as it allows the employer
to understand how well suited you are for the role.

Where appropriate, you could consider using the STAR technique to structure your answers.

STAR technique
The STAR technique is a useful framework for answering • A
 ction This is the main part of the answer and the most
competency and strength-based questions. This can be used important. Outline the actions you took to deal with the situation,
throughout the application process to help you structure focusing on your individual contribution.
answers to both written and verbal questions. It is broken • R
 esult Conclude your answer with the outcomes of the
down into the following components: situation. Did you achieve your original goal? What skills did
• S
 ituation Provide a brief description of the situation in you develop?
order to set the scene. You may also see the STAR technique presented as CAR - in this
• T
 ask What was the task that you had to undertake? format Situation and Task are combined into Context.
When, where and with whom?

9
DURING THE INTERVIEW
An interview can be a nerve-wracking experience. You may feel as though you need to
provide the perfect answer to every question without a moment of hesitation. This is not
true, and you are likely to feel the strain much more if you put yourself under pressure to
perform. Here are some tips to help you be at your best.

Stress management What if you don’t know the answer?

It is perfectly natural to feel nervous before an interview, however, Whilst not knowing an answer can be frustrating in an interview
the suggestions below can help you feel more prepared. situation, it is not the end of the world. Give yourself time to think
about the question. Don’t launch into an answer that may lack
• If your nerves stem from a previous interview that did not go
structure and effective content. If you still find you cannot articulate
according to plan, take some time to reflect on what you could
an answer, it is reasonable to request that you return to the question
do to improve, such as slowing the pace of your voice or providing
later on in the interview.
more information in your examples.
• Come to our Drop-in Service for interview advice or see if there
are any employer mock interviews coming up so you can practise. Handling inappropriate questions
See more information on page 19. There are a number of questions that, by law, interviewers are not
• On the day, focusing on your breathing may help to lessen anxiety, allowed to ask. These include questions referring to disabilities and
enabling you to think a little more clearly. physical appearance, sexuality, gender, race and ethnicity, marital
status, family planning and childcare, or any previous convictions.
For more information about relaxation techniques take a look
at the handout featured on our webpage: Examples of inappropriate questions include:
www.southampton.ac.uk/interviews • Where were you born?
• Do you have a disability?
What if you don’t hear or understand • What childcare arrangements do you have in place?
the question? • What is your sexual orientation?
There is no harm in asking the interviewer to repeat the question You do not have to answer these questions, but if you decide to
if you do not hear them the first time. Similarly, if you do not respond keep it brief and general. For example you might say
understand a question, ask them to repeat or re-word the question “there’s nothing that would interfere with my ability to do the job.”
rather than trying to answer something you are not sure about.
If you are partly through your answer and have forgotten the
question, just check with the employer to see if you have fully
answered their question or if they would like further details.

10
BODY LANGUAGE
Whether consciously or not, we all pick up on signals from each
other which help us to form an impression of a person from
the moment we meet. Research suggests that around 55% of
communication is through our body language alone which means
that in an interview, it’s important to think about what your whole
body is saying, not just your words!

Below are some tips to help you make the best impression on your
interviewer.

Head and face

• Making eye contact with the interviewers can help you to establish rapport, gauge the interviewers’
reaction to what you are saying and make you seem confident. If you have a panel interview look at the
entire panel in turn, starting with the person asking the question.
• Occasional nodding can show that you are engaged with what the interviewer is saying. However, try
not to nod excessively.
• Facial expressions are important. Try to make sure that your facial expressions reflect your tone and
what you are saying.
• Tone of voice can also have an effect on your interview and nerves. Try to talk clearly and maintain
your natural tone and speed of talking. This is particularly important for telephone interviews.

Body
• Good posture displays poise and engagement with the interview situation. Sit upright and try not
to slouch.
• Try not to cross your arms as it can look commanding, aggressive or defensive. At an interview you
want to look approachable. Try and keep your arms at your sides, on your lap or placed in front of
you on the table. This will also discourage fidgeting or fiddling with hair, nails, or items in front of you.
Some subtle hand movements can be helpful for conversation.
• Your handshake can say a lot about you. Aim for a firm but not bone-crushing handshake.
• Subtly mirror the interviewer’s body language and vocal cadence. If they are resting with their hands
on the table, mirror this. If they are talking excitedly about a topic, match their enthusiasm.

Other ways to build good rapport and make a good impression

at your interview are to:
• Stay positive. Always remember that the interviewers want to meet you and find out more about you.
• Stay calm by taking slow, deep breaths and don’t forget to smile. These simple steps can make you
seem confident and approachable.

Find out more:

For more tips about body language
and making a good impression go to:
https://tinyurl.com/graduate-body-language
11
ASSESSMENT
CENTRE
ACTIVITIES
An assessment centre will be made up of a series of different activities and tasks, each
designed to assess certain skills and characteristics that are critical to the role you are
applying for. A relatively small proportion of applicants go through to the assessment
centre stage, so if you get here you have already done really well.

Group activities
Assessment centres often have one or more group activity components. There are a number of skills being evaluated including
team-working, leadership, communication and problem-solving. You are not being assessed on whether you dominate group tasks,
or if you ‘win’; it is your interpersonal skills and contribution to tasks that are most important. Keep these things in mind throughout:
• Listen to instructions carefully and ensure you refer back to the brief to stay on track.
• Take note of the time in which you have to complete the activity and keep an eye on this throughout.
• Agree on objectives of the task and prioritise accordingly.
• If you are usually a quiet person, do your best to speak up as you cannot be assessed if you don’t say anything. If you are outgoing,
try not to dominate the discussion.
• Do not interrupt others to get your point across. Do not let others interrupt you.
• Keep your contributions concise – you will be up against the clock and your point is more likely to be understood if you are clear and succinct.
• Try to include all members of the group – addressing them by name if possible.
• Some employers like to throw in last minute changes to activities to see how you react to unexpected situations. Keep a calm head
and reassess your task and what needs to be achieved in the new timeframe.
There has been research about types of personalities found in groups, and it may be useful to review these:
http://www.belbin.com/about/belbin-team-roles/
Group discussions Group presentations
A common aspect of group tasks is being provided with a topic to Some assessment centres may have a group presentation
discuss. Debate and negotiation are at the centre of discussions. component. If so, it will be important to:
You will be expected to reach a group consensus and then formulate
• Address the aims and objectives of the presentation.
a plan or proposal to address the topic. For example:
• Agree presentation structure, timings and format based
• General topic - ‘The voting age should be lowered to 16’. on resources you have been given.
• Work-related topic or problem - ‘Profits have fallen. What actions • Delegate tasks, ensuring that every member of the group
could be taken to improve performance in the next quarter?’ has an opportunity to contribute.
Role play • Discuss issues throughout and ensure that all group
Some group activities may require you to take on a role play scenario members are clear about their role in producing and
where each of you may have an individual briefing and instructions delivering the presentation.
or roles. Again, you will be expected to debate and negotiate with
See further advice on giving presentations on page 7.
each other in order to come to a consensus. For instance:
Case study exercises
‘Your group is in a jungle after a plane crash and there is only one
For some roles, you could be presented with hypothetical
rescue helicopter coming with limited seats. Each group member
documents such as company reports. You may be asked to make
is assigned a different character and a belonging which might be
and present business decisions or suggest recommendations based
of use to the group. Discuss as a group who will go in the helicopter
on the information you have been given. These are often group
and who should remain behind and why.’
exercises and time limited. It is typical to have preparation time,
This type of activity is an ideal opportunity to practise your followed by a presentation with questions at the end.
negotiating and compromising skills.
• Practise your presentation skills.
• Ensure your commercial awareness is up to date by researching
12 the company and sector.
Group interviews Personality assessments
There may be a group interview incorporated into the assessment These assessments evaluate individual behaviour, attitudes or
centre. Preparing for this kind of interview requires the same opinions, as well as motivation, values and interests. They are used
preparation as other face-to-face interviews. Make sure you have by the employer to assess your suitability for the role or workplace
good knowledge of: in terms of personality and working style.
• The role, organisation and sector. Refer to research you should • Be yourself – Answer questions honestly or you may risk being
have carried out prior to interview. offered a role that would not suit you.
• Skills required for the position, with examples for each. • Consider the role which you are applying for – Be mindful
• Key strengths and weaknesses. of the qualities that would be desirable in the ideal candidate
• Ensure you take opportunities to contribute to the discussion, for the position.
you can only be marked on your participation.
Other assessment centre activities
Psychometric tests In-tray exercises
Another aspect of assessment centres may be individual tests to In-tray exercises typically ask you to play the role of a member of
assess your suitability for the role/organisation. Psychometric tests staff on a busy day. You are then given tasks to complete during the
are an accurate way of measuring your specific capabilities and are test. These might be around the organisation, answering emails or
often timed. Some employers may have asked you to complete tests phone calls and other work related duties. You will be assessed on
prior to your interview or assessment centre, however, you may be how effectively you manage and prioritise these tasks.
asked to complete these again on the day. • Think about the urgency of the task against the importance.
They are split into the following three areas: Ability Tests, Situational • Consider tasks that can be done quickly that will help you
Judgement Tests and Personality Assessments. complete other tasks more efficiently.
Ability tests Technical tasks
 umerical tests assess your ability to work with numbers in an
N Depending on the type of job you are applying for you may be asked
accurate manner. to do a technical task. This could involve a piece of equipment
or machinery that you would be using on a regular basis or
• Prepare for numerical tests by doing basic revision and practising constructing something in a limited amount of time.
your maths.
• Look back over the job description to notice equipment,
• These tests generally focus on percentages, ratios, costs, sales,
machinery or computer programs the organisation uses.
rates and trends.
• Revise this equipment so if you do encounter a technical test you
Verbal reasoning tests require you to read a short passage of text are prepared.
then answer several questions based on the information given.
Written exercises
• Forget all previous knowledge and assumptions about the topic. Written exercises are common in assessment centres. They often
Answer the questions only using information that you have include writing reports, an email to a client or a list of instructions to
been given. assess your written communication skills.
• Practise by reading broadsheet newspapers, choosing a
• Focus on your spelling, grammar and tone.
paragraph of information and analysing the content to extract
key information. • Manage your time appropriately to allow you enough time to plan
and complete the exercise. Allow time to proof read your work.
Diagrammatic reasoning tests are designed to measure your
• Communicate clearly and make sure you emphasise the
logical reasoning; they usually consist of multiple-choice questions
important information.
such as finding the next sequence in a pattern or rules of a flowchart.
Diagrammatic reasoning tests are also similar to logical and Individual role play
abstract assessments. Individual role play exercises are commonly used for customer
facing roles to assess your customer service, communication and
• Completing diagrammatic and word puzzles can help to get you
confidence interacting with people. The activity could be a role play
used to these tests.
phone call with a customer placing an order over the phone and the
• Use online resources to practise diagrammatic tests to get used assessors listening in.
to this format and practise your approach.
• Research the role fully before the interview, this will make it easier
Situational judgement tests to assume the role and get into character.
These tests are based on realistic, hypothetical scenarios to see if
• Remember your time keeping and other key skills the assessors
your responses align with other employees at the company. You will
may be looking for.
be given a situation and must rank various options in the order that
you would deal with them. • Be yourself, let your professional personality come through in
your role play.
• Answer honestly.
• Research the company and their values, this will help you make Find out more:
informed, appropriate decisions. For example, if an organisation For free practice tests and further information
prides itself on great customer service, you should consider on psychometric tests and assessment centres go to:
selecting answers which prioritise the customer. www.southampton.ac.uk/psychometrics
• Be prepared to discuss your answers and explain your reasoning www.southampton.ac.uk/assessmentcentres
behind the decisions you make. 13
ASSESSMENT CENTRES
OUT OF HOURS
Depending on the length of the assessment centre, meals and accommodation
may be included. This can mean interacting with your assessors and other
candidates in a more relaxed environment.
Whilst the informal activities such as meals and refreshments aren’t directly assessed, the way you act
will be noticed by the assessors. Here are some tips on how to make a good impression.
• Listen and co-operate - Demonstrate your listening skills through body language and helping
to facilitate conversations. This can make you and the others around you feel more relaxed.
• Be yourself - Let your natural personality show rather than trying to be someone you think
the employer wants to hire. It’s impossible and tiring to keep up a facade, the assessors will
see through it and you may risk being placed in a job that doesn’t suit you.
• Network - During breaks and meals, ensure that you talk to a variety of people to show off your
social and communication skills.
• Approach people - This can be intimidating but remember that at an assessment centre no one
knows each other. Make eye contact, shake their hand and say their name aloud to help you
remember them.
• Leaving groups - Moving on from a group can be tricky, you need to do this politely. Indicate that
your drink is empty or you would like to get some food, close with “it was nice speaking to you”,
smile and leave.
• Talking points - Read up on current affairs, global news and information around the industry you
are being interviewed for. This will help you join in with topical conversations or make small talk.
• Alcohol and evening meals - If you don’t know how to eat it, avoid it! Table manners are important
and poor etiquette can give a bad impression to assessors and other candidates. If you decide to
have an alcoholic drink, stick to only a small amount. It is a professional environment, not a night out.
• Expenses - As a candidate, you should never be asked to pay to attend an assessment centre,
however, there may be costs involved such as travel or accommodation if staying overnight.
Some employers will offer to reimburse part or all of these expenses but make sure
you check with the organisation before booking anything.

14
DRESS CODE
AND ETIQUETTE
At an interview you want to appear confident and professional so make sure your outfit
and general conduct reflects this. You should be clean, well-groomed and in clothes that
make you feel comfortable. Check the interview invitation letter carefully, particularly
if you will be socialising or going out for a meal with the interviewers. Employers need to
visualise you in your desired role, and you want to show you both fit in and stand out from
other candidates.

Dress code Keep it simple

• The interviewers want to focus on you not your outfit. If you wear
The outfit
make-up, opt for a natural look, avoid excessive jewellery, and
• Wear a professional outfit that suits the industry you are applying
keep your hair neat and tidy. If you are prone to playing with your
to. If in doubt wear a suit, or smart dress or skirt. Keep it tailored,
hair, wear it back. Avoid wearing overpowering aftershave
clean and make sure it is ironed. It is a good idea to get your outfit
or perfume.
ready the night before.
Personal belongings
Colours
• If you choose to bring a bag make sure it looks professional.
• Choose tones that suit you but are also professional. If you want
Also, think about what is inside your bag. If you are bringing
to add colour think about a coloured tie, shirt or top.
your CV, notepad, pens or paper, make sure that everything
Fit looks presentable.
• Avoid wearing ill-fitting clothes as they can make you look untidy.
For women, go for a moderate neckline rather than low-cut.
For men, wear a button-up shirt and tie, and avoid short-sleeved Interview etiquette
shirts and novelty ties or socks. • Be professional in all interactions you have with the employer,
whether this is via email, telephone or in person. From the
Shoes
moment you begin communicating, the employer is starting
• Ensure they are clean, smart and professional. Make sure you can
to form an impression of you, so ensure you use appropriate
comfortably walk in the shoes as the interview may include an
language and respond to communication in a timely manner.
office tour; stay away from excessively high heels, trainers or
flip flops. • Your interview begins from the moment you arrive. Reception
staff are often asked for feedback on candidates so make sure
Creative industries that you are polite, professional and enthusiastic from the outset.
• These can be less rigid in dress codes than other industries,
• Aim to arrive at your interview 10 minutes early and make
which can give you a little more freedom with what to wear. Make
sure you leave yourself plenty of time to get there in case
sure you research the corporate culture of the organisation and
of any problems.
choose your outfit according to this.
• Ensure that your mobile phone is switched off. Even if your
phone is on silent it can be a distraction.
• If you smoke try to avoid doing so before your interview.
After the interview make sure you are out of sight of the building
before you start smoking.

15
DISCLOSING A DISABILITY
It’s your choice if and when to disclose your disability, specific learning difficulty
or long-term health condition to a future employer.

Before the interview or assessment centre you could research or

request information about the organisation’s equal opportunities
Reasonable adjustments
policies and support. This can help you decide if you wish to disclose
to the organisation and whether they will be the best fit for you. If you would like to request reasonable adjustments
for an interview or assessment centre, aim to let
Think about the activities you will be required to complete during the the organisation know as soon as possible. Employers
assessment process. For example, if there will be a lot of material to read only have a duty to make reasonable adjustments for
in a case study exercise would you benefit from additional time? you if they know you have a disability and what is
You can make a positive statement about your disability by: needed. You are the best person to know what support
you need so consider what adjustments you would like
• Focusing on your strengths, skills and experience. Consider which to request, for example, tests in an alternative format
skills can be transferred to the workplace, for example, increased or an adjusted interview room. Bear in mind that even if
awareness of differing individual needs or communication skills you disclose, the people interviewing you may not
developed through organising your support worker. know the details; they may only know that adjustments
• Not assuming that an employer will view your disability in a have been made.
negative way.  
Disclosing at an interview or after you accept the job
• Promoting and demonstrating your resourcefulness and may make it easier to get information about support
coping strategies.   schemes. Employers suggest early disclosure so they
• Emphasising the different perspective you can offer the organisation.   can offer appropriate support throughout and take
advantage of funding to help make any adjustments.
If you decide to disclose we have some useful examples on
However, it is always up to you if and when you wish to
our website of how to talk about the strengths and skills you
disclose your disability.  
have developed as a result of your disability. A list of prohibited
questions are also discussed on page 10 of this guide. Some jobs involve ‘fitness to practice’ and some may
require you to complete a health form after the job
offer, both of which involve confidential disclosure to
health professionals. The purpose is to ensure there is
no risk to yourself and others, and where appropriate,
to allow the employer to make reasonable adjustments.

Find out more:

www.southampton.ac.uk/
careers/disclosing

16
PREPARATION
CHECKLIST
Below are some of the key areas you should have prepared or considered before
attending your interview/assessment centre. Use this checklist to identify any
areas of preparation you may still need to address.
Have you carefully read your invitation and gained Travel arrangements
a thorough understanding of what your interview/
If using personal transport
assessment centre involves?
Do you have accurate directions?

Knowledge and research I s your car in good working order/does it have

enough fuel?
Have you re-read your application and prepared
to expand upon examples you have given? Where are you going to park? Do you have cash to pay
for parking?
Are you familiar with the job description/person
specification and have you identified key competencies If using public transport
that the employer is looking for?
Will your train/bus arrive with plenty of time to spare?
Have you reflected on your skills and experiences
How do you get from the stop/station to your destination?
and prepared appropriate examples to evidence
these competencies?  hat’s your contingency plan? (Taxi? Friend with car
W
on standby?)
Have you thoroughly researched the organisation and
become familiar with the products/services it provides?
Are you aware of the organisation’s values and the attributes Clothing and personal belongings
they may look for during assessment activities? What should you wear? See page 15.
Do you feel confident in discussing your reasons for applying What is the weather forecast and will this affect your
to the role/organisation? journey or clothing?
Have you practised any psychometric tests that may Do you need to bring anything? (Portfolio? Passport
occur on the day? See page 13 for links to practice tests. or documents? Overnight bag?)
Have you prepared questions to ask your interviewer?
Have you reflected on any past interviews or assessment Additional considerations
centres and considered how you could overcome any Have you completed any paperwork or tasks required
previous difficulties or awkward questions? before the day?
Have you made a note of the organisation’s contact details
in case anything unexpected should delay you?
I f necessary, have you disclosed a disability or asked for
reasonable adjustments? See page 16.

17
AFTER THE INTERVIEW
OR ASSESSMENT CENTRE
Second interviews Accepting an offer
If you are asked back for a second interview, do not worry. This is Once the employer has told you that they would like to hire
usually a positive sign that the interviewers want to know more in- you, if you wish to accept the job, thank them and ask to get this
depth detail about you to make their final decision. It might be your information in writing, including the name of the position and
second or third time meeting the interviewer so they will already start date. Only accept the job offer once you have received this
know information about you. For your second interview you will information. You should reply to confirm your acceptance of the
want to: job in writing to your new employer as soon as possible.
• G
 ive more detailed and varied answers from your first interview There are also a few other things you may wish to discuss:
or assessment centre.
• S tart date - When are you able to start work? You may need to
• Reiterate the skills you have that the organisation is looking for. hand in your notice or wait for HR to process your references
• P
 repare new questions to ask the interviewers. Use this and contract before confirming a start date.
opportunity to find out more information about the company. • S alary - How much will you be paid and when? Depending
• F ollow up after the second interview by sending a thank you email on the job the salary may be open for negotiation, you will
and express your continued interest in the role. need to negotiate this before you sign your contract.
• C
 ontracts - When can they send the contract and do you need
to supply any documents to your new employer?
Job offers
You have been offered the job, well done! However, there are a few If you are waiting to hear if you have been successful for a different
things you need to think about before you relax and celebrate: position and are unsure whether or not to accept, bear in mind
that it is not good practice to accept more than one offer at a time.
• Do you want the job? Recruitment is a costly and time consuming process and recruiters
• Does it match your values and career aspirations? will not thank you if you renege on an accepted offer. This could
• Did the work environment feel right? reflect badly on your professional reputation. Instead, clarify the
date by which you need to accept and think carefully about whether
• Is there anything in the contract or terms you don’t understand?
or not this is the right position for you.
• H
 ave you thought about your lifestyle changes, things such
as housing, commuting and work schedule?
Whatever you decide to do, remember to stay friendly and
Declining an offer
positive when informing the organisation to maintain your There are many reasons why you may wish to decline a job offer,
professional reputation. the organisation might not be a good fit or you may have a more
competitive opportunity. Whatever the reason, remember
when declining an offer you should do so in a friendly and
Feedback professional manner.
Whether you have been offered the job or not, you may still want to • O
 nce you are sure you do not want the job, decline as soon as
contact the organisation for feedback. This can be a good learning possible. The employer can then offer the position to another
opportunity for you to develop your interviewing technique for the candidate. You should do this over the phone, then follow up
future. If you are able to get feedback, thank them for taking the time with an email to the main point of contact.
to provide you with this. Give yourself time afterwards to reflect on
• Thank the employer for the opportunity and their time.
what the employer has told you. You may not agree with all of the
feedback, but it can often show you areas to improve on. • E
 xplain in a polite manner why you do not wish to accept this
position, for example:
“Unfortunately I have realised that the position is not entirely suited
to me and my career aspirations…”

18
CAREERS AND
EMPLOYABILITY SERVICE
We offer a wide range of support to help you prepare for interviews and assessment
centres, as well as increase your employability. Take a look at some of our services
below and check out our website for more information and advice.

MyCareer Careers Fairs

MyCareer is your online careers platform allowing all Our events team organise a number of careers fairs
University of Southampton students and graduates during the year, providing the opportunity to speak to
to easily access a range of our services. employers about their application processes. See our
website for details.
http://mycareer.soton.ac.uk
www.southampton.ac.uk/careers/fairs

Drop-in Service Events

Our Drop-in Service provides an opportunity for you We organise a full programme of events throughout
to have a conversation with one of our advisers about the year including workshops and presentations on
anything careers related. Appointments aren’t necessary, interviews and mock assessment centres, many of
check out our website for more details and timings. which are hosted by graduate employers.
www.southampton.ac.uk/careers/drop-in www.southampton.ac.uk/careers/events

Work Experience Career Mentoring

Our work experience programmes range from short- You can gain invaluable knowledge and experience from a
term internships with the Excel Southampton Internship professional mentor especially chosen for you to support
Programme to a placement year as part of the Year in your career planning. Take a look at our website to find
Employment. Discover further opportunities through the out more about our Career Mentoring Programme.
Volunteering Bank and Business Innovation Programme
www.southampton.ac.uk/careers/mentoring
on our website.
www.southampton.ac.uk/careers/work-experience

Find out more:

www.southampton.ac.uk/careers/ 19
 Find out more:
www.southampton.ac.uk/careers
+44 (0)23 8059 3501
[email protected]

@UoS_Careers

UoSCareersandEmployability