Going to an interview Easy Read

Going to an interview

A person is interviewed at a desk by three other people.

What is an interview?

An interview is when you meet with someone or a group of people to tell them why you would be a good person to hire for a job.

A picture of a letter offering someone a job.

If you do well in this meeting then you could be invited to another interview, or you could be offered the job.

What will my interview be like?

There are different types of interviews you might have:

Going to an interview

A woman sitting at a desk and speaking on a telephone.

For a telephone interview, the employer will call you and you will have your interview over the phone.

For a one-to-one interview, you will meet someone face to face to be interviewed. You will only be interviewed by one person.

For a panel interview, you will meet people face to face to be interviewed. You might be interviewed by three or four people

For a group interview, you meet people face to face to be interviewed. You will be interviewed with a group of other people applying for the job.

A calendar behind a clock with a question mark next to them.

What should I do before the interview?

Check when the interview is.

Make sure you know the time and date of the interview.

A calendar with a cross over a series of dates.

If you can’t go to the interview, let the employer know. They might be able to give you another date.

Check where the interview will be.

You could take friends with you, or you could go there before the interview to check where it is.

Give yourself plenty of time to get there.

Two men on the phone to each other. One man is asking for a support worker at his interview and to be given time allowances.

Tell the employer that you might need adjustments for your interview.

This could be things like giving you more time, or having someone to support you to understand things.

A man with his hand raised in the air to ask a question.

Think of any questions you want to ask the employer.

These could be questions about the job, about the company, or about the team.

There will be time for you to ask questions at the end of your interview.

What things do I need to bring to the interview?

It is good to bring your CV or your application form with you.

This will remind you what you have said about yourself in your application.

A man sat in a chair, reading from a sheet of paper.

What should I do at an interview?

Read through your application form and your CV while you wait.

Remember it is normal to feel nervous!

When you are called into the interview room, say hello to the interviewer and shake their hand.

Make eye contact with the interviewer in the interview.

A man shakes a woman's hand and says 'thank you'

Be friendly and professional. Show that you want the job!

A woman sits at a desk. She is looking at the ceiling while she thinks.

Give yourself time to think about your answers.

A man sitting at a desk with pen and paper.

What things might the interviewer ask me?

This will depend on the job you are applying for.

Most interviewers will ask about your experience and about why you want the job.

A man in a suit with his arm outstretched for a handshake.

How should I dress for the interview?

You should wear clean, smart clothes for your interview.

An eye next to a hand with its thumb up.

First impressions are important. If an employer can see you have made an effort to dress smartly that will help.

Be careful not to wear too much perfume or aftershave!

Can I take a friend or family member with me?

Someone can come to the interview with you, but they probably will not be able to come into the interview room unless this has been agreed as a reasonable adjustment.

What happens after the interview?

The employer will let you know when you will find out if you have got the job.

A man on a phone next to a job offer letter.

They might call you to let you know, or they might send you a letter or email.

The employer will tell you whether they will call you or email you.

Information and support

You may be able to get more support to find a job from Mencap. Go to our website to find out more about what support we can offer.

https://www.mencap.org.uk/advice-and-support/employment/finding-job/finding-work-easy-read-guides

Or you can email us at: employment.support@mencap.org.uk

A woman holds a red telephone against her ear

Or call our helpline on: 0808 808 1111