THE best-known graduate programmes receive between 40 and 50 applications for each vacancy. Of these, fewer than six applicants typically make it through to the first selection round, so just receiving an invitation to interview from a top employer is a real achievement.
The purpose of a first-round interview is to explore your character and the personal skills or competencies that you’ve developed. Don’t expect to be asked about your A levels or even the content of your degree course — many employers will be much more interested in testing your leadership potential, your ability to work in a team and your business acumen. If you answered questions on these areas on your original application form, be sure to re-read them before the interview — they may well be a major focus of the discussion.
Most interviewers will also want to see how keen you are to join their organisation. You may well have applied to a dozen others, but it’s essential to explain why you want to work for this particular employer. Reading up on the latest news about the company and referring to it during your interview can help to set you apart from the other five applicants who are competing for the same job.
MARTIN BIRCHALL