AllOxfordJobs is intended to assist people find jobs in Oxford or to find jobs near Oxford. With the job market now more competitive than it has been for some time, you need to give employers lots of reasons to pick you when you get to the critical stage of being invited to interview.



The first minute of a job interview are really key to your success. Here are some hint and tips on what to expect and how to prepare for your job interview.

Job Interview checklist

1. it's a good idea to double check the time, date and location of your job interview


2. Plan your route the day before, eg if you are being interviewed for a job in Oxford you could get a route map from google maps so you can pin point the place to be before hand, or why not make a trip there the day before to avoid any strain on the day


3. do some background reading on the role and company before the interview, a few minutes at your computer typing the company's name into Google will be time very well spent. Study the company's about us page and any further information 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 ensure you are confident you know what the job involves and what the company is looking for


5. Review your CV and have a good think about exactly why you think you'd be ideal for this job

Look Good, Feel Better

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

Be on time!

Try to keep in mind that you never get a second chance to make a great 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 on time. If you arrive early, you could wait nearby at a cafe or have a short walk round the area 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 a very important aspect 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 without glaring.

Be enthusiastic and positive

During your job interview always be positive. Do not be negative or mention any bad points about previous employers. Focus on your achievements and optimistic views, never forget to smile and be attentive.

Finally, don't give up your job hunt!

The fact is that that you are unlikely to be offered every job that you try for, however well suited you think you may be for it.



If you do not get the job after an interview it is a wise suggestion to run through the interview with someone and try to have them to flag up any areas where you could have done better. There will be other interviews in the weeks to come and any less that perfect 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 Oxford - the main thing is to find the right one for you!

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