Interview Advice for the Irish Market

Interviews in Ireland can be in a variety of formats, for example a one-to-one meeting or panel format. It is vital to make a good impression and clearly articulate examples of your skills and your motivation for the job.

• Top tips for international students: Interviews
• Before the interview
• During the interview
• After the interview

 

Top tips for international students: Interviews

• If English is not your first language, practice with Irish students or attend English classes.
• Anticipate interview questions that you are likely to be asked and prepare examples to illustrate your skills, knowledge of the organisation, role and industry.
• At the end of the interview you may be invited to ask some questions yourself so try to have a few prepared.
• Think about your key strengths as an international student e.g. cultural awareness or language skills.
• Be prepared to explain details of your work entitlements e.g. work permit scheme, if necessary.
• Know your rights - in Ireland an employer cannot recruit on the basis of gender, marital or family status, sexual orientation, religious belief, age, disability, race or membership of the Traveller community.
• Use the CAS resources, attend a workshop, get feedback your careers advisor, or book a mock interview.
• Ask your Irish friends for feedback on cultural norms.
• Practice as often as you can. Some volunteering work positions require you to attend an informal interview.

 

Before the interview

• Remember to dress in a professional manner e.g. a suit or trousers/skirt and a shirt/ blouse.
• Confirm the date and time of the interview and also the name of the person that you will be seeing.
• Punctuality is essential for interviews so be sure to arrive in plenty of time.
• Introduce yourself to the receptionist and ask for the name of the person you will be seeing.
• Remember, making an impression starts from the moment you arrive so always be polite and friendly.

 

During the interview

• In Ireland it is customary to shake hands with the interviewer(s) who will invite you to sit down. Good eye contact with the interviewer(s) will help to demonstrate confidence.
• If you have difficulties understanding a question then it is acceptable to ask the interviewer to rephrase or restate it. You can also paraphrase the question back to the interviewer to check you have understood what is being asked.
• If you are being interviewed by more than one person then try to direct your answer to the whole panel e.g. by looking at each person in turn.
• It is important to be positive and enthusiastic about your skills and experience.
• Be respectful and polite at all times.
• Show an interest in the position and show confidence - clearly state your role in a project and your personal contribution to its success without appearing like you are boasting.
• Finally, remember to smile!

 

After the interview

• If successful, reflect on the interview and think about whether you would like to accept an offer from the organisation.
• You should receive a written contract with all employment details.

• If unsuccessful, remember that it is a competitive process so use this as an opportunity to prepare for the next time.
• Reflect on the interview and think about what could have been done better.
• You can contact the employer and request feedback on your interview performance.

Please go to our Interviews section to find out more about Irish interview formats, taking into account the top tips above.