Preparing for Your First Job Interview: Advice from Local Employers  

Whether you’re applying for your first part-time job, an apprenticeship, university or your dream career, interviews can be one of the most nerve-racking parts of the journey. The good news? Confidence isn’t something you’re born with, it’s something you build through preparation and practice. 

Recently, our students had the opportunity to do exactly that during our Mock Interview Event, where they met employers and industry professionals from a wide range of sectors. From construction and creative industries to recruitment, education and local government, students were able to experience realistic job interviews, receive personalised feedback and discover exactly what employers are looking for. 

So, what advice did our employers have for students preparing for their next interview? 

1. Employers are looking for people, not perfection 

One of the biggest misconceptions about interviews is that you need to know EVERYTHING about the job before you walk through the door. 

Former Visual Effects Line Producer, Jackie Marchant-Adams, explained that employers are often looking beyond technical skills. 

“People want people who are pleasant to be around. They want people that are going to work really hard. They can teach you the job.” 

Jackie encouraged students to focus on showing they’re someone who can work well with others, communicate effectively and is eager to learn. 

She added: 

“Interviews are less about how badly you want this specific job and more about what kind of team member you’ll be.” 

For many employers, attitude, enthusiasm and willingness to learn can be just as valuable as experience. 

2. Don’t be afraid to talk about your achievements 

Many young people find it difficult to talk positively about themselves, but interviews are one of the few places where it’s expected. 

Bekah Dawes, Mayor of Dover and founder of a community interest company providing first aid training, encouraged students to celebrate what they’ve achieved. 

“Don’t be afraid to be excited about something you’ve achieved. We often diminish our successes.” 

Whether you’ve completed a College project, volunteered in your community, balanced study with a part-time job or overcome personal challenges, these experiences demonstrate valuable skills that employers want to hear about. 

Bekah’s advice was simple: 

“Always have the confidence to know you can do it.” 

3. Your interview starts before you enter the room 

One of the most practical pieces of advice came from Molly Hewitt, Social Value Lead at Apex Contractors. 

Her biggest message? 

“The interview starts when you walk through the door, not when you walk into the interview room.” 

That means arriving early, being polite to everyone you meet and making a positive first impression from the moment you arrive. 

Molly explained: 

“Be polite and respectful to everyone because you don’t know who that person is going to be. The interviewer may ask for feedback from reception or other staff members.” 

She also stressed the importance of preparation before the day itself. 

Research the organisation, understand what they do and think about why you genuinely want to work there. 

“Don’t just think about why they should hire you. Think about why you want to work there and what inspires you about that company.” 

4. Every experience helps build your future 

One reassuring message repeated throughout the day was that very few people follow a perfectly straight career path. 

Jackie shared how she worked in bars, as a receptionist and even as a security guard before building a successful career in the film industry. 

Each role gave her skills that she could take into the next opportunity. 

“Every job, every course and every person you meet gives you experience you can take into your next opportunity.” 

She also reminded students that they don’t need to have everything planned straight away. 

“You don’t have to find your forever job. Every role is another step on your journey.” 

It’s a reassuring reminder that careers develop over time, and every opportunity helps you grow.

5. Practice really does make perfect 

For Bridget Chapman, Industry Liaison Officer at EKC Folkestone College and organiser of the event, the aim was simple: to help students gain confidence through experience. 

The event welcomed volunteer interviewers from organisations including Saga, Apex Contractors, Screen South, The Education People, Leas Lift, recruitment specialists and local industry professionals, all giving up their time to support our students. 

While many students admitted they felt nervous before their interviews, Bridget was delighted with the outcome. 

“Students came in nervous but left glowing.” 

The employers agreed, praising students for their enthusiasm, professionalism and willingness to challenge themselves. 

Bridget believes interview practice is becoming more important than ever. 

“There’s no such thing as a job for life anymore. Students are going to have more interviews throughout their careers, so the more opportunities they have to develop those skills, the better.”

Preparing for your next interview? Remember these five tips: 

• Be yourself and show your enthusiasm. 

• Talk confidently about your achievements and strengths. 

• Research the company before your interview. 

• Arrive early and make a positive impression from the moment you arrive. 

• Practice whenever you can – confidence grows with experience. 

At EKC Folkestone College, we’re passionate about giving our students opportunities to develop the skills they’ll use long after they leave the classroom. Events like our Mock Interview Day help bridge the gap between education and employment, giving students the confidence to take their next steps with reassurance and real-world experience. 

Sometimes, all it takes is one conversation to realise you’re more ready than you think.