Before the interview
- Before you do anything else, think hard about what you want from your career: try to tie down exactly why Unilever is for you – and why it might not be. Aside from anything else, your enthusiasm (or uncertainty) always shows.
- Pin down your skills, strengths and weaknesses. Know yourself.
At the interview
- Be yourself. We can’t stress this enough. There is no point in simply regurgitating what you think you ought to be saying, or learning answers by heart. We hire people because we believe their personality will flourish here, so pretending to be someone you’re not won’t do you any favours.
- Make the most of it! The interview is designed to give us a realistic picture of you and your abilities - to find out exactly what makes you tick, and to see if you possess the innovative drive and ambition to help propel Unilever to greater heights. Just as importantly, it will also give you an insight into the way we work.
- Interviews are a two-way process - so feel free to ask anything you please.
- Be engaging, and enthusiastic.
- Take your time answering questions. A brief, well thought-out answer is far better than an immediate flow of waffle.
- There are no right or wrong answers: we avoid using closed or leading questions. You should answer each question honestly and realistically. Give us the answers that reflect your thoughts and your individual experience of life. That is the only way we can accurately establish if you are the right fit for Unilever and vice versa - just let the conversation describe you.
- Questions will be based on situations you have experienced, so be prepared to give real life examples. Think widely about the roles and responsibilities you have had to date and your achievements whether in a social, academic, work or community context.
- Build up an understanding of the business and your spheres of interest.
- Whilst this is an important part of the selection process, try not to get too stressed about it, and don't forget to smile!
And finally…
- Allow lots of time to travel to your interview, and plan your route the evening before. Don’t turn up late!
- Turn your mobile phone off. There’s nothing worse than an insightful comment being interrupted by one of the Crazy Frog’s greatest hits.
Finally: relax! You’re at the interview because we’re actively interested in meeting you. Best of luck!
