In our recent live Twitter chat, our army of experts were on hand to share their advice about how to prepare for job interviews and assessment days.
From populating shelves with books to show off in the background of a Skype interview, to answering the hardest of curveball questions, we round up the best tweets below.
If you want to get involved – asking a question or leaving a tip – get tweeting using the #jobinaweek hashtag, or comment below.
The last time many of us answered maths questions was back in a sweaty GCSE exam. But many graduate schemes require you to pass a numerical test.
Clare Whitmell, an expert on CV writing and job-hunting tips, kicked off the live chat with her advice on how to brush up your skills:
@GuardianCareers Search for numerical reasoning practice tests online. Many are free. Practise long division/multiplication, ratios and %.
— Clare Whitmell (@clarewhitmell) October 3, 2013
@JustWageni's question sparked an interesting debate on annoyingly vague interview questions:
@JustWageni @GuardianCareers Highlights of your career, education and personal qualities which fit most this particular post #jobinaweek
— Career Coaching CCV (@CareerCoachingV) October 3, 2013
How do phone or Skype interviews differ from face-to-face interviews?
@GuardianCareers Research the company, your interviewer profile and prep questions to ask at the end. Have your CV and notepad in front of u
— Career Coaching CCV (@CareerCoachingV) October 3, 2013
And be careful what's visible in the background if you're on Skype:
@GuardianCareers Could lead to good ice-breaker qu 'Tell me abt the books you like to read'. Just make sure u read some of them! #jobinaweek
— Clare Whitmell (@clarewhitmell) October 3, 2013
Is it ever possible to request a Skype interview?
@PosIgnition @YourAAT @GuardianCareers In some cases it won't be acceptable such as banking or consulting, but in marketing yes #jobinaweek
— Career Coaching CCV (@CareerCoachingV) October 3, 2013
What about mentioning why you left your previous employer?
@PosIgnition being honest could be risky. If you are going to mention it, keep it short and sweet and as neutral as possible. #jobinaweek
— Leo (@NCSAdviser) October 3, 2013
Whatever you do, research your prospective employers inside out:
The interview candidate that impressed me recently really got under the skin of the company and demonstrated great research #jobinaweek
— GSM Careers (@GSMCareers) October 3, 2013
Tweeters also shared their horror stories from job interviews:
Newly married friend asked in interview when she was going to get pregnant #inthisdayandage #jobinaweek
— GSM Careers (@GSMCareers) October 3, 2013
We're often asked to describe our weakness. But should you actually admit your real weaknesses?
@matt_dathan be honest, describe a weakness that isn't going to affect your ability in the role and show how you've overcome it #jobinaweek
— Leo (@NCSAdviser) October 3, 2013
The best way to make the most of internships on your CV:
@Hugo_Harrison a strong, tailored CV or application is key. Include extra curricular experience in support of your application #jobinaweek
— Leo (@NCSAdviser) October 3, 2013
Is life a comedy or a tragedy? How on earth do you tackle curveballs questions in an interview?
@GuardianCareers Take a 'step back', a deep breath & be honest that you need to think this one through before answering. #jobinaweek
— Emma Spillane (@SpillaneConsult) October 3, 2013
And to finish off, here's a three-minute video on how to conquer those dreaded odd interview questions, compile by GSM Careers:
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