To make you stand out at an interview it is really important that you prepare a SWOT analysis.

This is a universally recognised format on assessing business. When you are applying to a business you need to find out as much as possible about them and by using the format of a SWOT (below) will allow you to put all this research on paper. The SWOT shows your interviewer that you have prepared well for the interview, you are professional and it gives them something to remember you by.

The word SWOT stands for

S – Strengths
Write down all the strengths of the business. Think of as many aspects as possible from training, image, customer service, location, market, expanding, profitability to quality of garment. Maybe list 8-10 strengths.

W – Weaknesses
Be constructive as no one wants to hear bad things about themselves – and keep it to a maximum of 5 points. Always ensure any weaknesses also appear in the Opportunities column, as all weaknesses are an opportunity after all!

O – Opportunities
Add in 3 additional opportunities on top of the weaknesses. This is the perfect time to make an impression. Really think about this and be as dynamic as possible

T – Threats
This would be any threats for the future such as competition or things that might decrease the numbers of potential customers passing a store ie New Shopping complex, economic factors…

Handy Hints

• The perfect SWOT would be neatly typed up and you will have 3 copies with you – one for you, one for the interviewer and one spare in case an unexpected extra interviewer needs one.

• Keep it in a neat file, and not folded/scrunched up in your bag!

• All points are in bullet format and not essays – you will use your SWOT as a discussion basis not to hand out for reading. You may want to have a detailed version for yourself so you can remember all the points you want to raise, and a more abbreviated version to hand out.

• Including a business logo and some images of the product is recommended to break up the text.

• Present it as you wish – you may have a section per page, or put the whole SWOT onto on one page – landscape or portrait.

• Ask somebody to double check it for spelling and grammar – that would create a very poor impression if such basics were incorrect.