Interview Tips
BE PREPARED
Be sure to know:
- Company name, address and telephone number
- Company background / knowledge
- Name and position of the person you are meeting
- Directions on how to get there
- Likely length of the interview
- Job description and any test you may have to perform
- Be certain about the type of job and responsibilities
- To create a good impression, try to learn as much about the job as possible before you go
- Your consultant will brief you as fully as possible, but your goal is to use the knowledge you have gained about yourself and the organisation to further demonstrate a ‘match’ between your background and the needs of the employer. The best place to find out further information about the company is from their website
- Prepare some good questions – your research will help you with this
Dress for success:
- Most companies will expect you to wear a dark suit for interview – your consultant will normally advise you if this is not the case
Remember:
- A copy of your cv
- References / reference details
- Passport and visa details if required
- Examples of work which may be of interest ton your employer
- To switch any mobile off during the interview
- Do not smoke straight before the interview as this will smell on your clothes
Ready:
- Be sure to leave yourself plenty of time. Lateness does not create a very good first impression and gets the interview off to a bad start
- On the other hand – don’t be too early, ten minutes is about right
- If you are on a tight timescale make sure your interviewer knows the amount of the time you have available
Steady:
- If you are kept waiting, try and be positive. There will usually be a valid reason for the delay and any comments made in reception can filter back to your interview
Go:
- You are now fully prepared so try and relax and most of all enjoy it
THE INTERVIEW
Do’s and Don’t’s:
- Introduce yourself and shake hands firmly whilst appearing enthusiastic and confident.
- Don’t fidget, bite your nails or chew pens etc. It can be very distracting and shows you are nervous
- Maintain eye contact with your interviewer, look interested and acknowledge their comments
- Always be positive and never give negative feedback unless requested. It is never a good idea to criticise previous employers
- Make sure you know your CV inside out, especially dates, it is vital that you have explanations for any gaps between jobs. They will doubt your honesty if you appear unsure about any part of your CV
- Write your questions on a pad so that you can get it out at the end of the interview, this demonstrates that you have prepared even if they have been answered during the interview
- Know your strengths and weakness and why you are interested in the company and role
- Don’t ask about salary or benefits at the first interview
- At the end of the interview let them know you are very interested and thank the interviewer for their time
- If you feel confident ask if they have any reservations at this stage as it will give you the opportunity of clarifying yourself
- Contact your consultant straight after the interview and give them your honest opinion of how it went. They can always address anything you missed or would have done differently when they talk to the client to give them feedback
FINAL STAGE
Second interview:
- Second interviews give you the perfect opportunity to find out more detailed information about the position and company itself, including the structure of the department and the people you would be working with / reporting to
- This is your chance to iron out any concerns you may have. It is a good opportunity for you to use and act upon any feedback you had from your first interview
- If they ask for a decision you do not have to commit there and then unless of course you are absolutely certain. Potential employers usually like some indication of your feelings so try and be as honest a possible
QUESTIONS
Practice answers to typical interview questions to increase your confidence and potential for success. The following are typical questions an employer might ask you.
- What do you know about us?
- Why do you want to work for us?
- What are you looking for in your next job?
- Why are you leaving your present job?
- How would you describe yourself?
- What are your achievements?
- What are your strengths / weaknesses?
- What is the most difficult situation you have dealt with?
- Give me examples of when you have had to work under pressure?
- What can you bring to the company?
- What are your interests?
- Why should we offer you this position?
- Where do you see yourself in five year?
Employers want candidates to ask well-informed questions which are based on research of the organisation and career field. The following are questions you might ask employers.
- What are the key tasks and responsibilities?
- What kind of training is provided?
- Does this position function mainly alone or in a team setting?
- What is the growth potential for this position a few years from now?
Good Luck!