interview tips

Your CV has secured you an interview. Now it is up to you to persuade your potential future employer in person.

Preparation

Ensure that you have made a note of the time and place of the interview, along with the name of your interviewer(s) and have a location map and job description.

It is really important that you find out as much as you can about the company ahead of the interview. Most companies today have a website and they will expect you to have thoroughly reviewed this and also have a good understanding of their business and the sector they operate in. Do some background research - read the trade press, search on the internet, source company brochures or contact people you know in the industry.

• Make a list of possible questions and areas of discussion that might arise during the interview and prepare your answers. For example :
• Your strengths and weaknesses.
• Breakdown the specific duties in your current role.
• Past achievements - work related and personal.
• Reasons for leaving your current position - don't be negative!
• Which aspects of the potential job appeal to you most.

Prepare your own questions to ask at the interview. For example:

• What goals do the company have?
• How will this role develop?
• Who are the company's direct competitors? (at the end of this article we have listed further examples of interview questions)

Ensure you have read through your own CV so that you are able to answer any questions relating to it.

Plan your journey

It may seem obvious but find out exactly where it is you have to go for the interview and make sure you have a map or directions as well as information on parking or the nearest railway station.

Being late creates an immediate bad impression so ensure you allow plenty of time to get to the interview.

If due to unforeseen circumstances you are going to be late, contact your consultant who will immediately advise the company. On arrival, apologise immediately and explain your reasons.

Arriving early will give you the opportunity to read some information on the company in the reception area and gather your thoughts. Beware of arriving too early, 15-20 minutes should be considered the maximum – anything more than this and it would be better to wait in the car, go for a walk or find a nearby café.

Dress

Dress smart – be aware of the company culture and ensure that you dress to impress. Decide what you are going to wear the night before to avoid making the wrong choices.

Presentation is the key. Look good - Feel good.

Your Presentation

First impressions are important especially if your potential position involves a degree of face to face communication with management.

REMEMBER YOU NEVER GET A SECOND CHANCE TO MAKE A FIRST IMPRESSION!

Creating a good rapport is important. Greet your interviewer(s) by name, with a smile and a firm handshake. Throughout the interview maintain eye contact with your interviewer(s), watch your posture and let your personality shine through.
An interview is a sales situation . You are selling yourself, therefore it is important that you find out what the interviewer is looking for. Don’t forget, however , that it is also a sales situation for the company – your opportunity to get the information you want from them.

Focus on your achievements when responding to questions, and portray every response in a positive way. If you do not understand a question, don’t guess the answer – ask them to explain further. If you still don’t know the answer – tell them you do not know and explain how you might go about finding the answer out.

Don’t talk too much – think before you answer a question and do not reply solely with one-word answers such as yes or no.

Ask your own prepared questions (taking into account information that the interview has already provided) and show a real interest in the position and the company. Try and be original - discuss points raised in their literature or in editorial you may have read in newspapers or in the trade press.

Do not ask about salary, holidays or benefits at first interview stage – aim for questions that indicate an interest in their line of work or products and your enthusiasm and interest in the role itself.
If the interview is not going well, don't be put off; some interviewers use this as a test!

Finishing the interview

At the end of the interview thank your interviewer(s) for their time and ask what the follow up procedure is and when you could expect to hear from them. If you are interested in the position it is important to tell them. Don’t forget to shake hands before leaving the room.

Be prepared! Occasionally clients may surprise us and offer you the position at the first interview. If you are happy with the details feel free to accept the offer. However, don't feel obliged to accept there and then if you feel uncomfortable - speak to us first.

After The Interview

Contact your consultant immediately with your interview feedback. We cannot speak with the client until we know your views.

Don't despair if you do not get the job. Treat every interview as experience. Remember that practice makes perfect.

Examples of Interview Questions

We have given some examples of questions most typically asked at interviews – but this list is not exhaustive. You should prepare for questions about your background, your aspirations, the potential employer and the position, your personality and your interests.

Potential Employer

• What do you know about our organisation?
• What interests you about the position?
• What do you think we have to offer you as a company?
• Why did you apply to us?

Career Ambitions

• What are your long/short term goals?
• Tell me about your career aspirations?
• What are you looking for in a career?
• Do you have plans to gain further qualifications?
• Where do you see yourself in 2/5 years time?
• Describe your ideal employer?

Skills and Requirements

• Why should we hire you? – Give me three reasons
• What have you got to offer the company? What skills will you bring?
• How do you work best? – Leading a group, in a team or alone?
• What has been your main career achievement to date?
• Give an example of a difficult problem in your current/previous position – how did you overcome this?
• You say you have xxx skills…..how did you demonstrate these in your previous position?

Personality

• How would you describe yourself ?
• How would your friends or colleagues describe you?
• What are your strengths / weaknesses?
• What motivates you?
• How do you spend your spare time?

Problem / Sticky Questions

• Why are you leaving your current position?
• What salary or benefits are you looking for? (we can give you advice regarding how to deal with this question prior to your interview)
• Explain the gap(s) in your work history?
• How long would you expect to stay with our organisation?
• Can we contact your current employer for references? (This question is usually only asked after an offer has been made – but be prepared)

Questions to ask the Interviewer

• Why is the position available?
• What skills are needed to succeed?
• What are the initial priorities of the position?
• How does the position fit into the organisational structure?
• How much scope (autonomy, flexibility, career growth, responsibilities) is there within this position?
• How would you describe the culture of this company?
• What possible training could I receive in this role?
• What is the likely career development pathway in the next few years?