Interview tips

Interview Hints

You have taken heed of our CV preparation hints and one of our Consultants has got back to you, with the good news of an interview date arranged, so what next?

Interviews are tough assignments, but its interviews that determine whether or not you get the job you are after! Preparation is the key, and with thorough preparation everything else will fall into place. Once you receive notification of an interview from one of our consultants, sure jump for joy! But then you must sit down and try to envisage the interview in your mind i.e. the questions you are likely to be asked, and the answers you are likely to give. If you turn up totally unprepared you can kiss goodbye to that particular job!

Preparation

So what sort of preparation, the most important is to extensively research the organization, and understand the role for which you have been put forward. Most Companies have Web sites, look on them, collect data, read press releases, find out as much as you can and get yourself together a good database of knowledge, and thus draw up a list of potential questions you can ask.

Then prepare yourself, by practicing questions you are likely asked, for example:

• Tell me about yourself?
• Why would you like to work for the company?
• Where do you want to be in five years time?
• Why did you choose a career in...?
• What are your major strengths and weaknesses?
• Are you willing to relocate?
• What do you know about the company?
• What are your goals in life?
• What have you done that shows initiative in your career?
• What does the term teamwork mean to you?

These are all examples of questions that you are most likely to be asked, so it is imperative you prepare answers for each.

A few hints on the above, always give yourself a weakness, but not one that will effect your job. For example, everyone has weaknesses, but the key in an interview is to turn the weakness into a positive, i.e. "I suppose my main weakness is patience whilst a deadline is approaching, but that is only because I want the job done to the best of my ability". For goals in life, sure mention the family, but try and mention a professional career goal as well. You will be asked if you have any questions, never say no! You could ask about what future plans there are for the company, about the company culture, let your interest shine through, this is where your research can come through and so make sure you impress them!

The Big Day

With thorough preparation you will be able to go into your interview, confident and relaxed, which will give you an automatic advantage over others. However, that will all go out of the window, if you do not present yourself accordingly. Even if the company has a relaxed culture, and wears casual clothes, it does not matter, wear a suit. Make sure your clothes are ironed, your hair is brushed, you have clean hands, use of deodorant, clean breath! Presentation is all-important.

Always arrive early for your interview, it shows you are eager, and indicates good manners. One minute late, and it’s the end, no matter what the excuse is! Asking for the interviewer by name, and knowing a bit about the company before you go into the meeting will also be plus points. Always greet the interviewer properly i.e. with a firm handshake. If there is more than one interviewer look at the one who is talking, and always keep eye contact throughout the interview as body language counts for a lot. Remember to turn off mobile telephones and pages!

Most importantly though, be yourself, and relax!

At the conclusion of your interview, always thank the interviewer, no matter how well you think the interview went, and ask about the next stage of the process if you feel it is appropriate. Then call your consultant and tell them how it went.

Following Up The Interview

If we have arranged the interview, then leave to the consultant to ascertain your progress, do not telephone the company concerned. If you have presented yourself properly, asked the right questions, you should have some idea how you have done. The answer to your question might be in the post!

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