Interview tips

The team at Inspire Selection are often asked about interview tips.  We’ve compiled a few here to help you impress your potential future employer….

Prior planning and preparation for your interview is vital to maximise your effectiveness.

• Research the company thoroughly through their website, google, personal references - have a good understanding of what the company does: Their history; areas of expertise; the geographical areas they work in. (You may get asked about what you know about the company during your interview). When asked what you know about the company DON'T quote the company website word for word to the interviewer it is worthwhile spending some time putting what you know into your own words.
• Maintain eye contact at all times
• Shake your interviewer's hand firmly!
• Be prepared to talk in depth about your academics, work and personal background.  The interviewer is looking to find out about your achievements.  But they also want to find out about you as a person and what makes you tick!  It is always a good idea to have a copy of your CV to hand to refer to during your interview, rather than rely solely on memory.  You should always illustrate your achievements with examples of your past work/experience that you can show a potential client.
• Plan your answers to specific questions that are likely to arise during the interview, such as:

Why are you looking to work for a company such as theirs
What skills can you bring to the company
Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time
How can you enhance the profile of this company
What motivates you professionally and personally
What 3 things differentiate you from other candidates your market place.

• Plan some questions for the interviewer, don’t forget, you are interviewing them as well! It is best to use open questions which start with  “How”, “What”, “When”, or “Why”. This will prevent the interviewer from giving “yes” or “no” answers. They will need to reply in depth, giving you fuller responses to your questions!
• It is always useful to ask for initial feedback at the end of the interview. This will help both you and your Consultant at Inspire understand how things have gone at an early stage. It also gives you the opportunity to address the interviewer about a potential area of weakness they think you may have so you can reassure them.
• ALWAYS have your journey to the interview planned out in advance. Be clear on where you need to go and who to report to on arrival at the interview venue. There’s nothing worse, in a clients’ eyes, than a candidate arriving late.
• DON'T leave preparation for the interview to the last minute.  Get your information together 2-3 days prior to the interview.  This will ensure you don't forget anything and will be able to focus on your performance at interview and nothing else.
• ALWAYS ensure you are well groomed for your interview.  Remember first impressions DO count and can never be changed.  Regardless of the role, it is always advisable to be well-presented in attire such as a suit & tie (which should be a DARK colour - pale grey/beige is so last century!).  Men should be cleanly shaven / hair cut; women freshly coiffured hair, manicured nails, minimal jewellery. Our clients have declined 2nd interviews with candidates in the past purely down to these small things.
• Get a good night's sleep prior to the interview to ensure you are refreshed.
• Always thank the interviewer for their time

Please contact Inspire Selection if you have any questions prior to interview, however small.Your experienced consultant at Inspire Selection has been working in the industry for years and years… We have come across every scenario possible and we’re here to help.