INTERVIEW TIPS

Interview is an opportunity to build rapport & demonstrate your relevance and interest in the role. It is particularly important to make a positive first impression.

Types of Interview

Informal Interview:

The initial interview will be informal in style. It is important to remember that although this is informal, it is still an interview.

General Interview:

This is a broad discussion about you, your experience and interest in the company and their role requirements. They are likely to talk around your CV and technical skills, as well as qualifications and experience in relation to their role. Consider the positive reasons for choices you have made as well as the focus you are seeking from a future position.

Biographical Interview:

This is a chance to discuss your CV, your career moves to date and personal motivations, both past and present. This interview may be an opportunity to talk about challenges you have faced and overcome but give you time to present positive reasons for choices you have made as well as the focus you are seeking from a future move.

Competency Interview:

The interview will be Competency based and will require you to provide specific examples to support your answers. It is considered that previous experience is evidence of how you may be likely to manage a situation or undertake responsibility in the future.

Second Interview:

If there are different interviewers involved in this meeting, then there may be some similar questions or areas covered during this interview. Therefore, I would suggest that you prepare for this meeting, as you did for your first. A second interview can also be a chance for both parties to ask further and more detailed questions about you or the relevance of your experience in relation to the role, as well as assess you as a fit for their team.

Interview Tips

Whilst this is only a guideline, it is often the simplest of things, which can make the difference between securing the job you want and being rejected as a possible candidate.

Be Prepared

It is often the simple and most obvious things, which can make the difference between securing or losing your ideal job offer. Before the interview there are several things that you can do to give you the leading edge over other applicants. A positive attitude is essential to convince the employer to offer you that lucrative position.

 Research

Research the company in as much detail as you can. Visit the company websites for more detailed information. You can also contact your consultant who will have expert knowledge of the client, the environment you'll be working in, the company culture as well as the employer's expectations and candidate requirements. Take advantage of their experience and they will help you secure your ideal role. It is important to find out specific facts about the company:

·      What its products and services are?

·      What is its growth potential for the future?

·      Who are their main competitors?

·      How are they viewed in the marketplace?

Ensure that you are up to speed with the facts and figures of your present/former employer. You will be expected to know a lot of information about the company you have previously worked for.

Presentation

First impressions count. Ensure that you are dressed appropriately and act in a professional manner throughout the interview. A company is more likely to hire somebody who is well presented as they will be future representatives of their company.

 Punctuality

Ensure that you know the exact time and location of the interview. Your recruitment consultant will provide you with a contact name and any required directions. Allow plenty of time in case of travel delays.

During the Interview

Interview Do's

·      Introduce yourself courteously

·      Arrive on time or earlier if possible

·      Express yourself clearly

·      Smile during the interview

·      Show how your experience can benefit the company

·      Ask questions concerning the company for which you are being interviewed for

·      Construct your answers carefully

·      Show willingness to learn and progress

·      Be assertive without being aggressive

·      Switch your mobile off during the interview!

Interview Don'ts

·      Don't be late for the interview

·      Don't be unprepared for the interview

·      Don't answer questions with a "Yes" or "No". Expand whenever possible

·      Don't lie. Answer all questions truthfully and honestly

·      Don't overemphasis money. Do not discuss salary in the 1st interview unless they do; getting the job at this stage is the main priority - salary negotiations will follow

·      Don't say negative things about previous employers

·      Don't show lack of career planning

 For every responsibility/requirement on the job specification, ensure you have at least one example of an experience or a transferable skill that covers that requirement for the interview 

 Questions to Employers

The interview is a two-way process. As well as the employer interviewing you, you are also interviewing your prospective employer. Remember, employers ask questions to get information out of you - but it is a two way process - make sure you tell them the information you want them to hear. Prepare possible questions prior to the interview, examples may include:

·      What will my role entail?

·      How has this position become vacant?

·      How does my role fit into the structure of the overall department?

·      Will anyone report to me?

·      What are the opportunities for further training?

·      What is the next step? What does my daily routine involve?

 Closing the interview

·If you are interested in the role, ask about the next interview stage if appropriate. If the interviewer offers you the job on the spot and you want it, accept it there and then. If you require further time to think it over, be tactful in saying so and qualify your reasons. Try and provide a definite date as to when you can provide an answer.

· If you feel that the interview is not going well, do not be discouraged. Sometimes this is part of an interviewer’s technique to see how you perform under pressure - and may have no bearing on whether you will/will not get the job. Always display a positive attitude.

 Ensure that you THANK the interviewer

 After the Interview

After the interview give your Recruitment Consultant a call and provide feedback. In most situations the consultant will not be able to get feedback from the client without speaking to you first. One of the most important learning aspects of interviewing is the feedback that you'll receive from the recruitment consultants after they've spoken to your potential employer. Whether it is positive or negative, it is essential that you take it on board and use it for future interviews. Feedback is a great learning opportunity for you.