Interview Tips

Your performance at interview can often be the deciding factor in determining whether you are offered the job.

Following the interview preparation guidelines listed below will help you to ensure that you have a successful and productive meeting with your potentials employers.

• Research - ensure you find out as much as possible about your prospective employer in advance of the interview.
• Your CV - be familiar with your CV and ready to answer questions on its contents
• Arrival - arrive at least 10 minutes prior to the interview time. If you have not been provided with a map or directions, telephone the company or use an A-Z directory. Dress smartly; take particular care to ensure that your shoes are clean. Don't forget first impressions last and people often remember a person by what they were wearing.
• Introduction - Greet the interviewer with a smile and a firm handshake. Sit down when invited with an upright but relaxed posture. Do not slouch. Look the interviewer in the eye. Do not stare but do not gaze around the room, out of the window or down at your lap. Be positive even if you conclude that the position is not for you. You won't necessarily know what else the company are or may be recruiting for.
• Be clear and concise - Speak clearly and concisely. Do not ramble. Silence is often used to tempt you to say more than you want to on a given subject. Do not be tempted to do so.
• Focus on the whole panel - In an interview panel situation ensure that you are speaking to the whole group. Do not direct your answers the person who you believe to be the key decision maker of the group. He or she may not be and often is not. If a question throws you, pause before answering and make a common sense, honest reply. Create conversation as and when appropriate. Make your questions pertinent that relate to the interview, the company and their industry sector. Leave the interviewer with a positive affirmation of your interest.
• Sell yourself - take opportunities during the interview to demonstrate your key professional qualities e.g. resilience, leadership, communication skills etc.
• Your questions - be prepared to ask questions you have considered beforehand, drawing on your prior research of the organization
• Closing - On conclusion of the interview (and be aware of the interviewer trying to wind the interview up) give a firm handshake and thank the interviewer(s) for their time.

Our consultants will be happy to work with you to ensure you are as well prepared as possible for interview.