Interview Tips - Before the Interview
- Confirm with the agency the date, time and place of the interview.
- Research the company background, use the Internet or ask your consultant.
- Your curriculum vitae represents your employment history, be prepared to answer supplementary questions such as why do you want to leave your present company?
- Dress in a manner appropriate for an interview, if you do not have time to change prior to an interview advise your consultant, they will usually inform the client and make your apologies prior to interview.
- Prepare a list of relevant questions.
- Be punctual, plan your journey and leave extra time for bad traffic. If for any reason you know you are going to be delayed again phone your consultant, they will advise the client of your dilemma. It's recommended to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled interview time.
- Greet the reception staff courteously and don’t become openly annoyed if you are kept waiting.
- Make sure you have a full job specification.
- Make sure you know the interviewer's full name and how to pronounce it.
Interview Tips - During the Interview
You will have anywhere between fifteen minutes to one hour to impress upon the interviewer that you are the right candidate for the job. Here are just a few tips to make your time count.
- Always give a firm handshake and make eye contact.
- Be confident, friendly and remember to smile.
- Your first sentence could be “I’m very pleased to meet you”.
- Wait to be told to sit down.
- Speak clearly and positively.
- Listen carefully to questions you are asked, think before you answer, if you do not fully understand the question it is better to say so.
- Think about your answers, be positive and remember they have seen your CV and they wanted to interview you.
- Finally be enthusiastic, make it clear you are interested in the job, you could end the interview by shaking their hand and saying “I’m very interested in the role and hope to hear from you very soon”.
Interview Tips - Impress the Interviewer
As with most vacancies it is likely that you are being considered for the role amongst several other applicants, therefore taking the time to create the right impression is vital, these are some of the points you should consider.
- A well groomed and professional appearance.
- A positive attitude.
- Good communication skills.
- Honesty.
- Self Confidence.
- Skills you can offer the role, integrity, perseverance.
Interview Tips - Questions you can ask
Here is an example of questions you can ask; our main point being that at every single interview the interviewer will leave time to ask you “Do you have any questions?”. If you truly feel that all the eventualities have been covered then you could say. “No, I believe that you have covered all the questions I might have raised, thank you very much for your time.” It's much better to prepare some questions in advance to help bring home the point that you are very interested.
- What are the initial responsibilities of the job?
- Who would I be reporting to?
- Are there any training programmes or courses available?
- How many people are in the department?
- Why has the position become available?
- Does the company have any future plans for development?
- Is there a dress code?
- When are you hoping to make your decision?
Interview Tips - Concluding the Interview
- At the end of an interview always thank the person for taking the time to see you.
- If you are still interested in the job then ask what the next stage is i.e. "If I am short-listed for the position, will there be a second interview?"
- If you are offered the job on the spot, either accept or tactfully ask for some time to consider the offer i.e. “I am extremely interested in the role but would like a little time to consider before accepting, would that be okay?” and preferably giving them a specific time you will confirm i.e. “I can ring you tomorrow morning” etc.
- If you are not offered on the spot please do not be concerned as it’s quite normal for applicants to be told after all the interviews have taken place through their agency consultant.
- End by reinforcing your interest in the role, “Once again, thank you for your time I am extremely interested in the role, and hope to hear from you soon.”
- When you have concluded your interview telephone your agency consultant immediately, to give them your feedback. The agency will then do their utmost to relay your interest and any concerns that you may have.
- If you receive an offer either through the agency or directly make sure you have it in writing before you hand in your notice to your current employer. Be advised that all offers of employment are usually made subject to current references.
Interview Tips - How Not to Impress
- Arriving late, with no remorse and an arrogant attitude to reception staff.
- Lack of personal grooming.
- Over talking the interviewer.
- Making derogatory remarks about ex-colleagues.
- Appearing nervous and not making eye contact.
- Lack of general courtesy.
- Offering continuous non-symbolic answers i.e. No, no, no, no, offer an explanation i.e. No, but ...etc.
- Appearing indifferent, overbearing or arrogant.
- Having a preoccupation with salary, benefits, holidays, sick pay etc.
