The interview is the most important part of any job application. Give yourself the best possible chance by preparing in advance. Ask yourself the following questions:
Preparation
- The company- What do you know about it? Can you get more information - an annual report for example? How big is it? Is it an international company?
- The department- How many people work in this area? What personalities do they have?
How busy is the department? How is it structured?
- The interviewer(s)- How many people will you be meeting? What are their positions? How long have they been there? What are they like? Will you be reporting to them?
- The interview- How long will it be? Will it be technical? Will you be expected to make a presentation? Is there a test? What do the interviewers like about your CV?
- The vacancy- Why has it come about? What are the day to day duties? What are the prospects for progression? Will you have to supervise? If so, how many people?
- The rewards- How much are they paying? What are the benefits? Will you get paid overtime?
Your consultant should be able to help with all of these issues but also try to find out background information for yourself. Always look at the company's website.
Read through your CV. Ensure you can give more information than is on your CV. Think of the positive reasons why you left each position. When reviewing your day to day duties assess the things you are particularly good at.
What promotions have you had? Why were you selected ? It is important to highlight the elements of your roles that sell you as an individual. Always have a list of relevant questions to ask during or at
the end of any interview. This not only demonstrates enthusiasm but also allows you to get the information that you require from the process.
Presentation
Dress professionally.
Arriving
"Arrive" early but be punctual. It is helpful to arrive in reception 5 or 10 minutes before the interview and announce yourself at the desk just before the stated interview time. This will allow you to relax
and assess the surroundings, giving an opportunity to get a "feel" for the company and the types of people it employs.
First impressions/introduction
It is said that 80% of all interviews are decided in the first 5 minutes. If this is true then you will understand how important your entrance and introduction are. A bad first impression is very hard to overcome whereas by creating a good first impression you will have to do very badly in the rest of the interview to fail.
The interview
A firm handshake, good eye contact and a winning smile all help to create the desired image.
Answer the questions clearly and concisely - don't ramble. Be confident. Pay attention. Show interest
in what the interviewer is saying. Show interest in the role (even if you are not interested, give
yourself the option to turn it down). Sit up straight. Maintain a positive attitude throughout. If you
don't understand a question, ask for clarification. Make sure you sell yourself, your abilities and your strengths. Do not lie in an interview; always answer honestly. At the end ask the questions you have prepared if they have not been covered during the interview.
After the interview
Thank the interviewer(s) for their time, give a firm handshake and another winning smile!
If asked whether interested always answer in the affirmative; it is difficult to convince anyone that you have changed your mind after the event.
Feedback
Learn from your interviews. Contact your consultant to discuss how you performed. They will also
give you the feedback from the client. You may not agree with what is said but don't get defensive. Incorporate this advice into your next interview.
Success doesn't always come easy but with good preparation interviews will not be an ordeal. They
can even be enjoyable. Good Luck!
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