Interview Help

Find out as much information as possible about your prospective employer in advance. The majority will have websites which are packed with information. Familiarise yourself with mission statements, past performance, future goals and current analyst ratings. Be aware that if your prospective employer does have a comprehensive website, you may seriously compromise your chances if it becomes apparent you have not taken time to research it.
Interview performance is often the deciding factor when deciding between candidates for a job. This makes the face-to-face meeting a critical part of the recruitment process and you will need to impress from the start.

Following the interview preparation guidelines below will help overcome any interview nerves and instil confidence for a productive meeting with your potential employer.

First impressions

You’ve made it on to the short list and have a date for the interview. You’ve completed all your preparations. Now all you need do is get it right on the day.

• If necessary, aim to arrive 30 minutes early – you can always find somewhere to have a coffee.
• If you’re travelling some distance allow for every eventuality.
• As soon as you’ve reached your destination, make sure you can physically locate their reception.

The moment you enter that interview room can set the scene for the whole interview. Professional interviewers are looking carefully for clues about you.

Dress

What you choose to wear when you attend an interview speaks volumes about how seriously you want the job. If it is not appropriate to the role, your chances of being offered the post are greatly reduced.

Body language and General Presentation

Here you will learn to come over as the type of person who could make a valid contribution to their organisation. Try the tips listed here.

• Enter the room confidently
• Look them in the eye and extend your hand for a positive, but not over-strong, handshake and keep your hand upright
• Smile naturally when appropriate.
• They will invite you to sit down. Don’t slump. Sit up with a straight back.
• Look at them, not at the floor but break your gaze momentarily from time to time.
• When they are talking appear interested at all times and nod accordingly as they speak.
• Don’t cut across them when they in the middle of a point and keep your hands on your lap.
• When you respond talk clearly and with enthusiasm and slightly slower than normal
• You can emphasise points with hand gestures – but never point or tap on their desk.
• Mirror the interviewer. Laugh when they laugh, lean forward when they do.
• If you’re asked if you would like a drink, settle for water. You never know if you might get a frog in your throat and a burning hot cup of coffee won’t help.
• A reminder again about how you sit, without slouching. Look enthusiastic, friendly and attentive.
• You’ll have your armoury of answers to many of the key questions they will ask. If you get asked a question you’re really not prepared for, take it slowly and clearly.
• Remember to give a positive answers without any negatives attached.
• Stay away from personal information or derogatory remarks about your existing employer.
• The overall effect should be one of someone who is professional, positive, and approachable, with good judgement and an effective business-like manner.
• It’s also an opportunity to demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role – but don’t look desperate.
• Keep your answers concise and don’t ramble.
• When the interviewer has finished asking you questions, demonstrate your knowledge and interest in their firm by asking a few appropriate questions.
• It looks good if they can see that you are pro-active and have bothered to find out information about them.

Prepare your answers in advance

One area where you can really prepare yourself in advance is the answers to questions you’re likely to be asked. Interviewers often have a set of stock questions that they ask all candidates. The different responses made by each candidate enable him or her to assess their relative strengths.

They also like to throw in some testing questions to see how you react. If you’re ready with a polished answer it will help you shine and make for a more relaxed interview on your part.

Of course, no one can predict exactly what the interviewer may ask, so you’ll have to be ready to think on your feet!

In all answers, it is best to provide a positive response rather than dwell on past negative experiences. And remember, as well as specific skill-sets that the job requires, they’ll also be interested in other abilities such as problem-solving, analytical, communications, leadership and interpersonal skills.

If required your consultant will happily discuss with you the most common questions you are likely to be asked. Take time to prepare great answers in advance.

Effective questions to ask

It’s the stage in the interview when the interviewer asks you if you have any questions that you have another chance to shine.

By deciding the questions you’d like to ask in advance, you will be able to add to an already impressive performance.

Here are some great ones to ask. They will demonstrate that you have an enquiring mind and an interest in the firm. Don’t ask questions to which they have already given answers. And just pick three or four succinct questions.

• Why has this vacancy arisen?
• How do you review performance?
• How was the job handled in the past?
• What would you expect of me in the first six months?
• What do you see as my key long-term challenges?
• What is the expected career path for this position?
• Do you expect me to develop new expertise in any areas?
• What are the characteristics of successful people in this firm?
• Where would I fit into the overall structure?
• Will anyone report into me?
• Who would I report to and what is the line of authority?
• Is any training required as part of this job?
• What are the opportunities for advancement/promotion?
• What is the firm’s long-term strategy?
• Is the firm looking to expand into new areas?
• What is the largest challenge facing the firm at the moment?
• How would you describe the firm’s values?
• Is there likely to be any relocation in the future?

Finally…

When you stand up to leave, look them in the eye, smile, shake hands with them again, and thank them for their time.

If you really feel the job is right for you, tell them:

• How impressed you are with their organisation
• This is exactly the job you’re looking for
• That you feel you could really make a very positive contribution to their business.

A follow-up can pay dividends

As soon as you finished your interview, call your consultant. It’s an opportunity to provide early feedback to them on how you felt it went. Mention where you felt it went particularly well as these can be strengths you can build on.
It’s also worth making notes to remind you of any aspects that could have been dealt with better. After all, some jobs require a second interview!