Your CV shows that you have the skills and experience to do the job. Now you have the opportunity to persuade your potential future employer in person.
Preparation
Ensure that you have made a note of the time and place of the interview, along with the name of your interviewer(s). We will provide you with as much information as we can, but you are well advised to seek out anything you can about the company. Go to your nearest reference library, look on the Internet, read the trade press or contact people you know in the industry.
Make a list of possible questions you may be asked and prepare your answers.
- Strengths and weaknesses.
- Breakdown of specific duties in your current role.
- Notable achievements – personal and work related.
- Reasons for leaving your current position.
- Aspects of the job that appeal to you most.
- Where you see yourself in five years time.
Be prepared to ask questions at the interview. The company will want to know that you are interested in the opportunity that they are offering.
- What goals do the company have?
- Where do they expect to be in five years time?
- How will this role develop?
- Who are the company’s direct competitors?
Try to be original – discuss points raised in their brochure or in editorial you may have read about them.
Presentation
First impressions do count, especially if your position involves a degree of face to face communication with management. Take time to get your best suit dry cleaned and make sure your shoes are clean and your hair is tidy. Remember, you never get a second chance to make a first impression!
The Interview
- Under no circumstances should you arrive late. Plan your journey in advance and give yourself plenty of time to overcome the hazards of train delays and traffic jams. If for any reason you do get delayed, telephone your consultant with your estimated time of arrival.
- Creating a good rapport is important. Greet your interviewer(s) by name, with a smile and a firm handshake.
- Throughout the interview maintain eye contact with your interviewer(s) and watch your posture.
- Don’t waffle or avoid difficult questions. When you are asked questions, remember that this is an opportunity to sell yourself. Try not to give too many ‘yes’ or ‘no’ replies.
- If you feel the interview is not going well, do not be put off. Some companies use this technique to test your reactions.
- Be positive and never speak negatively about your current or previous employer.
- Remember to ask the questions you prepared before the interview. (It is acceptable to bring notes into the interview with you.)
- Do not ask about salary, holidays or benefits at first interview stage.
- If you are interested in the job, make sure you let the interviewer(s) know before you leave by saying why you like the role.
- Thank the interviewer(s) for their time.
After the Interview
Telephone your consultant with your interview feedback. We cannot contact the client until we know your views. Don’t despair if you do not get the job. Treat every interview as experience. Practice makes perfect