The interview process is not easy and is full of pitfalls to fall into, especially if you’re unprepared. However, there are positive actions you can take to prepare yourself in order to leave as little as possible to chance.
Preparation
Did you know that 90% of people who go for an interview do not do any prep work?
It’s a fact that people who are less experienced, but are better prepared, will have a far higher chance of getting a job. Prepare and give yourself a huge advantage over the other 90%.
It’s a good idea to keep an open mind and attend every interview you’re offered, as long as they’re relevant to your experience.
Whatever the end result, it will give you further insights as to which direction you should be heading, as well as those which are not of interest to you.
Research
Nowadays, most companies will have corporate websites. It’s a good idea to take the time to look at these to find out what the company is all about.
It’s also worth having a quick flick through recent copies of relevant industry publications, to see if there has been any news about the firm in recent weeks. Doing thorough research like this will put you far ahead of the other candidates!
Don’t overlook the basics, too – make sure you know your own career history inside out. It’s surprising how many candidates can’t remember their dates of employment or substantiate claims on their CV.
Make sure you’re also sure of the logistics. Double check who you’re meeting and their job role, as well as confirming the time and location of your interview. Remember to plan your route and give yourself extra time for unexpected travel problems.
Presentation
First impressions really do count; being well presented is an easy but effective way of starting off your interview on the right foot. Remember – your interviewer is looking for reasons to recruit you, rather than reasons to get you swiftly out the door.
- Make sure that your clothes are clean and smartly pressed.
- Make sure your shoes are clean – if possible, use a wax shine on your shoes beforehand.
- Ensure that the style of your clothing reflects the industry you work in.
- Jewellery should be kept simple and to an absolute minimum.
- Ties may be smart and colourful, but avoid wearing one that is obviously making a statement.
- Never ask to smoke at an interview – it is safe to assume the majority of companies now operate a no-smoking policy in their office buildings.
Arriving at the interview
Ensure that you arrive in good time to allow yourself to relax before meeting your interviewer.
Try to avoid taking anything except a briefcase or folder – even the newspaper you are carrying may create a preconception in the interviewer’s mind!
Remember that the receptionist or secretary that greets you is an employee of the firm interviewing you. We know that our own receptionists will often pass comment on any quirks of behaviour by a candidate, so treat them as if the interview has already begun.
Make sure that your greeting with the interviewer is confident and welcoming, but professional. Handshakes should be firm, but not crushing.
If you experience any delays in travel, or get unavoidably detained and are going to be late for the interview, phone ahead as soon as possible. You may prefer to call your consultant, who will phone on your behalf.
If you have to postpone the appointment for any reason, give as much notice as possible to your consultant so as not to inconvenience the client unduly.
At the interview
It is important that you convey an air of confidence about you. Sit comfortably and relaxed in the chair – not bolt, upright or rigid – and try not to fidget.
Eye contact is important, and nodding of the head in agreement shows that you are listening. It’s essential the interviewer knows that you are paying attention.
In order to answer questions successfully, you must first know what it was. Listen, and do not interrupt with an answer before the interviewer has finished asking the question.
Answers should be concise without being too brief and you must keep to the subject. If you’ve considered answers to likely questions in advance, you’ll be comfortable with most questions raised.
Remember to keep your answers (wherever possible) achievement – orientated, so that you can illustrate your skills and knowledge in a given field.
Show your abilities; experience and initiative have delivered tangible benefits to current or previous companies. If you can back these up with facts and figures, so much the better.
Speak clearly and more slowly than usual; candidates tend to speed up at interviews, so slowing down will bring speech back to normal.
Most interviewers will give you the opportunity to ask questions. You should have three or four questions to put to them – try to make these open questions.
As a rule, do not raise remuneration or standard hours at the first interview. If your consultant is doing their job properly, you should not be at an interview where the package is not suited to you. It is important, however, that at the second interview, any questions regarding the likely package are clarified.
Candidates are sometimes reluctant to talk about money and too many offers are made which need revising due to a lack of knowledge on behalf of the client. This can wreck the whole process!
At the end of the interview, always thank your interviewer for their time and always indicate a positive impression (decide afterwards if you wish to proceed with this particular opportunity).
One way of achieving this is to ask them what the next stage is. You may be feeling drained, but if you can leave the interviewer with a strong positive impression, this can override any earlier problems.
Don’t forget to thank them for seeing you at the end of the interview.
After the interview
Remember to call your consultant as soon as possible.
You should provide your consultant with as much information as possible and highlight any areas where you would like clarification or any questions that still remain. Your consultant can often deal with these situations more diplomatically.
Remember all you can do is present the best account of yourself. As we have mentioned, interviews are highly subjective and in common with other workplace situations, sometimes things click; sometimes they don’t.
If you are unsuccessful, ask your consultant for feedback from the client to see if anything can be improved next time.
It’s a good idea to also take some time after the meeting to review what happened. Did you like the company culture? Do you think you could work with the interviewer? Were there any areas of concern?
Don’t forget to give yourself praise, too. Interviews can be a difficult process, and you’re one step closer to finding your next role!
For more advice or to send us your CV get in touch with our friendly team.