PREPERATION

Preparation for interviews is extremely important and will increase your confidence when the time comes. Here are a few rules to bear in mind

• Make sure you know the exact location and time you have to be there. Also write down the name of the person you should ask for.
• Give yourself plenty of time to get there and allow for traffic or public transport delays
• Look smart!!! Men will be expected to wear a shirt and tie or a suit and ladies, you should be wearing smart business wear
• Don’t overdo it with perfume, aftershave or jewellery and make sure shoes are clean and polished
• Read through the job specification and make sure you know what the role is about. Then, read through your own CV and look at what skills and experience you have which will help you to make a success of the job.

DO YOUR HOME WORK AND MAKE SURE YOU HAVE VISITED WEBSITES OR READ LITERATURE ABOUT THE COMPANY. FAMILIARISE YOURSELF WITH WHAT THEY DO AS A COMPANY AND TRY AND REMEMBER AT LEAST ONE FACT ABOUT THEM

THE INTERVIEW

Interviews may be formal or informal and sometimes there may be more than one person interviewing you. Be prepared and try not to panic! This is your time as well and make sure you use it find out if this is the job for you. Don’t be scared to ask questions and be yourself.

• Shake hands when you enter the room and wait until you are invited to sit down. Make sure your mobile phone is switched off.
• Make sure you have good eye contact with whoever is interviewing you. If there are two people interviewing, then make sure you look and speak to both of them equally.
• Try not to rush through your answers and pause if necessary after their question. Answer the questions honestly and try and be as concise as possible. Don’t ramble!! Speak clearly and confidently
• Don’t slouch in your chair, yawn or look at your watch. Don’t look out of windows or doors as you may get distracted and this may cause you to panic. Don’t fidget or play with your hair etc
• Don’t be negative about previous employers and be prepared to discuss reasons for leaving previous jobs

TYPICAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

• Why did you leave your last job?
• Why should I employ you?
• What are your strengths?
• What about your weaknesses?
• What do you know about the company?
• Why do you want to work here?
• Are there any areas within the job which you feel you might struggle with?
• Tell me about a time when you’ve had to deal with a complaint or an awkward customer.
• Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
• How do you like to be managed?
• How do you deal with mundane tasks?
• What do you consider are areas you need developing in?

If you are asked to speak about your weaknesses, then always ensure that you are able to turn this into a positive comment. I.e. if you’re IT skills are weak, then tell them you are/or intend to improve these by enrolling on an IT course.

THE FINAL STAGES OF THE INTERVIEW

• Make sure you have at least one question to ask at the end of your interview. Even if they’ve already answered it, then still mention it. You could say “ well I was going to ask you XXX, but you’ve already told me YYY thank you” This will show the interviewer that you are interested and have listened to what they’ve had to say.

HERE ARE SOME EXAMPLE QUESTIONS YOU CAN ASK

• What prospects are there within the company?
• Does the company encourage further education and qualifications?
• What plans do the company have for the future?
• Do you feel I am a suitable candidate for this role?
• How many other candidates are you seeing for interview?
• When will a decision be made?
• Will you be second interviewing candidates?
• Is there anything you want me to clarify?

DON’T ASK HOW MUCH YOU’LL BE PAID AND WHEN CAN YOU TAKE HOLIDAYS. YOUR CONSULTANT SHOULD’VE ALREADY GIVEN YOU THIS INFORMATION.