Interview Tips

Interview Tips

• Beginning the Interview
• Greet the interviewer standing up, with a strong handshake, good eye contact and a smile. Try not to turn your back to the interviewer to close the door – keep your body language open, and retain the connection. Follow the lead of the interviewer – small talk/direct approach

During the Interview:

• Listen – carefully to the introduction and to every question
• Clarify - Answer the question that is asked, not what you wish was asked! Ask for clarification if you are unsure
• Detail – do not rush through your answers, give sufficient detail
• Examples – Give concrete examples where possible
• Relax – try not to sound to rehearsed

Body Language:

• Eye contact – strong and effective, natural and interested
• Affirmation – nods, and agreement where necessary. Show that you are listening
• Seating position – avoid barriers if possible (e.g. tables)
• Comfortable – sit in a comfortable position, but not TOO relaxed, (e.g. Legs crossed)
• Positive & Open – non defensive stance: Do not cross your arms, do not wring your hands, face the interviewer, cross your legs towards the interviewer if at all, use your hands to be expressive
• Sitting forward/ Sitting back – Affirmation

Questions:

• Ask some questions at the end of the interview
• Listen to the answers

Right Impression Tips

Before the interview stage, you create the right impression by

• How you Make Contact – Telephone, Email, Walk – in
• Interaction with others – PA, Office Manager – They may have input!
• CV/ Resume – Creates an important impression, and may be the first impression.
• Arranging Interview – be flexible, but also ensure that the time does suit you. You do not want to be under additional pressures

Research:

• The company
• The industry
• The competition
• Ask the Recruitment Consultant for as much info as possible
• Internet research Into other similar positions
• Networking

The Role:

• Research the position
• Ask the Recruitment Consultant for as much info as possible – have other candidates been rejected, what questions have been asked in interview, what is the employer looking for in interview, do they know the interviewer?
• Ask the HR Manager for job description & specification
• Ask if there will be any additional assessments on the day and if you need to bring anything with you

Resume:

Review your CV - This is the only info the Recruiter has about you so far. Compare against the job spec – identify your areas of strength and weakness. Preempt questions that the employer may have about your CV – are the dates clear, info on previous companies.

Questions:

• Prepare questions for your employer about the company/ role.

Question Tips

Some Typical interview questions,

• Tell me about yourself – be prepared, not too much not too little, focus on the professionally positive always..
• Why did you leave your last position/ company – stay positive always!!
• What do you know about our company – show that you have done your homework
• Why do you want to work here – what can you offer them, what can they offer you. What are your goals?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses – honest & positive
• What has been your most significant achievement?
• How would your last boss describe you – do not go over the top!
• Why should we hire you – what can you offer them
• What are your salary requirements – be confident but not pushy