Preperation is key! It's essential and certainly increases your chances of performing well,so: -Know your CV -Know your potential employer -Understand commonly used interview styles
Best Interview Tips
Ensure your Consultant has provided you with a detailed understanding of the position description, the team environment and the organisation Conduct additional research on your potential employer by reading annual reports and researching on the internet. Understand the organisations products and services, size, locations, financial situation and growth potential - just a few key points will be fine, you wont be expected to know the entire company history! Make sure you know exactly where you are going and always be on time. Check your journey before you travel, have a hard copy of a map and the address printed in case your phone runs out of battery and above all else, leave ample time to get there. Dress conservatively and pay attention to all aspects of your dress and grooming. Play it safe - dress to impress.... Know the exact place and time of the interview , the interviewers full name and the correct pronunciation of their title Spend time reviewing your CV and experience and its relevance to the position. Identify the specific examples in your background that are directly relevant to the position description and demonstrate your ability to do the job. Refresh your memory on the details of present and past employers and your work history for each. You will be expected to know a lot about a company for which you have previously worked. Pay particular attention to how you will describe your most important achievements. Be prepared to communicate why this role appeals to you, why you should be considered for this role and what sets you apart from other candidates. Prepare the questions you will ask during the interview. Remember that an interview is a two way street. The employer will try to determine if you have the qualifications necessary to do the job. You must decide whether the company will give you the opportunity for growth and development you seek - it's your interview too!
Interview Structure & Questions
Competency Based Interviews Competency based interviews require you to describe specific examples demonstrating your competence in a particular area, and to draw on previous experiences with examples.
You are likely to be required to provide 1-3 real life examples to validate one particular competence.
Job interview Questions What are your career aspirations? Why do you want to work for our company? What interests you about our product or service? Of your previous jobs, which did you enjoy most and why? How have you managed conflict in the past? Describe what you have done in your career that shows your initiative What are your weaknesses? Your Strengths?
It is important to remember that you are being interviewed because the interviewer wants to hire somebody- not because they want to trip you up! Remember that you are being evaluated on many levels in your interview- they will be weighing up your weaknessess and strengths, your qualifications, skills and intelligence as well as your aptitude, attitudes, motivation and maturity - not to mention your loyalty!
Interview Do's and Dont's
How to be at your best during an interview Do: Arrive on time or a few minutes early. Late arrival for a job interview is never excusable! Greet the interviewer by their first name and with a smile. Wait until you are offered a chair before sitting. Sit upright and always look alert and interested. Be a good listener as well as a good talker. Smile! Maintain eye contact, and try not to fidget. If you tend to get shaky hands, best not hold a piece of paper, this only amplifies your shakes! Make sure you convey your good points factually and sincerely. Keep in mind that you alone can sell yourself to an interviewer. Make them realise why they need you in their organisation. Always conduct yourself as if you are determined to get the job. Never close the door on an opportunity. It is better to be free to choose from a number of jobs rather than only one. Follow the interviewer's leads but try to get them to describe the position and duties early in the interview so you can relate your background and skills to the position.
Don't: Answer questions with a simple 'yes' or 'no'. Lie. Always answer questions truthfully, frankly and as concisely as possible. Ever make derogatory remarks about your present or former employers, colleagues or companies. 'Over-answer' questions. The interviewer may steer the conversation into politics or economics. It is best to answer the questions honestly, saying no more than is necessary. Let your discouragement show. If you get the impression the interview is not going well and you have already been rejected, don't show discouragement or alarm. Occasionally an interviewer who is genuinely interested in you may seem to discourage you in order to test your reaction.
It is also best not to ask about salary, bonuses or holidays at your first interview (unless you are POSITIVE) that the employer is keen to hire you and raises the issue first. Make sure you are realistic with your salary expectation and know your market.
Interview Behaviour and Style
You will have to do more than just give good answers to questions in order to succeed at interview. Your potential new employer will be considering your entire presentation and performance (not just your responses) before deciding whether to consider you for the next stage.
Consider what may seem like trivial things - your style and the way you dress can make a strong impression on a potential employer. Regardless of whether you know that the company has a casual dress code, it's advisable to dress up anyway. It gives the impression of professionalism and also shows respect to your new potential employer. Make sure your mobile is switched to silent before you enter the interview room. A ringing phone will disrupt the very best of interviews. When you first meet the interviewer(s) always be polite and offer a smile and introduce yourself with a firm handshake. Stand and sit with good posture (don't slouch!), this will show you are attentive. Avoid eating, drinking, and chewing gum during an interview. However, if the interviewer offers a coffee or other beverage it is ok to accept. If you are a smoker, we would advise not smoking just before an interview in case its the first thing that your potential employer detects.
Leave a strong positive impression: Have an interested, balanced approach The ability to express thoughts clearly Confidence Clear thought about your career planning and objectives Give open, informative replies Tact, maturity and courtesy Maintaining eye contact Have a firm handshake (never offer a "wet lettuce" handshake!) Intelligent questions about the job (if they have answered everything, tell them so- do not ask a question for the sake of it!) Preparation and knowledge of the company and industry Enthusiasm for the role and the organisation A positive 'can-do' attitude.
CLOSING THE INTERVIEW In the same way that you want to make a good first impression, you want to make a good last impression. If you are keen on the role tell them that you are! Don't forget to thank them for their time. If you leave the interview feeling confident that you have answered questions like "Why do you want to work for our company" and "Why should we offer you this role", you have done all you can.
Ensure your Consultant has provided you with a detailed understanding of the position description, the team environment and the organisation
