Invaluable interview tips
Invaluable tips for making a good impression at your interview
Attending an interview can be a nerve wracking experience … follow our guidelines and you will be well tutored and prepared, giving you the best chance of landing the job you want !!!
When an interviewer asks you questions about yourself and your career you need to answer positively and concisely. You are unlikely to do this by chance but you will do it by careful preparation and, of course, practice.
Qualifications and experience alone doesn’t guarantee you the job … communicate your skills confidently and give out the right signals with your body language. Emphasise your strengths and let the best side of your personality shine through.
GROOMING
Always dress smartly using bright colours only as an accessory, not to dominate your outfit
Take only one neat bag or small briefcase with you.
Limit jewellery to small subtle pieces, make sure your nails are clean & well trimmed and that your hair is tidy.
Small amounts of light perfume or aftershave is fine but make sure it is not overpowering and don’t spray anything just before entering the building. Good personal hygiene and fresh breath is essential.
ETIQUETTE
An interview is your chance to make a positive impression and good manners are vital. The position you have applied for may not be the right one for you but the company may well be and the company could call you back for a different position in the future if you conducted yourself with style.
Prior to attending the interview, make sure that you know exactly where you are going and the time of the meeting.
Find out who will be seeing you and make sure you pronounce their name correctly and know their title within the company.
Check out the route you will take and ensure that you arrive at least 15 minutes early. This will show that you are keen and also give you an opportunity to fill in an application form if needed.
When entering the reception area, be mindful that the first impression is created here.
Always be polite and friendly to the reception staff as they can often be the most powerful people in the company. Why? Because they are constantly liaising with senior management and if you have been less than impressive on your introduction, you can guarantee that the decision makers will hear of it and no matter how brilliant your interview went with the personnel officer, you will not get that job because you dont fit into the culture of the company and have shown a disrespect for others.
Bring with you a copy of your CV in case the interviewer asks for it and have your references with you but only offer them if asked.
On introduction to your interviewer, shake hands firmly, make good eye contact, wait to be asked before sitting down, always sit upright and show interest in what is being said.
Never smoke, eat or chew gum even if the interviewer offers you or is doing so.
Always remain polite, friendly and professional whilst also showing enthusiasm.
APPLICATION FORMS
Many employers ask you to complete an application form whilst waiting in reception.
Take your time to fill out the form neatly, with brief and carefully considered answers.
If you are fortunate enough to have the form in advance of the interview, take a photocopy and plot your answers on the copy.
When you are confident that the form represents you well, copy it onto the original in your best handwriting.
Always pay attention to special instructions given on the form for completion.
COMMUNICATION
At the interview, you need to show poise and confidence as well as illuminating your qualifications and/or experience.
Courtesy is most important and you need to show an interest in the company and the opportunities available.
Really listen to what is being said so that you can respond intelligently to the interviewer.
Responsive smiles and firm handshakes can often make the difference between a job offer and no offer.
Dont be afraid to let the interviewer know if you feel nervous and remind yourself that the interviewer had to go through the very same procedure as you at some stage - otherwise they themselves would not be in a position to interview you!
BODY LANGUAGE
Our body language can sometimes tell another person more about you than words alone. An interviewer may be observing your gestures for clues as to your confidence and honesty. Single movements alone are meaningless but patterns of signals build up a much fuller picture.
Always make sure your handshake is firm because this shows confidence.
Maintain good eye contact (without staring!) as this shows interest and self-assurance.
Sit upright but not rigidly, to show you are alert and lean slightly forward to show confidence and attentiveness.
Talking with your hands show openness but dont overuse the hand movements.
Nodding acknowledgment of what the interviewer is saying shows agreement but nodding constantly can be interpreted as lack of interest.
Shaking your head or frowning is negative but smiling can help develop a rapport with the interviewer.
Covering your mouth shows you are uncertain and scratching your nose could be a sign that you are not telling the truth or trying to cover up.
Resting your chin in your hand shows boredom and crossing your arms indicates defensiveness or resistance.
KNOW YOUR CV
You should never have to refer to your CV during the interview, so make sure you remember all your employment dates, job titles, responsibilities and accomplishments.
Have answers for questions relating to your choice of further education, career changes and gaps in employment.
PREPARE FOR QUESTIONS
Show how much you already know about the company and the position by asking well thought out questions on the role and focus the interview on how your skills can complement the job.
Showing that you understand the requirements of the position gives credibility on how your background and experience applies.
Before the interview, always gather as much information on the company as you can and understand why the position interests you and how your long term goals fit in with the opportunity on offer.
ANSWERING QUESTIONS
Most important of all is to listen, listen, listen and do not interrupt the interviewer, as this is rude and arrogant.
Make your answers to questions as positive as possible and try not to give "yes" or "no" answers unless it is appropriate.
Turn potentially negative questions into positive answers. For example, if the company needs you to use a software package that you haven't used for two years, don't say "I haven't used it for two years" as this will make the interviewer think that you "can't" use the package. What you should say if asked whether you have worked with this package is a very positive "yes, I worked with this package for over three years at Fred Bloggs & Co". This is a truthful answer and gives the interviewer a positive impression of you.
It is easy to lose the attention of the interviewer if you give too much detail when asked to describe an accomplishment or project. Give a brief overview of the subject and then ask "would you like me to elaborate".
If you are asked a question that throws you or makes you feel uncomfortable, do not become defensive or arrogant to cover your feelings. Instead say, "Im not sure" or "I will give that some thought" and then take your time to respond openly.
QUESTIONS EMPLOYERS ASK
Have good reasons for leaving each position. Do not say "I wanted more money" or "I was bored" or "I was headhunted" as these will make the interviewer question your stability for their company. Unless you were made redundant or have relocated, growth and opportunity should be the key reasons for change.
There will always be questions put to you at your interview and you need to make sure that you have the answers. The most common questions are listed below, so take time to think and rehearse how you will deal with them on your interview.
Tell me about yourself?
Name five attributes that have led you to be successful in your career.
What area of your skills or experience have you targeted for improvement?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Of all the roles you have covered, which do you enjoy the most and why?
Which tasks do you like the least?
- If you are faced with three job offers at the same time, what will make you decide which one to take?
- What do you like about this company and/or the position?
- What do you think is the greatest challenge for this company?
- What can your contribution bring to this company?
- Where do you find your best working relationships, with management, subordinates or colleagues?
- Are you a team player?
- How do you respond to authority?
- What are the things you have liked in your bosses and why?
- What are the things you have disliked in your bosses and why?
- How do you react to negative feedback or comments?
- How do you evaluate your own performance?
- How do you evaluate the performance of others?
- What mistakes have you made in your working life?
- What did you learn from these mistakes?
- Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
QUESTIONS YOU COULD ASK
Asking relevant questions like the ones listed below, confirms your interest in the company and shows you are organised and can plan ahead.
How long has the company been established?
What would the daily duties involve for the position?
Why has the position become available?
When is the position to start?
How many people are being considered for the position?
Will there be a shortlist and a further round of interviews?
When will you be making a decision on the position?
It is impressive if you show more interest in the role, who you will be working for and whether there are peak times when longer hours need to be worked than discussing money and how the company can benefit you.
TELEPHONE INTERVIEWS
Some companies use this method to shortlist the candidates they want to interview. You need to be as prepared for a phone interview as a face to face interview.
Always make sure you have privacy when taking part in a telephone interview, be calm, positive and don't forget to smile as you can hear a smile over the phone.
After the interview, if you are going through an employment agency, phone your Consultant as soon as you can to provide your feedback and if you have decided that this is the job for you, make sure your Consultant is aware of this.
Otherwise, take time to digest the information you have received at the interview and analyse how you performed at the meeting - as this will help you improve your technique in the future.
ASSESSMENTS
Some organisations require candidates to attend assessment centres where there may be a mixture of practical tests, interviews, presentations, group exercises and psychometric tests. If you attend an assessment try to relax as much as possible on the day, don't panic if you don't perform well on a task but do make sure you turn up on time and show enthusiasm.
KEY POINTS
Don't hesitate or repeat questions when answering the interviewer as this stalling technique can be interpreted that you are not sure what answer to give or that you may not be telling the whole truth.
Don't over elaborate explanations because it can be confusing, just remain calm and concise.
Never, ever, make derogatory comments about previous employers' as this is highly unprofessional. If you have nothing nice to say, say nothing.
Don't try to completely change who you are. It may be that you are not right for that role or that company and the interview process is also there for you to evaluate the prospective employer.
Respond positively if you are told aspects of the job that don't appeal to you. You will have plenty of time after the interview to weigh up all the pros and cons of the post and there is no point in rejecting an opportunity before you have received an offer and had time to think it over.
If you show too much interest in salary or discuss wages and rises too early on, it can show greed and insufficient interest in the company and/or position.
Never become involved in conversations on controversial subjects and if the interviewer asks leading questions on such matters, diplomatically steer the conversation back to the job role and company.
Make sure that the interviewer knows why they should hire you by focusing on your accomplishments, providing honest and persuasive answers.
When leaving the interview, always shake hands with good eye contact, thank the interviewer for their time, tell them that you are very interested in the position (if this is the case) and that you look forward to hearing from them.
AFTER THE INTERVIEW
GOOD INTERVIEW BUT NO JOB OFFER
Don't worry if the interview did not result in a job offer - there is always a
next time. Naturally you may be disappointed but you must not take it personally - there was only one job on offer and several candidates applied, so some people were not going to get the job anyway. Every interview you attend will teach you a little bit more about what to do and what to avoid.
Now, pick yourself up, think constructively and remain positive.There may be reasons why you were not offered the post, and some of these may be
TIMEKEEPING
Were you late and if so, did you ring in advance to advise the company of your delay and then apologise when you finally arrived? In any case, unless there were extraordinary circumstances, being late is the height of rudeness and will not provide a favourable impression. If you don't value the company's time for that all important interview, then they will think the chances of you turning up on time every morning are not good.
PRESENTATION
Were you smartly dressed and well groomed? Did you convey negative body language? Did you chew gum or smell of smoke? Was lunch still evident on your teeth? Examples like these can make the company decide you are not for them
UNPREPARED
Did you do your research and find out all you could about the company and position? Did you forget the information on your CV or were unable to answer direct questions relating to it? If you didn't do your homework, be assured the job will go to someone who did.
DIDN'T WANT THE JOB OR WANTED THE JOB TOO MUCH
If you came across with a negative attitude then no company will want to employ you and remember, there could have been another, even better position with the company. Don't agree to go on interviews for jobs that hold no sufficient interest for you. This wastes everyone's time.Of course you should be enthusiastic at your interview, but being over keen can show desperation and the interviewer could conclude that you want any job not just this job. The likelihood is that they will offer the post to a candidate with a more balanced approach
THE JOB IS ON HOLD
Sometimes companies have to reassess their budgets at short notice and the position they originally envisaged cannot take place at that point. If you have given a good impression, you are bound to be considered at a later date should the position become available.It may also have been the case that the position has gone internally. In most companies, applications from existing staff will take priority over new candidates. Other companies have a policy to advertise and interview both internal and external staff and again, priority will be given to existing staff
SORRY, YOU'RE TOO GOOD - OR NOT GOOD ENOUGH
You were everything they wanted - excellent skills and personality with an exemplary work record. In this case, the company may have felt that you were over-qualified and would get bored with the role. People can apply for jobs that are beyond their experience and ability, so aim to improve your skills and demonstrate at your next interview that you are more than prepared to undergo whatever training they feel is appropriate.
AVAILABILITY
If two candidates of equal ability are being considered, it could simply be that the position is urgent and if you have to serve a months notice, they will take on the other person who can start straight away.
SALARY
Was everything going great until salary was discussed? It could be that you tried to get that little bit extra and the company felt your expectations were unrealistic. At an interview, it is always better to let the company know that the most important thing is the role and the people within the company as you should already know the salary range the job is paying before you go for the interview.
Not getting the job isn't the end of the world and although it is upsetting, it is vitally important that you don't let it get you down. Act positively and begin your search again.
